Many pet owners are using herbal medicines and alternative remedies for their animals. According to vet Dr Rob Zammit, while some of these products can be very helpful, others are actually harmful to pets. Without professional advice and correct dosage rates, it is unwise to give medicines, herbal or otherwise, to your pets which have been prescribed or recommended for humans.
Following is a list of pet illnesses or complaints and some herbal or natural remedies which can prove to be useful in their treatment or control. For details on dosage rates see further information below.
Beetroot and carrot made up as a soup can be given daily as part of the dog’s diet as beetroot is recognised as a beneficial food for the liver. It appears to assist dogs with liver problems due to copper toxicosis.
Although there are many useful products some alternative medicines may not help and some can be harmful. Seek professional advice from your vet (some vets practice naturopathic medicine) or a qualified naturopath before embarking on such treatments even if it is only a minor ailment.
There are many books about herbal medicines including the following:
The Honest Herbal by Varro Tyler, which is highly recommended for information about all herbal remedies, (Pharmaceutical Products Press, an imprint of Haworth Press, $24.95). ISBN: 156024-287-6.
Note: There have been three editions of this book, the second edition (1987) was called The New Honest Herbal. The third edition (1993) is titled The Honest Herbal.
Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable and The Complete Book for the Dog both by Juliette de Bairacli Levy ( Faber & Faber, $19.95).
Note: While these books may be available at some bookstores and health food shops they are also available from The Fragrant Garden, Portsmouth Road, Erina, NSW, 2250. Phone: 1800 815 772 or (02) 4367 7322. (Mail-order available).
Keep Your Pet Healthy the Natural Way by Pat Lazarus.
Dr Pricairns Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pricairns. (Rodale Press.)
The A to Z of Natural Remedies edited by Amanda Sanderman and published by Blitz Addition.
The herbal products discussed above are available from most health food shops and some chemist shops.
For advice on herbal remedies for pets call Blackmore’s Naturopathic Advisory Service. Naturopaths can answer questions or direct you to a vet who offers naturopathic treatment. Phone: 1800 803 760.
For further advice contact the Australian Natural Therapists Association. Phone: 1800 817 577.