If you have never been in a holistic or natural pet store you may be missing out on some amazing, all natural herbal remedies for your best friend. The following is just a starting list of healthy herbs for your dog. These herbs (taken orally or topically) range from daily supplements to use for when your dog is sick or injured. Remember to talk to your vet before starting any herbal supplement and Dr. Christina Chambreau adds that you should “only use organic or sustainable, wild-crafted herbs.”
#1 – Yarrow
Yarrow (that pretty yellow flower you see out in fields), is great for dressing wounds, especially foot pad cuts and stopping bleeding. Learn to recognize the plant for emergency use on a hike. Buck Mountain Botantics makes a balm that includes Echinacea and Burdock as well as Yarrow—a must have in your medicine cabinet. “Taken internally it is anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Chambreau, “so can help arthritis, and inflamed skin. Internally the tincture is best, ½ teaspoon per 50 pounds.”
#2 – Alfalfa
If you feed a holistic or all-natural pet food, you may have seen this in the ingredients and wondered why. Alfalfa prevents cancer and helps with mobility issues caused by arthritis. “It can boost the appetite, has a broad spectrum of nutrients, especially vitamin K so excellent for bleeding disorders,” adds Dr. Chambreau, “It is good to alkalinize the urine, so useful if crystals forming in acidic urine.”
#3 – Chamomile
Chamomile is great for calming hyperactive dogs; dogs with GI problems (especially if caused from anxiety); and can be used topically to treat skin problems and red eyes. Dr. Chambreau adds that “The respiratory system can benefit from steaming it.”
#4 – Boswellia
This plant helps boost mobility by supporting a health inflammatory response. This makes it a great choice for dogs with arthritis.
#5 – Yucca
Yucca helps support healthy digestive function, including the absorption of nutrients. Have a dog that eats poop? Yucca makes your dog’s poop smell less, which can reduce your dog’s attraction to it. “Its steroid-like effects helps arthritis,” adds Dr. Chambreau.
#6 – Oregon grape root
“Much safer an sustainable than Goldenseal, Oregon grape tincture is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and even may eliminate giardia,” says Dr. Chambreau. “Topically, it can be infused into olive oil for skin and ears. It also heals the liver, is a sedative, anticonvulsive and treats chronic digestive problems.”
#7 – Hawthorn
Hawthorn is great for older dogs and can be used daily—it’s a heart tonic (strengthens the muscles and improves circulation) and powerful antioxidant. If your dog had heartworm, Hawthorn can help strengthen his heart – just ask your vet first. “Dogs who stress their hearts (rescue, working, herding, etc.) benefit from daily doses,” explains Dr. Chambreau. “[It’s] safe to pick from your shrubs and most dogs like them.”
#8 – Turmeric
This spice is great for fighting cancer, is an anti-inflammatory so good for arthritis, skin, stomach and bowel problems, and supports your dog’s liver, says Dr. Chambreau. This can be used in every meal.
#9 – Burdock Root
“One of the best plants to support the life and very gentle,” Dr. Chambreau says. Another plant that is good for the liver, it also helps with arthritis, skin problems and boosts the immune system. This is another great supplement for the senior dog. “Helps eliminate environmental toxins,” she adds. “Tincture best to be therapeutic but fine to grate the root regularly.”
#10 – Parsley
Parsley is great for dogs with bad breath, most of us know that. But what you may not know is that it is also great for anemic dogs and dogs with urinary tract infections. Dr. Chambreau adds that it is also a diuretic and helps with arthritis. “[It’s] very nutritious so give you dog all the stems you would discard,” she says.
#11 – Nettle
“Nettles are a super food of vitamins and minerals great to supplement the diet,” explains Dr. Chambreau. “Cook the fresh young plants for you and your dogs.” Nettles are great for dogs who suffer from allergies, itchy or are anemic. It’s also good in the spring to detox, she adds. Finally, it can be used as rinse to reduce skin irritations.
12. Cleavers
“Gallium aparine is a great tonic, especially in the spring as it stimulates the lymph system,” says Dr. Chambreau. “Good for long term treatment of urinary problems and kidney problems as it is a safe diuretic. The fresh herb is best.”
#13 – Dandelion
“Probably one of the most nutritious plants on the planet, every part of the dandelion has beneficial and different effects,” says Dr. Chambreau. “Dry the greens yourself and put 1 Tablespoon per 50 pounds and add fresh greens if your dog likes them. Great for digestive tract (gas, poor digestion), diuretic effect so great for kidney, liver and gallbladder. I recommend it for every dog on a diuretic as its minerals replace those removed by the lasix and it decreases the dosage needed. Flowers good for pain relief. Some studies have reported cancer resolution from the root.”
14. Mullein
“This ubiquitous plant is excellent internally for respiratory problems like kennel cough, cats with herpes sinusitis as well as asthma,” says Dr. Chambreau “It is great topically (mash up with water and put on the skin). The flowers, especially combined with garlic, are excellent to treat ear inflammations and infections, even for ear mites (has rotenone compound).”
15. Marshmallow root
“Totally safe for long term use, it has a lot of mucilage (as does the less sustainable Slippery Elm), so is very soothing to skin, bladder, internally and externally,” explains Dr. Chambreau. “A first aid must for any digestive problems, it can be given in food or made into a slurry with water and maybe garlic to soothe and heal the entire digestive system.”
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