By: Kathleen Beatriz Lapig 

Herbs!

How bland would your Bolognese sauce be without them? Herbs have long been used to treat and prevent ailments in people, and apart from smelling good and adding something extra to your cooking, certain herbs can help your dog, too. These herbs are considered natural dog treatments. 

Herbs are an essential part of natural treatment. They contain many medicinal properties such as healing, relaxing and relaxing effects on the body and mind. Natural remedies can be very effective and very safe. They work quickly, they work naturally, and they work by taking the problem back to where it came from—the cause of your condition! 

If you have room to grow herbs (and you don’t need much, a window box is lovely), why not develop a selection that can treat some common dog ailments? Hey, it may help you save a few bucks on vet visits—and saving money is always a good thing.

These are some Herbs to Improve Your Dog’s Health: 

Aloe Vera

This spiky-leafed herb is impressive as a natural dog treatment. Its medicinal value has been appreciated since ancient times, helping to heal wounds and even stomach ulcers in people, amongst other things.

You’ll be glad to know it’s also good for your dog if applied topically. Aloe Vera gel can be applied topically to help treat minor burns, scrapes, and skin irritations due to its cooling and antibacterial properties. But pet parents be warned—dogs should not eat or lick Aloe Vera or the leaves of Aloe Vera plants, as it can cause gastrointestinal problems and toxicity if ingested in large amounts. If applying the gel topically, ensure your dog does not lick the area.

Calendula Flowers

This easy-growing herb’s bright and sunny flowers may treat cuts, scrapes, and wounds on your and your dog’s natural dog treatments. While it has many applications (anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and cooking pot), it’s mainly used to heal wounds.

As natural dog treatments, the flower petals can be applied directly as a wound dressing or made into a tea to be used as an antiseptic wash. The antiseptic quality of the herb helps prevent bacterial growth, which is good news for your dog and bad news for the bacteria.

Ginger

Ginger as natural dog treats?  Not impossible! Not only is the root of the ginger herb delicious, but it’s been highly prized for centuries as a medicinal herb. It can be made into a tea or tincture and is excellent at settling a doggy’s upset tummy.

Goldenseal

Sadly, goldenseal has nothing to do with gold, seals, or even a magical seal made out of gold (that would just be silly). This herb is a powerful natural dog treatment that serves as an antibiotic to prevent the bacteria from latching onto the cell walls. It can be used as a tincture, tea, or wash for dogs with eye infections or weepy eyes. It’s also valuable for treating stomach and bowel ailments.

Milk Thistle

As natural dog treatments, milk thistle protects the liver against damage and also improves liver function. It’s a vital extract if your dog has been on any medicine that may affect the liver.

Valerian, Chamomile, and California Poppy

This trio of herbs as natural dog treatments can be used to treat a hyper dog. They are natural relaxants for dogs and have added health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and asthma and even working against pesky parasites. Tinctures, teas, and extracts all work well, although, with Valerian, only a few drops are needed.

Of course, with any herbal or otherwise treatment, make sure you consult your vet before treatment. You can also check in with your local holistic pet store for advice and read our how-to guide for growing an indoor or outdoor herb garden. Like you, your dog should benefit from these natural wellness boosters, but only under professional supervision. Happy herb growing.

Finding the right natural dog treatments for your little one would never be hard, isn’t it?