Dogs, Cats & Herbs

Animals respond to herbs as well as humans do. The biggest trick is to find a way to get the herbs into your pet.
Some owners prefer to use herbs in a liquid format. If you can tease these down Rover or Fluffy, that's great. Sometimes, hiding herbal capsules in a piece of food will get the remedy down, and then there are the animals who just know this stuff is good for them so they willingly eat it all up. Other animals are like two year olds - you can't get herbs into them for love or money.

Since cats and dogs are the most common pets, let's have a look at some common health problems that can be easily addressed with herbs. I have found that, in general, the same herbs can be used on animals as would be used in similar situations with children. There area few notable exceptions, so it is wise to check with an herbalist or holistically oriented vet.

Arthritis is a major concern in older animals.
Both cats and dogs can use alfalfa which is a tremendous alkalizer. Burdock is helpful as it purifies the blood. (Dogs can use white willow, also, but, do not give white willow to cats under any circumstance.)

Yucca is helpful when working with arthritis as it strengthens the adrenal glands and promotes the production of natural anti-inflammatories, which in turn reduces inflammation and results in lessened pain. If the pain is quite severe, a pack of chickweed, valerian, and rosemary can be helpful. Castor oil packs have also been used to alleviate the pain of arthritis in animals.

Diarrhea can be a concern
As in humans, slippery elm is a gentle herb that can settle the entire gastro-intestinal tract. Dogs can also be given catnip tea, orally, to settle the intestines. Cats do well, often, with 1/8 teaspoon of liquid chlorophyll.

Acidophilus is another supplement that can correct diarrhea. Acidophilus supplements re-colonize the bowel with the proper bacteria that should be there. If these bacteria, somehow, get eliminated diarrhea can be the result.
It is wise to dc-worm dogs and cats twice per year. The heavy drugs used for this purpose can be hard on the liver and/or kidneys. Instead, you can use garlic (the smelly kind) and black walnut hulls with a little acidophilus.
Do this for a full lunar month.
These two herbs get rid of virtually all parasites. (While you are dc-worming the pets, why not do the kids and yourself? Chances are if Rover or Fluffy has worms, you do too! Use the same herbs, just pro-rate the dosage by weight. The instructions on herb bottles are typically designed for an average 150 pound person.)

Hawthorn is a well-known herb for the heart.
It works equally well for animals and humans. Choose this herb when working with pets with heart disease or hypertension.

What if Rover or Fluffy's coat isn't as nice and shiny as you want it?
Minerals are the answer. Herbal Trace Minerals (kelp, alfalfa, and dandelion) creates an especially good mineral and vitamin supplement. My main supplier originally marketed this formula under the name "Animal Formula" but found people didn't want to use it for themselves as they thought it was just for animals. Not so! This formula feeds all of the major organ systems in the body and can restore that healthy shine to a coat, and clarity and brightness to the eyes.

Cuts and scrapes happen.
If there is moderate bleeding, golden seal powder or extract can be given orally to control bleeding and boost the immune system to help prevent infection. If the injury is more along the lines of an abrasion, Golden Salve can be very soothing and remove the"burning" sensation that happens with these roughed up types of injuries.

And what should you do if Rover or Fluffy gets a cold?
Golden seal root, licorice root, and ginger root can all be combined or used singly to help fight the infection.

These are all herbs that humans can use in the same situations. Keep them on hand and youll be able to take good care of all those you love when they need you most