Herbs
Herbal medicine for animals
How to use them safely and effectively
By Gregory L. Tilford

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We then discovered that the dog was eating a cheap kibble that contained low-quality meat and grain byproducts. We convinced (actually nagged) the dog's caregiver into starting him on a natural diet, and prescribed milk thistle (Silybum marianum) to help repair the liver. The dog also received a daily supplement of essential fatty acids to improve coat and skin. Almost immediately, the dog's condition improved, but still he was having violent seizures two or three times each week. Recognizing that the dog's body was responding favorably to the new diet regimen, my vet friend put the dog back on skullcap, this time at a smaller but more frequent dose. A few days later, the dog's seizures nearly stopped!

It's been nearly two years now. The dog still eats a natural diet and receives a dose of skullcap four days per week. His coat looks great, he's not constipated, and he hardly ever has seizures anymore. The lessons from this case are that skullcap serves as a poor substitute for phenobarbital, unless we use it as part of a broader health care program. I love happy endings!

So... Are Herbs Really Safe?
Most herbs that are generally regarded as safe for humans can be used safely for dogs and cats. Provided they are not allergic to the herbs, dogs and cats can eat some in moderation on a daily basis. Examples include parsley, burdock root (Arctium spp.), dried nettle (Urtica spp.) or dandelion (Taraxacum spp.). They all offer a rich array of vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients to the diet, while improving digestion and waste elimination.

However, some herbs that are considered safe for humans have the potential of being lethal for certain animals. For example, willow bark (Salix spp.), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), or any other plant that contains salicylate compounds, may serve as a safe painkiller for dogs, but can be quite toxic to cats. Nutmeg, a spice herb common to millions of kitchens, can also be fatal to felines. Still other herbs that we use for most dogs and cats might be contraindicated in certain individuals. A good example here is sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella). Veterinary herbalists use sheep sorrel to help remove toxins from the bodies of many different animal types; however, the oxalic acids contained in the leaves of the plant can contribute to urinary stones in animals that are predisposed to such problems.

When using herbs internally in dogs or cats, we must also take into account that these animals are much smaller than humans. As well, a carnivore has a much faster rate of metabolism and a much shorter digestive tract than ours. This means that dogs and cats not only require proportionately smaller doses than humans, but that they must receive the herbs in a form that their bodies can quickly and completely absorb. For these reasons, my opinion is that liquid preparations, such as tinctures or teas, are usually the best choices for internal uses in dogs and cats. I recommend liquids that contain little or no alcohol because they are safest and easiest to feed. If you prefer a pill form of herb, I suggest you give this to your animal on an empty stomach for maximum effectiveness. As far as dosing goes, you are best advised to consult a holistic vet or stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for your animal type.

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Published in the Summer 2001 issue of Animal Wellness