​Herbal treatments for your pets can have significant benefits provided they are used in the right form. It’s best to consult an animal herbalist or naturopath when starting your pet on any herbal treatments as these professionals have a good understanding of herbs and can recommend which ones would be suitable for your animal. 

Your pet’s digestive system is able to absorb tinctures or strong herbal teas very well and it’s best to give these at frequent intervals through the day, rather than a single large dose, as it helps boost the immune system and speeds up the healing process. 

You can add dried herbal mixes and powders to your pets’ food which will have a slower response but is the ideal way for maintenance. It’s also the best solution for those fussy four legged babies that don’t like taking medication. The factors that you have to take into consideration include your pet’s:

• Age
• Weight
• Size
• Condition 

It’s important that you don’t use herbs for extended periods of time as their body develops immunity to them. Aside from this, prolonged use also reduces the effectiveness of the medication. It’s best to continue it for two weeks and then stop for a week. It takes a few days for herbal medicines to start showing effect. They are very gentle on the system and don’t have any side-effects like many standard medicines have. 

Herbs should be used in a holistic manner and the medical condition and its origin should be taken into consideration before starting any particular treatment. The body has the ability to heal itself and once the root cause of the problem has been established, herbs can be used to support the body to rebalance itself.  

Herbal treatments can be used externally as well as internally for various conditions such as: 

• Arthritis
• Disease
• Low immune systems
• Eye problems
• Itches and fleas
• Wounds and abscesses
• Muscular & skeletal injuries
• Cuts and bruises
• Infections
• Carsickness
• Stress and anxiety
• Respiratory conditions 
• Urinary infections 
• Worms
• Skin and coat 
• Ulcers
• Ear infections 
• Diet and nutrition
• And more 

Herbs are very effective in supporting the natural healing mechanisms of the body and boost its ability to heal itself. When using herbal treatments, you should never expect immediate and quick results. The herbs work slowly, yet effectively to support the body in the healing process. 

Along with the herbal treatment, you also need to make sure your pet is getting a natural, well-balanced and nourishing diet. Even when you give your pet any packaged foods, buy ones of a good brand as these will have the right ingredients and nutritional balance. 

If you alter your pet’s diet, do so gradually; this gives their digestive system the time to adjust to the new foods and you are able to monitor whether its ingredients agree with your pet. Opt for products that don’t have any colourings and preservatives (as far as possible), and be on the lookout for allergic reactions to new foods. 

Herbs are packed with minerals and vitamins which help improve overall health and wellbeing. They can also help increase your pet’s lifespan as they keep them healthy; so you can safely give your pet herbs even when it doesn’t suffer from any specific medical condition. 

As a qualified Animal Herbalist and Naturopath I am always happy to discuss what will be best for your dog. You can book a consultation for your dog with me at the K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre.

Also the K9 SWiM Hydrotherapy and Wellness Centre is now selling herbs and herbal mixes for all kinds of conditions for your pets and horses. Drop buy and get your healthy supplies for your pets.

​Turmeric is a great herb for so many reasons. Curcumin, the principle active component in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent which helps with arthritis, pain, skin conditions, blood issues and is used for cancer and doggie dementia. It is a powerful antioxidant and can help protect the liver against toxins.

Mix in food. Always introduce new food and supplements slowly over a 5-7-day period. 
Check with your vet or animal naturopath before feeding if your dog is currently on any medication, before surgery or pregnant.