Herbs for Dogs

While herbs are a major source of pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies differ from conventional drugs in using parts of the whole plant rather than isolating single active ingredients. In traditional forms of herbalism, the choice of herbs depends upon the dog's personality as well as its medical condition. In modern herbalism, there is greater emphasis on the chemical constituents of the herb itself.

From the very earliest stages of evolution, animals learned that eating certain types of vegetation made them feel better. Dogs will eat grass in order to induce vomiting and remove any toxic food they have eaten.

Classical herbalism developed in all early human cultures but was best recorded in the ancient Hindu texts, the Vedas, starting about 4,500 years ago. Ayurveda, the traditional holistic healing system of the Indian subcontinent, shares herbs with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where legend tells how animals guided humans to discover the medicinal values of plants. Herbalism also, flourished in Europe and was augmented by: Persian and Islamic physicians.

When Europeans arrived in the Americas, Africa, and Australia, their herbal armories were expanded by herbs used by native peoples. The first flu epidemics in the new American colonies were often treated with sage (Salvia officinalis) and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Even today, in most parts of the world, herbs remain a vital ingredient of traditional medicine both for people and for the animals in their care.

How they work

In traditional forms of medicine, herbal treatments are tailored to an individual's personality. Ayurvedic medicine stipulates the need for balance between the "energies" within and without the body. Ayurveda's five great elements -ether, air, fire, water, and earth -are contained in three doshas, or energies, that every person, animal, food, and environment is made up of in varying degrees. Because each animal is a unique composite of doshas, its illness is treated with herbal prescriptions not only according to the disease, but also according to its combination of doshas, its age, and even the time of day.

Herbalism in Traditional Chinese Medicine follows similar patterns. Illness is regarded as a "pattern of disharmony". There are herbs for sweating, vomiting, draining downward, warming, clearing, reducing, harmonizing, and that have a tonic effect, and these are used according to the blend of yin and yang both of the patient and of the herbs, in order to restore harmony. For example, ginseng is believed to act as a tonic to the yang tendencies of the body, which are male and assertive. Herbal treatments are tailored to the individual animal.

Herbal therapies are often used to correct body functions and are given in short courses. Some dogs are not disposed to eat fresh or dried herbs, so herbal tablets tend to be used. Herbs may be good as skin treatments for people but can be dangerous for dogs, as they may lick them off and poison themselves. Put an Elizabethan collar on your dog if applying any medication to its skin.

Herbal preparations

The medicinal parts of plants can be prepared in a variety of ways. Infused oils, ointments, and creams are made for topical use (applied to the surface of the body).

Decoctions, tinctures, and infusions are more appropriate than topical preparations for dogs because they are made from herbs that are known to be safe if taken internally. Decoctions are prepared by boiling in water the tough parts of plants such as bark, roots, and berries. The liquid is strained and consumed either hot or cold. Tinctures are made by soaking a herb in alcohol and water, usually for a few weeks, and then straining it. Tinctures are usually stored in dark bottles and can be kept for up to two years. Infusions are made like tea, from the  leaves and flowers of the herb.

The uses of herbs

In order to survive, plants produce chemicals for their own protection. Some of these chemicals are beneficial for other forms of life, including dogs. For example, garlic, the world's most popular herb, contains at least 200 different compounds, many of which are said to be useful for dogs. Garlic lowers blood pressure, accelerates the breakdown of waste matter from cells, and may even act as a mild flea repellent. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaves contain substances called flavonoids that are said to be effective at scavenging free radicals. Siberian ginseng (Eleutberococcus senticosus) may help regulate blood sugar and affect the adrenal glands. Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera), popular in Ayurvedic herbalism, is reported to increase hemoglobin and red blood cell counts, countering anemia. Oil of cedar (Cedrus) is reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and acaridical (mite-killing) properties. Seed oil extracted from neem (Azadirachta indica) is antibacterial and, according to published reports, inhibits ringworm. Scientific studies suggest that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-microbial effects, while studies in horses suggest it stimulates the immune system.

Cancer treatments have been developed from herbal products. For example, the Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) contains vincristine, which shrinks certain types of cancers. When it was available only as a plant extract it was very expensive, but laboratory synthesis of vincristine has reduced the cost, and made it available for controlling white blood-cell cancers in dogs.

Herbal infusion

For immediate soothing and antiseptic use for wounds or skin injections, or for the relief of mild gastroenteric problems, an infusion of peppermint leaf or Roman chamomile flower can be made at home:

• Heat a clean (well washed and rinsed) cup with boiling water.
• Pour away the water and add 1 tsp of dried or 2 tsp of fresh herb to the heated cup.
• Fill to three-quarters level with boiling water.
• Cover and leave to steep for 10 minutes.
• Remove the cover, pouring condensation inside the cover back into the cup.
• Strain and use or store covered in a cool place.

Herbal treatments

The immune system

Astragalus root, Astragalus membranaceus, a popular plant in Chinese medicine, is considered an immuno-stimulant herb. It is said to stimulate the development of cells in the immune system. The purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, one of the most popular of all herbs, is said to stimulate macrophages, especially in their action against yeast cells. According to research, both berberis and aloe vera stimulate an immune response.

Allergies

If the absorptive lining of the small intestines has been damaged and is "leaking", gentle herbs such as fennel seed, Foeniculum vulgar, and cumin root, Cuminum cyminum, are given. Turmeric root, Curcuma longa, is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and to aid digestion of protein. Echinacea before the allergy season may boost the immune system. Oil of peppermint, Mentha piperata, is said to clear nasal congestion. The Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskholii is said to dilate the bronchi as powerfully as some prescribed drugs. Ginkgo, aloe vera (which is said to have anti-inflammatory abilities), and khella, Ammi visnaga, are said to reduce bronchial constriction.

Cancer

Herbs that are claimed to have anti-cancer properties include lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, mistletoe leaf, Viscum album, barberry bark, Berberis Vulgaris, Roman chamomile flower, Chamaemelum nobile, comfrey leaf; Symphytum officinale, Echinacea root, and fenugreek seed, Trigonella foenumgraecum. Recent research suggests that Astragalus membranaceus roots, Ligustrum lucidum seeds, and the TCM herbs Oldenlandia diffusa and Scutellaria barbata may be effective for preventing certain forms of human cancer. While the Chinese Astragalus membranaceus is non-toxic, other members of this genus are potentially dangerous. Only use herbs under supervision of a herbalist experienced with their use in dogs.

Infectious diseases

Infusion of catnip, Nepeta cataria, is used for treating a fever, Echinacea to enhance the immune system, and thyme, Thymus vulgaris, to relax the windpipe and bronchial passages in respiratory infections.

The skin

Abraded skin is washed in warm, soapy water and any embedded material is gently scraped out. Warm, wet tea bags on wounds may help blood clots to form. Herbs with antibacterial and antihemorrhagic properties are used. Tincture of pot marigold, Calendula officinalis, diluted in water may promote blood clotting. Turmeric root powder, Curcuma longa, can be effective but it causes intense, yellow staining to the skin and hair (and clothing and furniture!). Yarrow herb, Athillea millefolium, does not stain. It is applied topically until obvious healing begins. Yarrow may also be combined with peppermint, Mentha piperita, or German chamomile flower, Matricaria recutita. To encourage epithelial growth from the edges of the abrasion, comfrey leaf Symphytum officinale, may be used. Published studies say that new skin formation is faster when Calendula tincture is applied to a wound. Hypericum tincture by mouth is also said to accelerate wound healing.

Skin disorders

Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis, and slippery elm, Ulmus rubra, ointment is applied to thin-walled abscesses. Open wounds are irrigated with peppermint tea, Mentha piperita. Hot spots are shaved and cleaned with dilute cider vinegar. Aloe vera cream is then applied. Herbs said to have antifungal properties include tea tree oil, thyme, Thymus vulgaris, angelica root, Angelica archangelica, marigold flower, Calendula officinalis, and rosemary leaf, Rosmarinus officinalis. If the herbalist believes a skin infection occurs due to a hormonal imbalance, yam, Dioscora, may be given to correct hormone levels.

Parasite control

Cider vinegar is a repellent to some insects. Powdered garlic, and goldenseal, mixed in olive oil, are applied to areas of skin infested with demodex mange. Also for demodex, copious quantities of vegetable oil rubbed into the skin are said to starve demodex mites of oxygen. Because ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) are most active at night, treat infested ears just before your bedtime. Dilute nine drops of yellow dock tincture, in 15 ml  water and instill in affected ears every three days for six weeks. Olive oil instilled alternate days for six weeks is also recommended. Six weeks are necessary because mite eggs hatch over this period.

For fleas, use a fine-toothed, metal flea comb. Place captured fleas in ammonia-laced water. Natural pyrethrin powder, especially from chrysanthemums grown in Kenya, is an effective natural insecticide. In India it is mixed with Acorus calamus and also used for ticks and lice. Flea control depends upon preventing or reducing reinfestations. Washing and vacuuming the environment reduces adult, larval, and egg stages of fleas. Always incinerate used vacuum-cleaner bags. Some herbalists advocate leaving eucalyptus leaves under furniture and rugs or rubbing fennel foliage into your dog's coat. Nematodes are bugs that eat fleas: these are commercially available and are introduced into the yard or garden.

Corn starch, mixed with just enough boiled water to make a paste, may reduce itching when applied to irritated areas. Goldenseal and Calendula cream may also be useful. Echinacea, goldenseal, or paud'arco internally, may strengthen the immune system. Infusion of German chamomile flower is said to be soothing and cooling to irritated skin. Other herbs, such as burdock root, curled dock root, licorice root, and southernwood herb may reduce itchiness.

Bones and joints

Choose herb treatments according to their recognized properties. Use analgesics or anti-inflammatories such as angelica root, and greater celandine. Anti-rheumatics include celery seed, and meadowsweet. Comfrey leaf  is thought to help heal synovial membrane and joint cartilage.

Muscles, tendons, and ligaments

Local treatments for sprains and muscle strains include liniments of yarrow herb, hyssop, or sweet pepper. Bruising of muscles may be treated with lettuce leaf, hop strobile, German chamomile flower, or rosemary leaf. Herbs that have been used to control muscle spasm include ginger root, caraway seed, and fennel seed.

The teeth and mouth

Gentle herbs that may help the digestion include cardamom seed, fennel seed, and small amounts of ginger root, and barberry bark. Marshmallow root is said to help soothe soreness in the gums. Purple coneflower decoction may be recommended as a mouthwash both for oral health and for general condition.

Digestion - the stomach

According to recent research work, extract of plums, is as effective as powerful drugs for inhibiting vomiting in dogs. Infusions of German chamomile, fennel, and peppermint are used to control nausea in dogs. Relaxants and tonics such as ginger may relieve nausea associated with anxiety. Ginger is said to improve digestion of proteins and control nausea in travel or motion sickness by strengthening the mucosal lining of the stomach. It affects the production of prostaglandins and by doing so may be anti-inflammatory. For hepatitis, seeds of milk thistle, may inhibit liver damage and promote liver cell regeneration.

Digestion - the intestines

Various herbs are used to reduce bowel inflammation. Marshmallow root, and slippery elm, soothe and protect tissues. Echinacea and goldenseal, inhibit bacteria, while pokeroot heals ulceration and comfrey eases inflammation. Arrowroot in water soothes the bowels. 

Dandelion,  is a mild laxative and B vitamin source. Peppermint oil supplied in capsules specially treated to survive the acid environment of the stomach reduces intestinal contractions and associated pain and trapped gas. Other herbs said to have similar effects include German chamomile, valerian, rosemary, and lemon balm. Ayurvedic triphala powder may be suggested as a laxative, and light kaolin clay as a toxin absorbent and intestine protector.

The urinary system

Herbs with a reputation for preventing urinary stones include stone root herb, and horsetail herb. Diuretic herbs that increase urine flow are sometimes used. These include dandelion leaf; and couch grass. Cherry stalk extract reduces edema. Urinary antiseptics to treat bacterial cystitis include bearberry leaf, and juniper berry. Herbs that soothe the urinary tract, helping the passage of small stones, include peppermint herb, fennel seed, and marshmallow root.
For kidney impairment, a dog's general well being may be improved when any of these herbs are appropriately used: cinnamon bark, comfrey leaf, and celery seed.

The reproductive system

Sedative herbs such as valerian root, lemon balm leaf, hop strobile, and lettuce leaf, are used by veterinary herbalists to reduce stress or anxiety in bitches during mating. To enhance the performance of stud dogs they may recommend zinc supplement in the diet and any of ginseng root, celery seed for one week prior to mating, or fenugreek seed for a longer period. Sage, and motherwort are used as natural estrogen supplements. The "female" herbs black cohosh, blue cohosh, and wild yam, contain high levels of plant estrogens, and are recommended to control over-sexed male dogs. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), produced from wild yam, is recommended to improve sperm counts. It should be treated as a hormone, with caution.

The cardiovascular system

Emblic myrobalan fruit, angelica root, ashwagandha root, and rehmannia root, may help to regenerate blood cells in anemic dogs. German studies showed that bioflavonoids in hawthorn, dilate coronary arteries, improving the supply of oxygen to heart muscle. A purified extract of ginger, when given in injections, partially destroyed adult heartworms and reduced microfilaria by up to 98 percent.

The respiratory system

A variety of herbs may be  recommended to manage blocked sinuses and nasal congestion. These include hyssop herb, cinnamon bark, celery seed, and elder flower. Garlic and Echinacea may boost the immune system.

The central nervous system

For senility, a veterinary herbalist may suggest ginseng root, or myrrh resin. Ginkgo biloba is thought to boost blood flow to the brain and may delay the development of senile dementia. St. John's wort is thought to have painkilling properties. Yarrow infusion is thought to improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

The endocrine system

Veterinary herbalists suggest following orthodox therapy for diabetes, including diet management and insulin injections, but may recommend herbs said to reduce blood sugar. These include marshmallow root, coriander seed, and nettle.

Emotions and behavior

For anxiety, herbal veterinarians may suggest sedative herbs such as valerian root, guelder rose bark, lemon balm, Roman chamomile flower, and lettuce leaf. Hops may also have a sedative effect, calming nervous individuals. St. John's wort is three times better than placebo for treating mild depression in people. It is used with increasing frequency as "background therapy" for anxious dogs undergoing desensitization training.

Eye and nose disorders

To soothe sore, inflamed, "allergic" eyes or sore nostrils, a herbal vet may suggest bathing the eyes with a lightly boiled decoction of any of fennel seed, eyebright or elder flower. To control bacterial eye infections, decoctions of either fennel seed or Roman chamomile flower are used. Greater celandine infusions may also be used to bathe sore eyes. Cod-liver oil may be applied as a lubricant for dogs with a crusty nose. Infusion of mullein may be suggested to help clear blocked sinuses. Warning: don't smear decongestants on a dog's fur. Some may be toxic if swallowed.

The ears

Olive or almond oil may help to clear residual wax after an ear infection or infestation. Damage to the ear flap may be cleaned with witch hazel. For white dogs, prone to sunburn to their ear tips, aloe vera may be soothing. Marigold is used for cleaning inflamed ear canals. Ginger, and ginkgo biloba are said by some to reduce deafness by improving circulation to the ear. Commercially produced herbal gels are available for controlling external ear canal conditions and infestations.

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