Herbal treatment is a reliable way to cure health problems of your pet. Your pet may suffer from various health problems such as itching, hair loss, abscess, infection, gastrointestinal problems, worms, dehydration, ulcers, kidney problems and respiratory problems. Such health problems can be treated with herbs.

Before you start a herbal treatment for your pet, you should keep in mind that pets like dogs and cats have short digestive systems. As a result, they can't digest herbs in a saturated or raw form. Therefore, a tincture form of herbs is used to treat your pet. Herbal tea is an acceptable alternative for your pet. While preparing a herbal tea, boiling water is poured over the herbs and allowed to steep for few minutes. However, before starting any kind of herbal treatment, it is better to consult with the veterinarian.

Commonly Used Herbs

Herbs have antiseptic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and stimulant properties. They also strengthen the immune system of your pet. By understanding the beneficial properties of each plant, you may use it for relieving your pet off various illnesses. Some commonly used herbs are lavender, basil, aloe vera, garlic, nettle, seaweed, tea tree, licorice, rosemary and dandelion. Basil possesses antiseptic properties. Garlic is also antiseptic and expectorant and it is used to treat the problems related to respiratory system of your pet. Seaweed is a rich source of nutrients. Lavender has relaxation properties. Nettles are used as a stimulant, astringent and diuretic. Dandelion is effective for kidney and liver disorders. Aloe vera has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Herbal Treatment: In Accordance with Problems
  • Itching: Flea bite is the common cause of itching in pets. Some animals are allergic to fleabites. Garlic tincture is used to repel fleas. Use natural shampoo containing aloe vera to bathe your pet. You can also make a herbal dip using fresh peppermint, rosemary or pennyroyal. If itching persists and fleas are not responsible, a mixture of Cat's Claw, dandelion root and licorice roots in equal amount for about two weeks can be beneficial for your pet.
  • Abscess: Chamomile used in the abscess prevents infection. Peppermint tea is recommended to irrigate an open abscess. However, if the abscess is deep, then it's better to consult the veterinarian.
  • Parasites: Cider vinegar repels some insects. Goldenseal and powdered garlic mixed in olive oil are applied on the skin infested with demodectic mange. Large amount of vegetable oil is rubbed on the skin in order to starve the demodex mites off oxygen.
  • Ulcers: If your pet is suffering from ulcers, then you may give it nettle, calendula, knotgrass and comfrey, two drops of each twice a day.
  • Anxiety and stress: When your pet suffers from anxiety or stress, a combination of extracts of valerian, oats and chamomile is helpful.
  • Urinary system: Herbs like horsetail and stone root prevent the formation of urinary stones in your pet. Bacterial cystitis is treated with juniper berry and bearberry leaf. Fennel seed, peppermint herb and marshmallow root help to soothe the urinary tract.
  • Digestive health: Herbs also offer an effective treatment for digestive problems in your pet. Most digestive problems in pets are caused by intestinal parasites like Coccidia and tapeworm. Herb of Grace protects your pet from intestinal parasites. Cloves are detoxifying agents, used to cleanse the digestive system. Wormwood supports blood and digestive tract cleansing.
In summary, we can safely conclude that herbal treatment offers an alternative therapy to treat your pet. Your pets, cats or dogs, can get rid of any ailment and lead a healthy life.