If you're finding pet treatments too expensive, then you must be pleased to learn that herbs are also capable of treating pets' condition just as with humans. Therefore, you need to find out which herbs can be used to help cure injuries or illnesses for your pet.
Detection and Diagnosis
It is every pet owner's responsibility to continually check their pet's health condition. Aside from providing for their daily needs, you need to be sensitive with their condition. If you find that they are acting unusual, you must not simply shrug it off. Instead, follow these steps to ensure the safety of your pet's health:
1. Physically check your dog.
Look for any signs of wounds or injuries that they might be suffering from. If they are looking unusually weak, check the pet's body for anything that might be causing it. If you did not find anything and there is no improvement on the pet's condition, then you can move on to the next step.
2. Bring your pet to the veterinarian.
It is best to solicit professional help when it comes to your pet's health.
Common Pet Illnesses or Complaints
It is of utmost importance that you have your pet continually checked by your veterinarian to assess the overall health condition. Also, it allows you to become more sensitive to their condition in case they do not act normal or seem to be suffering from an undiagnosed condition.
Here is a list of common pet complaints or illnesses. Knowledge of these conditions will enable you to prevent and address them when the condition arises:
- Diarrhea
- Skin Complaints and Allergies
- Bad Breath
- Wounds, Cuts, and Abrasions
- Parasite Infection
Herbal Remedies for Pets
Just like with humans, herbal medicines for pets also come in various forms: liquid, capsule, or tablet. Herbal products also work effectively in fighting ailments or diseases in most pets.
Now that you know what common illnesses suffered by your pets, it is important to inform yourself how to treat them. With the influx of herbal products and medicines on the market, there is no need to spend lots of money on synthetic medicines. These synthetics not only pose risk to their health but are not as effective as medicines with herbal components.
- Diarrhea – the slippery elm is an effective herb that will help relieve your pet from diarrhea; you can find several slippery elm tincture on the market today
- Allergies (or skin problems) – for this condition, there are two types of medication: those applied directly onto the skin or taken orally
- Oral medication – evening primrose oil must be taken once per day
- Direct skin application – tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and garlic oil: you must apply minimal dosage of these to ensure safety because it might be ingested by your pet when they lick their skin
- Cuts or abrasions – Aloe vera is an effective antiseptic that aids in the healing of minor cuts; for severe cases, you need to bring your pet to the veterinarian
- Parasite infection – garlic helps control parasites in animals and it can be taken as a capsule or incorporated into the pet's food by finely chopping them; black walnut also effectively fights fungal infections and as a de-wormer for your pet
- Bad breath – this is a common dilemma in most pets, hence you can simply get them to chew fresh rosemary
These are just some of the herbal remedies you can administer for your pet's common conditions.
Other Helpful Herbs
Below are familiar herbs that can be useful for medicinal preparations. In fact, you might find them in your own garden. You must learn their useful properties that are capable of treating your pets:
- Alfalfa – this herb is often used to treat arthritis and allergies
- Chamomile – this will help remedy inflammations on your pet's stomach and intestines
- Echinacea – this will boost your pet's immune system to effectively fight off infections
- Aloe vera – its juice is most especially useful in fighting ulcers or acidic stomach
Precautionary Measures for Pet Medications
Even though herbal medicines are considered safe for both pets and humans, you need to take precautionary measures to ensure your pet's health. Take note of the following to assure that you give only the best for your pets:
1. Opt for proven, reliable products. With the tremendous amount of herbal based products available, it is easy to become complacent and think that they all work the same. However, some herbal based products (especially new ones) are still in the process of experimentation. Therefore, it is best to opt for those you know are safe.
2. Consult with your vet. The benefit of doing so works two-ways: you can be assured that you are giving the proper treatment for your pet, and you can inform yourself of the right dosage to administer. The latter is especially important when you have other medications that you administer for your pet. Even herbs can interact with other herbs and produce negative reactions on your pet's body.
3. Discontinue remedies for pregnant animals. Most veterinarians would advise that you quit administering medications, even herbal remedies, on your pets when they are pregnant.
