Mainstream approach uses medicine-synthesized compounds. There is a grassroots movement pushing for botanical therapy. Herbs for dogs are gaining popularity, however like all things use with caution. Herbs have a rejuvenation exit. Western medication suppresses the symptoms.
1. Herbs for dogs with anti-inflammatory characteristics act like a natural pain remedy.
Boswellia
Pro:
Treats dogs with joint pain and arthritis.
inhibit a pro-inflammatory enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase
Stop cartilage degradation.
promote joint health
protect colon lining
Con:
nausea
flatulence
diarrhoea
abdominal discomfort
hyperacidity
Some studies shows no significant drug herb interactions, some differs
Ginger
Pro:
suppress arthritis
gastrointestinal discomfort
nausea
strengthened the kidney and bladder
Con:
High doses can cause stomach pain
dogs with gall stone do not use
Before surgery do not use as inhibit platelet function
2. Herbs for dogs that deals with liver disease.
Milk Thistle
Pro:
For chronic liver problem milk thistle repairs and detoxify liver
protect kidney damage from the effects of radiation and chemotherapy
Con:
Sometimes gastrointestinal discomfort
Korean Red Ginseng and Dashen
Pro:
protect improve liver function regeneration
may help liver disorder although not proven
3. Herbs that treats anxiety.
Valerian
Pro:
Treat anxiety
Stress
Relaxes muscle tensions
Con:
Do not use with anaesthetics
4. Herbs for dogs that has anti-aging properties.
Panax ginseng
Pro:
Mental alertness, resistance to stress
Physical performance
The above especially for senior dogs (geriatric)
Improve skin and muscle tone
5. Herbs with Immune stimulants.
Echinacea
Pro:
Immune stimulant for upper-respiratory tract infection
reduction nasal secretion, colds, coughing, difficulties in breathing
Con:
Not sure whether causes harmful drug herb interactions
When using immunosuppressant to treat cancer, avoid using Echinacea as the former suppresses the immunity system and the latter enhance immunity function.
Take note about drug herb interactions. There are theories against using Echinacea with chemotherapy and for. Still a gray area
6. Herbs to treat cancer.
Chinese Homeostatic Herb-Yunan Payao
Pro:
Hemangiosarcoma in dogs (cancer of blood vessels cells) used in treatment as YP reduce infection and boost immunity
to shorten bleeding and clotting time when used orally or topically
Used before operation can decrease the need and cost of blood products and minimize the physiological stresses to the patient
Inexpensive herb bought from health retailers
Not all natural herbs for dogs are safe. Right herbs for dogs, will benefit dog. Wrong herbs are deadly drugs. Make sure your vet is experienced with the prescribed herb and knows the output on using this prescribed herb.