Echinacea spp

Should be avoided if immune system is not functioning normally, e.g. autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes mellitus, as it may aggravate autoimmune conditions.

Elecampane

Inula helenium

As with Devil’s Claw which is from the same plant family – this herb should be avoided in diabetes, pregnancy and where cardiac treatment is in progress.

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Should be avoided in pregnancy, but is actually used to promote lactation in humans so may be useful for bitch once pups are born.  It may also interfere with absorption of conventional drug therapies so care should be taken, especially in cases of diabetes.

Garlic

Allium sativum

May cause some digestive upsets and bloating, or redness and irritation if applied to the skin.  Moderation is important in using this herb as long-term high dosage may lead to blood disorders and kidney damage.  Garlic should not be used in young pups as they are not producing red blood cells during the first 6-8 weeks of life. 

Hawthorn

Crataegus spp

Hawthorn is generally considered to be a very safe herb for animals, however, should be avoided in cases where conventional cardiac drug treatment is in place as it may enhance the effects of these drugs and increase their effects.

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Greyhounds seem to be particularly sensitive to hops, so ingestion should be limited and possibly avoided for these dogs.  Dogs like the taste of hops, so can get a little greedy so care should be taken to limit intake to recommended dosage.  Medicinal quality hops should not cause problems, and hops that have already been through a brewing process should definitely not be used.

Kelp

Fucus vesiculosus

Prolonged use may reduce iron absorption in the intestines and may also affect other mineral balances in the body.  It should not be used in pregnancy or lactation or if hyperthyroidism is present in any form.  Kelp may interact with other thyroid treatments such as thyroxin so should be avoided if thyroxin treatment is used.  It may also cause other mineral imbalances if used long term.

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Should be used with caution if animal is diabetic.  May also affect absorption of conventional drugs so care must be taking in using marshmallow in these situations.

Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

Contains salicylic acid (as does aspirin) and should be avoided in sensitive animals.  Should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation.  Should also be avoided if animals is taking anticoagulants as it may it is thought to contain heparin-like anticoagulant substances that may increase their effects.

Nettle

Urtica dioica

High doses of nettle may be irritating to the kidneys after awhile, particularly in cases of pre-existing kidney disease.  Touching the plant results in a painful, blistering sting, which is neutralised through drying the plant.  Animals that have plant allergies may be sensitive to nettle, which may cause allergic dermatitis (aside from the irritant reaction which the fresh herb causes when touched).

Rosehips

Rosa spp

Huge quantities may lead to diarrhoea due to the high ascorbic acid content, so moderation is recommended.

Skullcap

Scutellaria laterifolia

Generally a safe herb but large quantities may be damaging to the liver.  Best avoided in pregnancy.

Vervain

Verbena officinalis

Not recommended in pregnancy, but is known to promote lactation so may be useful to bitches after birth.  It is possible that it inhibits iron absorption so it is not recommended in cases of iron deficiency anaemia or where iron supplementation is being given.  It could be given at a different time of day.

White willow

Salix alba

Should not be given to cats without professional guidance due to the salicylic acid which can be fatal to cats.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Possible skin allergies if animal sensitive to it. Yarrow contains thujone which may be toxic in large doses, so moderate use is recommended if used for extended periods.  Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation due to the high levels of volatile oils in this plant.

 

 

 

 

 

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 Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

 

Many herbs should not be given to pregnant or lactating animals. Herbs that contain large quantities of volatile oils such as aromatic mints, parsley seed and juniper should not be used as they can pass through the placenta to the foetus.

 

Herbs that stimulate or suppress hormone production should be avoided-these include licorice, wild yam, and yucca root.

Herbal laxatives should also be avoided during pregnancy such as senna, cascara and yellow dock.

 

Other herbs to avoid due to their bitter alkaloid content are Oregon Grape, red clover, feverfew and gingko.

 

In summary, if you are unsure about the safety of an herb during pregnancy, assume it is contraindicated and don’t use it!

 

 

 

 

Home Remedies

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal Flea Rinse

 

Make a tea rinse of herbs by covering the mixture with boiling water and allowing to stand until cooled. You can also add 6-10 drops of Bitter Orange essential oil for extra strength to each 8 ounces of rinse.

 

1 part feverfew flowers

1 part mullein flowers

1 part yarrow flowers, leaves and stems

1 part celery seeds (freshly ground)

3 parts calendula flowers

 

 

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Herbal Flea Repellent Powder

 

 

 

 

Combine the following ingredients making sure they are as fresh as possible. Though flea powders aren’t as effective as herbal rinses, they are an easy method for when you are busy. Make in small, fresh batches. You can use a mortar and pestle to grind ingredients. Sprinkle and brush into your animals coat daily.

 

1 part diatomaceous earth

2 parts feverfew flowers

2 parts mullein flowers

2 parts yarrow flowers, leaves and stems

1 part sage or thyme

 

Anti-worm Food Supplement

 

Combine the following ingredients. Feed the mixture at a dosage rate of 1 teaspoon per pound of food daily. Feed 5 days on and two days off each week until worm populations are reduced to acceptable levels.

 

2 parts unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds (ground or whole)

1 part garlic powder

1 part fennel seed

1 part yucca root

 

 

First Aid Kit Suggestions

 

• Blankets, extra collars, leash, muzzle, water bowl
• Gauze, bandages, small flashlight, scissors, tweezers, swabs, activated charcoal powder (for poisonings) sterile saline solution for washing out wounds and eyes
• Herbal salve, Rescue Remedy, cayenne pepper and yarrow mix (to stop the bleeding) Echinacea (for infections)

 

 

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Copyright by Brookby Herbs-38 Spencer St, Remuera,

Auckland 1050, New Zealand

 

info@brookbyherbs.co.nz 

www.brookbyherbs.co.nz

 

 

 

Join The Web’s No. 1 Group of Passionate Animal Lovers

http://www. brookbyherbs.co.nz