Herbs for Pets

Herbs can be substituted for plenty of of the topical medications and household chemicals they use with animals. Besides using herbs, be definite that your pet is getting a nice overall natural diet and lots of sunshine. Sunlight is necessary for nice health and helps their bodies convert food nutrients. If a regular dose of the outside in impossible, use full-spectrum lighting such as Vita-Lites. These are ideal for indoor pets such as birds, reptiles and amphibians.

But back to herbs. Irritated eyes are a common ailment and can be treated with eyebright used as a wash. It may even be administered as a powerful tea taken internally to boost the immune system. Or you can make a saline solution for the eyes of 1/8 teaspoon sea salt in ½ cup boiling water. One time the solution has cooled, add one drop of goldenseal per tablespoon of the saline solution. It shrinks swollen tissues and disinfects.

Itching: A common cause of itching is fleas and flea bites. Brewer's yeast can be sprinkled on food, one teaspoon per day. BUT, some animals are allergic to Brewer's yeast, so watch for dry skin that can itch as much as the flea bites. An alternative to Brewer's yeast is adding a capsule of garlic oil in the food one time a week. It helps keep biting insects away and is nice for the immune system.

A nice herbal flea dip can be made as follows: two cups packed fresh peppermint, pennyroyal or rosemary; one quart boiling water; four quarts warm water - pour the boiling water over the herbs and permit to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with the warm water. Saturate the animal's coat thoroughly allowing it to air dry. Use at the first sign of flea activity. You will probably need to repeat this treatment every or days but it is safe.

In case you would use a dry flea treatment, try an herbal powder made of part each of eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, rue, wormwood, and yellow dock. Put this mixture in a shaker (like the kind used for parsley flakes). Apply sparingly to your pet's coat by brushing the hair backward together with your hand or a comb. Sprinkle the powder at the base of the hairs, on the neck, back and stomach. You may use this several times a week. Put Rover outside after the treatment so that the unhappy fleas may disembark in the yard, not the house!

To rid your carpeting of fleas, after removing the pet, sprinkle Borax over the carpet and rub it in. Wait some time and then vacuum. This is a nice, non-chemical alternative flea control. Use one time a week until the issue is gone.

For itchy, dry skin, use tea tree oil anywhere except near the eyes or genitals. Aloe is also nice for itching. Itching may be caused by the shampoo or flea collar you use. Bathe the animal in all natural shampoo, (available at Barker and Friends.