What herbs can be used for Dogs?

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Dogs are man's best friend and one can get very concerned when their pet suffers from any kin dof discomfort but there seems to be rise in the percentage of chronic disease and immune deficiency symptoms in pets especially dogs. While in the olden days there was not much of a medicine that was given to pets, people now have a better chance of saving their pet friends. Animals  have an inherent instinct in foraging for medicinal plants and herbs to heal their specific wounds, illnesses or dysfunctions in the wild. But our companion pets rarely get the opportunity to forage for the herbs they may need to get cured naturally mostly due to the fact that there are hardly any wild plants ot trees around us as we keep our gardens filled with ornamental plants. However, there are holistically trained veterinarians who can still help us to get access to herbal recipes that will enhance our pet dog’s health, and eradicate specific diseases and conditions. These herbal concoctions will definitely make our dogs healthier, however a dog owner should not use herbs without good understanding of what is ailing their pet.  One must always consult a licensed holistic or natural veterinarian for proper diagnosis and advice for herbal concoctions.

A few tips you must keep in mind about herbs and dogs:

1. Dogs have shorter digestive systems than humans and cannot digest fresh herbs. Therefore, herbal tincture works better for them.
2. The amount to be given is calculated based on the pet’s weight.
3. Administration of several doses throughout the day boosts the immune system of the pet much faster rather than one big dose.
4. It is always better to continue one herbal remedy for two weeks followed by one week off. This allows the pet’s body to work on its own.
5. Herbal remedy should always be combined with natural diets for a long lasting health

What are the wound and skin infection healing herbs used for Dogs?

• Aloe Vera for Skin and Wound infections: This spiky leafed herb is enriched with potent constituents such as amino acids, folate, iron, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins (A, C, and E). This beneficial herb has anti-bacterial, skin soothing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antiallergy, anticancer and antitumor properties. Fresh aloe verb juice is used as a topical skin dressing for healing minor cuts, wounds or burns. It also gives immediate relief to fleabites and reduces itchiness after surgery. Aloe vera juice can be applied lightly 1-2 times daily to cover the wound. 
• Calendula, Pot marigold: The bright and sunny flowers of this easy-growing herb can be safely used to treat scrapes, cuts, and wounds on your pet dog. Calendula flowers are enriched with glycosides, carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene), flavoxanthin, triterpene oligoglycosides, auroxanthin (antioxidants), saponins, sesquiterpene glucoside, essential oils, and resins. These potent chemicals have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties found to be beneficial in healing wounds. Paste made from the flower petals can be applied directly as a wound dressing. Calendula can be also used as an antiseptic wash. To read mor eon Calendula as a great skin condition treating plant click here.

Which herbs are used for healing eye infections in pet Dogs?

Eye discharge is a common symptom seen in pet dogs. It can occur due to numerous underlying problems such as dry eyes, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, excessive tear production, lens displacement, corneal ulcers, eye trauma, and more. Depending upon the severity of the cause, the eye discharge can be clear, watery, yellowish-green mucous, or bloody. If your pet dog is showing no other symptoms, and behaving absolutely normal in spite of the eye discharge, you can try to flush the eyes with sterile herbal solutions. If you do not see any improvement in a day or two, visit the vet without any further delay. Herbs found to be good for dogs’ eyes include:

• Treat eye discharge: with Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis). It is a gentle herb with strong antibiotic properties. It prevents the bacteria from adhering onto the eye cell walls. Goldenseal tincture or tea can be used to treat eye infections or weepy eyes in dogs. It is also useful in combating stomach and bowel ailments.
• Antimicrobial wash with Chamomile: This versatile, soothing herb is popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile infusion mixed with sterile saline solution can be used as antimicrobial eyewash.

Which herbs are effective in treating heart diseases in Dogs?

Two types of heart conditions are commonly seen in dogs. In type one, the dog's heart valves become dysfunctional which leads to abnormal blood flow. In type two, the dog's heart muscles become thin and weak. Both of these critical conditions develop gradually and often result in congestive heart failure (CHF).

• Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is packed with flavonoids, flavones, oligomeric proanthocyanidin, triterpene acids and phenolic acids. Modern studies have proved that hawthorn berries are invaluable in the treatment of cardiovascular problems in dogs. Hawthorn promotes a healthy heart by facilitating good blood circulation and strengthens the muscles of the heart. Hawthorn reduces the incidence of angina (spasm of the blood vessels), improves blood pressure, and decreases the risk of atherosclerosis. Hawthorn is also effective in widening narrow blood vessels.
• Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is enriched with an organic polyol compound called mannitol. It is found to be beneficial in the treatment of chronic heart ailments such as hypertension and arrhythmia. High levels of sodium in the Dandelion roots help balance uric acid, cholesterol and electrolytes in the blood. Dandelion root tincture determined by the animal's weight can be safely administered 2-3 times daily for 5 days in a week.

Which anti-cancer herbs can be safely used for Dogs?

Cancer prevention is better than cure. Conventional cancer treatments uses chemotherapy and radiation for getting rid of cancerous tumors, however, these treatments can be harsh on your dog as they can impair the proper functioning of the immune system. Many holistic healers give immense importance in boosting your pet's compromised immune system with potent herbs for preventing cancer. Anti-cancer herbs used for dogs strengthen major waste-removing organs such kidneys, liver, and lymphatic systems which plays pivotal role in fighting cancer. These herbs can be safely used in conjunction with conventional treatments to prevent or fight cancer.

• Astragalus membranaceus is an immuno-stimulant. It contains an alkaloid that prevents skin cancer (melanoma).
• Echinacea angustifolia is well-known for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system to fight off potential illnesses including cancer. It constitutes several active phytochemicals such as glycoproteins, polysaccharides, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids. Several researches have proved that Echinacea helps to prevent leukemia and tumors. Echinacea can be safely used in conjunction with radiation therapy to protect white blood cells and combat infections
• Garlic (Allium sativu) contains an active compound called n-propyldisulfide in large quantity. It helps to protect the red blood cells of your pet from oxidative damage. Garlic is highly effective in increasing the activities of killer cells (destroy invading cancer cells and microbes). It contains several sulfur-containing compounds such as ajoene, alliin, vinyldithiins, diallyl sulfide, and s-allylcysteine. These powerful antimicrobial and antibiotic compounds are effective in fighting different types of internal and external bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, including tapeworms and giardia. Being rich in proteins, B vitamins, minerals, saponins, flavonoids, and phytoalexin (allixin), garlic has detoxifying effects. This herb enhances liver function to eliminate toxins from your pet dog’s body. Thus, it prevents toxic accumulation that can lead to cancerous growths. 
• Mistletoe (Phoradendron flavescens) is packed with several active ingredients, including lectins. For ages, this herb has been used for the treatment of malignant tumors in dogs.
• Cat's Claw is a Peruvian herb found to possess not only immune enhancing properties, but also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties.

If you have used any herbs to help your pet, please leave your experience with the herbs in the comments section below.

 To read on other herbs, click below:

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Herbs used for Menopause

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