Herbal Remedies for Animals Including Sticky Weed

Almost every pet owner has seen his furry friend eat plants in the yard. What he may not realize is that the animal may be doing this instinctively. For instance, many dogs eat grass, and too much of it may cause them to bring up everything that is in their stomach. A small amount of grass can help to settle their tummy or improve digestion a bit. With people getting more and more interested in herbal remedies for themselves, they are also finding help for their pets.

  1. Sticky Weed, or Galium Aparine

    • Sticky weed has been used to treat swollen lymphatic glands, kidney stones and skin disorders. It can be made into a tea and drunk, or even added to food. Keep in mind the size of your pet when making tea or adding the dried sticky weed to their food. Smaller pets need smaller doses, while larger pets can handle larger doses. Always monitor pets for any reaction to herbal remedies, and take them to a vet if problems occur.

    Herbal Dip

    • This remedy is for pets that suffer from itchy skin. It can be used at soon as the itching is noticed, and reapplied every three to four days. It is made with two cups of fresh peppermint, pennyroyal or rosemary added to one quart of boiling water. Let the herbs steep for half an hour, strain and add four quarts of warm water. Thoroughly saturate the animal and let air dry.

    Ginger Root

    • Use a few drops of ginger root extract to calm the stomach of an animal that suffers from carsickness. This can be placed on the tongue, added to food or mixed into water. It can also be administered while still on the road, if it is an especially long trip. Ginger also helps to fight congestion, a sore throat or other common cold symptoms. Ginger can be found in most food stores.

    Aloe

    • Long known as a staple for calming burns, aloe is also good for helping to heal cuts and scratches. Aloe can be smeared onto a cut that has been cleaned with a mild soap and water or a wash of goldenseal. This allows the cut to stay a little moist and help along the healing process. Do not let your pets eat the aloe plants, as it can cause intestinal cramping. Aloe plants do best when grown inside.