5 Herbal Treatments for Pets

Here are some suggestions on the use of herbs for your pets:

• Your dog’s itching maybe due to irritations caused by strong shampoo or flea collar containing harsh chemicals. Change the shampoo to one that contains natural ingredients such as aloe and look for a better replacement for the flea collar.

• Fleabites, which many pets are allergic, commonly cause itching. A teaspoon of brewer’s yeast (used to make beer) or one tablet a day taken orally can be a deterrent. But some animals may also be allergic to brewer’s yeast and may develop dry patches, which are as itchy as fleabites. If this skin problem develops, stop using the brewer’s yeast and apply tea tree oil (available in pharmacies and drugstores) on the affected skin areas. This helps heal the dry patch and prevents the dog from digging or licking because of its bitter taste. Do not apply the oil near the eyes or genitals.

• Aloe vera sap can also be rubbed on the dry patch. A slice of raw cucumber held on the affected area before rubbing the aloe will cool the dry, hot and irritated patch.

• A totally safe herbal dip can be made with 2 cups packed peppermint leaves, 2 cups packed rosemary leaves, 1 quart boiling water and 4 quarts warm water. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with warm water. Saturate the dog’s fur with the solution and air dry. Do that at the first sign of flea attack and repeat every three days until the fleas go away.

• To get rid of fleas in curtains, seat covers, carpets and upholstery made of hairy materials, etc., sprinkle heavily with borax and rub it on all surfaces. Let the borax stay for an hour or so and then vacuum or dust it off. This is non-toxic and safe and must be repeated once a week till the fleas are eliminated.

If ever you plan to change your pet’s diet, do it gradually, the doctors advised. The animal’s anatomy is not as strong and complete as that of a human, so it may not readily accept and adapt to the sudden change. You will be able to determine through your observation if the herb is effective or not. Besides fresh and natural food, your pet needs sunlight for good health. Sunlight aids the animal’s body to convert the food it receives into what are needed by the system.