As the owner of a 16-year old poodle, I am so very thankful to be able to use natural herbs for pets to heal her of virtually any ailment. She has recently been diagnosed with Canine Cushing's Disease which has been very concerning. I have been using a natural remedy for this which seems to have stablized her condition.
It is always best to work closely with your veterinarian when deciding to use herbs for pets so that you can gain a better understanding of exactly what is ailing your pet. Your veterinarian can evaluate and diagnose the condition, allowing you to investigate which herbal remedies will be the most effective. There are now many holistic/natural healing oriented vets in the community - you just have to call around to find a vet with knowledge of herbal medicine.
It is good to keep in mind that dogs and cats and other small animals have a much shorter digestive systems that their human counterparts. They can have a more difficult time digesting herbs than humans. Thus, the tincture form of an herb is better for use with cats, dogs, and small animals. You can make a strong herbal tea infusion if you like as an alternative if you don't have a tincture on hand.
You need to be more careful with dosages when administering herbs to your pets. Dosages should be given according to your animals weight - small doses for small animals and larger amounts for bigger animals. If your unsure of a proper dose, consult with your holistic veterinarian. It's best to give several doses throughout the day than to give a large dose all at one time. Giving the doses this way will increase the absorption of the herbs and give a boost to the immune system as well. Like with us humans, herbs for pets should not be given on a continuous basis as your pets will begin to build an immunity to the effects of the herbs, therefore rendering them useless.
A good rule of thumb for any pet home remedies is to give the herbs two weeks on, one week off and then two weeks on again. This gives their bodies time to adjust to the effects of the herbs and gives you time to see if the herb is having the desired effect. Don't give herbs for pets that you wouldn't take yourself, whether internally or externally. Just about any herbal remedy that you use yourself can be adapted for use in your pets, just be mindful to use tinctures or strong herbal tea infusion whenever possible.
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Disclaimer: I in no way claim to be a veterinarian, nor do I have any specific veterinary, scientific, or medical training. This information is gathered by me, a lay person, as a starting point for pet owners seeking information on the various treatments available to them, both natural and conventional, in treating Cushing's Disease in their pets. I assume no responsibility for inaccuracies. Please consult with a qualified veterinary professional to properly assess, monitor, and manage your pet's health.