Nature’s Herbs for Pets
Essential oils and Pets
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cataloged more than 80,000 herbs, many of which are thought to have healing powers. For the majority of health problems, you only need to use a few. Here are the herbs veterinarians often recommend. You should though check with your vet before using them.
Aloe (Aloe vera) – used to treat constipation and skin irritation
Calendula (calendula officinalis) – used to treat skin injuries
Chamomile (matricaria recuitia) – used to treat skin irritation (topical), stomach problems, mild stress
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – used to treat water retention
Echinacea (echinacea angustifolia or echinacea purpurea) – used to treat nasal congestion
Ginger (zingiber officinales) – used to treat nausea, motion sickness
Gingko (ginko biloba – used to treat old age, mental dullness
Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) – used to treat infections, bronchial inflammation
Hawthorn (crataegus laevigata) – used to treat heart irregularities
Milk thistle (silybum marianum) – used to treat liver problems
Red Clover (trifolium pratense) – used to treat bronchitis
Slippery elm (ulmus rubra) – used to treat diarrhea, constipation, coughs
Valarian (valeriana officinalis) – used to treat stress and aggression.
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Pets and Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural Pet Health
I was posting about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for people and I happened across some information about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for pets. Here are some of the ways you can use Apple Cider Vinegar to improve your pets health:
Itchy skin – If the skin is not broken you can apply vinegar directly to the itchy spot. If the skin is broken you will need to dilute the vinegar with an equal amount of water and spray it on the itchy spot.
Alkaline Balance – In humans cider vinegar is used to restore balance in the body. Apparently this works for dogs and cats too. It can be added either directly to the dog’s or cat’s food or drinking water. Recommend daily dosage is usually:
* 1 tsp (5 ml) for cats and small dogs (up to 14 lb)
* 2 tsp (10 ml) for medium dogs (15 to 34 lb)
* 1 tbsp (15 ml) for large dogs (35 to 84 lb)
Do not give apple cider vinegar to dogs that have irritation of the intestinal tract lining.
Digestive aid - Apple cider vinegar helps digestion and helps stop growth of bad bacteria.
Flea and tick prevention – Fleas and ticks don’t like acidic environments. Putting cider vinegar in your pet’s food will make them acidic on the inside and doing a final rinse after shampooing with a fifty/fifty cider/water rinse will make them acidic on the outside. You can also keep a spray bottle filled with the mixture to mist your pet with before you bring him inside.
Skunk odor – Though the common solution is tomato juice you can sponge undiluted vinegar into your pet’s coat and skin to get rid of the odor. Be careful not to get in your pet’s eyes. Let your pet dry completely and then follow with a mild pet shampoo and warm water rinse.
Clean ears – Dip a soft cotton ball into a solution of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and use it to swab the inside of your pet’s ear.
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