Our pets are our everything. They give us everything they have and deserve the same back. Many of us invest in special treats, toys, and pet sitting, but why not herbal pet remedies? After all, humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from herbs.
There’s a growing interest in veterinary herbal medicine, and for good reason: Our pets deserve the best! Interestingly, our pets already have instincts that lead them to turn to plants. For example, dogs are known to eat grass when their stomachs are upset. This may be because grass contains a lot of fiber, which can settle the stomach, or it may bring the stomach’s pH level down, soothing their symptoms.
Many other herbs can help cats and dogs, so let’s look at some fantastic herbal remedies you might want to keep on hand.
Before Giving Your Pet Herbs
It’s always best to take precautions when giving yourself or your pet new herbs. Always do the following before you give your pet anything new:
- Check with their veterinarian first to ensure it won’t interact with any medical conditions or drugs.
- Only give the herbs as directed.
- Double-check that the product is for pets. Some herbs aren’t safe for pets, so this is a big one!
- Adjust the dose based on your pet’s size per your vet’s recommendation or the product instructions.
Supporting Joint Mobility and Healthy Inflammatory Response
As our pets age, they tend to slow down a bit, and it’s hard to watch them struggle to chase their favorite toy.
Fortunately, some herbs can help with mobility and inflammation. Our Movement for Pets blends potent herbs like Devil’s Claw, yucca, kelp, nettle, wild yam, feverfew, and black cohosh.
Studies have shown that Devil’s Claw is a rich source of anti-inflammatory activity that may fight infection and pain. This anti-inflammatory effect may help with many diseases like lower back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. As a side benefit, yucca may even help improve pet food digestibility.
Like many other herbs in our blend, wild yam has been studied and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in animals. It may even help protect against some diseases because of the significant number of antioxidants it contains and the way it minimizes inflammation.
Encourage Overall Health
Just like us, our dogs and cats need their greens. Many vets encourage pet parents to give their dogs and cats greens and herbs in their diet to improve their overall health and well-being.
After all, greens contain so many powerful minerals, vitamins, and chlorophyll that can give your pet the energy they need to play hard.
Our Dog & Cat Greens formula is fantastic for encouraging overall health because all you need to do is add a small amount (reference packaging for suggested use) to their food daily to give your pet that extra boost. This formula contains red clover, dandelion leaf, nettle, alfalfa, and parsley.
All of these herbs are rich in nutrients. For example, red clover contains calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, potassium, vitamin C, thiamine, and phosphorus. According to researchers at Mount Sinai, red clover may even help to protect against heart disease.
A veterinary medicine study review found that dandelion may be a supportive digestive aid, and nettle may alleviate allergies due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Researchers also believe that parsley may help your pet to stay more regular, which is a win-win since nobody enjoys feeling constipated.
Fresher Breathe and Fuller Coats
We all love our pets, but we don’t have to love their stinky morning (or all-day) breath.
Dental health is often overlooked when it comes to cats and dogs, and this is a shame because studies have found that 80% to 90% of dogs over the age of three have some level of periodontal disease, which can lead to oral inflammation, pain, and tooth loss.
To help pet parents, we’ve developed our Dog & Cat Formula, a vitamin blend for your pet that encourages less plaque build-up and fresh breath. Some pet parents have even shared that their pets have softer, fuller coats after taking this supplement.
This formula is jam-packed with exceptional ingredients from comfrey, kelp, alfalfa, nettle, cleavers, dandelion, sage, and more.
A veterinary medicine review states that multiple herbs, including comfrey, may help prevent gastritis and ulcers. Alfalfa and nettle were noted as nutritive herbs and adaptogens, meaning they help the body deal with stress and restore a healthy balance.
This review even listed sage as a classic herb for promoting healthier gums and preventing gum disease by controlling plaque, inflammation, and bleeding.
Got Fleas?
Many outdoor pets get fleas at some point, and they’re a miserable pest to endure! Plus, we don’t want fleas getting into our homes and bedding either.
Fortunately, there are herbal, natural alternatives if you want to free your furry friend from fleas.
Always start by combing your pet first, then sprinkle a generous amount of our Flea Powder for pets into their coat. While wearing gloves, massage the powder into the skin and leave the powder on overnight. For best results, sprinkle the flea powder onto any areas your pet frequents, like their bedding and sitting areas.
Our flea powder is made from eucalyptus, rosemary, fennel, sage, wormwood, diatomaceous earth, and lavender essential oils to give a comprehensive herbal remedy to promote flea-free fur.
According to Animal Wellness Magazine, diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic way to get rid of fleas. Eucalyptus and other herbs/essential oils are known for their flea-repelling properties, making this a wombo-combo product for eliminating fleas.
*If you or your pet have a respiratory condition, keeping diatomaceous earth away from the face is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Pets can benefit from herbal remedies just like us! Always run new herbs by your pet’s veterinarian first for personalized advice, then enjoy encouraging your pet’s health with all-natural herbs to help them feel good inside and out.
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting Herbalist with over 27 years of hands-on experience and the owner of The Herb Stop. |