The use of herbs in treating your canine’s health problems can be quite extensive. In this, article on Herbs For A Healthy Dog, continues to look at the use of herbs in addressing respiratory problems. It then moves on to consider the use of herbs as detoxifying agents and diet supplements.

Herbs For Respiratory Problems

Besides using herbs to help treat Kennel Cough, herbs are employed in helping with the care of other types of coughs. Kennel Cough is a dry, cough. Dogs, like humans, can also be subject to cold variations. This includes a wet or moist cough. The herbs used to help treat a wet cough are

• Coltsfoot - cough expectorant, antispasmodic (eases the coughing fits or spasms), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial

• Goldenrod - astringent, reduces inflammation of the mucus of the respiratory system

• Yarrow - anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic

• Marshmallow - can be used to lubricate and soothe the mucous membranes, antimicrobial

• Slippery Elm - lubricant of all internal mucous membranes. Also soothes and protects mucous membrane

• Plantain - a lubricant, affects and protects the mucous membranes, anti- inflammatory

Herbs are also employed in the treatment of pneumonia. Many of the herbs used, are the same utilized in treating coughs.

• Echinacea - immuno-stimulant, antimicrobial

• Astragalus - immuno-stimulant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

• Coltsfoot - antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial

• Yarrow - analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory

Herbs Used to Detoxify

The herbs used to detoxify are meant to be gentle. As in humans, the idea is to eliminate any waste products without placing nay stress or strain on the body. The herbs are used alone or in combination. You need to check with your herb practitioner before you attempt to implement this treatment. Note the specific part of the plant used in this application.

In employing herbs, you sometimes find one part of a herb is better for a specific treatment than others. The use of a leaf over a root, for example, may be to treat a different ailment. It could also provide either a milder or stronger dose of the same medicinal powers. These are several of the herbs used alone or in combination to help detoxify your canine.

• Dandelion leaf - a diuretic, stimulates the liver

• Yellow Dock root - a cleansing herb, urinary and digestive tracts

• Red Clover - a blood cleanser, diuretic

• Licorice root - digestive tract systems, endocrine system

• Marshmallow - lubricates the membranes of the digestive and urinary tracts

Herbs Used As Dietary Supplements

Another way to use herbs is as a food supplements. You add certain plant substances to your canine’s diet. They are intended to help boost his or her diet in a number of ways. Herbs act upon the digestive system and the body as a whole with minimal stress on the kidneys, liver and digestive tract. As is generally the case, you can use some of the herbs alone or combine them for greater effect.

• Spirulina - nutritional supplement, source of vitamin B complex, beta-carotene, protein, minerals

• Nettle - nutritive, contains crude protein, calcium, vitamins A, B complex, C and D, potassium, beta-carotene, phosphorus

• Dandelion leaf - nutritive, contains vitamins A, C, K, D and B-complex, iron, manganese, phosphorus; stimulates the liver contains

• Alfalfa - nutritive, contains vitamins A, various B vitamin groups, C, D, E and K; a good source of dietary fiber

• Flax Leaf (powdered) - contains Omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acids, linoleic acids

Herbs can be employed in various ways and form to improve your favorite companion’s health.
They can provide a safe alternative and complementary form of treatment. Before you decide to use herbs, consult your veterinarian and any other health practitioner you are using. Do your research. In this way, you can help your canine remain in the best physical and mental state for as long as possible.

Article written by Lori Reese of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our awesome collection of knit dog sweaters online.