There are many herbs that are good for pets. Herbs have been used to treat illness, prevent diseases, and provide overall well-being for humans for centuries. And we can feed them to our pets as well. The health of your pet can benefit greatly from adding a few herbs to their bowl.
Let's take a look at some herbs that are good for pets.
The following is a guide for herbs that provide your pet with health benefits. We recommend you consult your Vet about any precautions, adverse effects, or drug interactions before using any herbs if your pet is taking medicine.
The following herbs are good for pets and importantly safe for dogs and cats.
1. Lemon Balm
Helps relieve stress and anxiety - Lemon balm is considered a calming agent and is most frequently used on animals to relieve nervousness and separation anxiety.
Digestive health - Due to the high antioxidant qualities and abundance of flavonoids that it contains, lemon balm is a powerful digestive aid. Additionally, it contains at least eight antiviral compounds and twelve anti-inflammatory components.
Respiratory health - The antioxidants, antiviral properties, and anti-inflammatory components in lemon balm help to naturally ward off upper respiratory infections.
Lemon balm is in PetWell CALM. Read more about Lemon Balm Here
2. Chamomile
Helps relieve mild stress - Chamomile has a gentle relaxing effect that can create calm for your pet.
Digestive health - As an anti-inflammatory, chamomile can soothe the muscle lining of the digestive tract. And help digestion by increasing bile production, relieving nerve spasms, and helping to eliminate gas.
Helps reduce inflammation of the skin - The anti-inflammatory properties may be used topically to soothe irritated and inflamed skin.
Chamomile is in PetWell CALM. Read more about Chamomile
3. Parsley
Joint Health – parsley contains anti-inflammatory properties that aid in relieving joint pain caused by arthritis.
Immune health – Rich in antioxidants which improve your pet's health by removing the free radicals that might otherwise result in diseases such as cancer. Also, the antiseptic qualities can be useful in treating urinary tract infections. It's also a great source of Vitamins C, K, B, and iron.
Freshens breath - parsley's anti-microbial characteristics work to keep bacteria and germs out of your pet's mouth.
4. Ashwagandha
Joint health – natural anti-inflammatory properties work to relieve arthritic pain, increase muscle strength and develop connective tissue.
Helps relieve stress and anxiety – A natural remedy that helps relieve stress, and anxiety levels in your pet, as well as improved their sleep.
Immune health – The high levels of anti-inflammatories and amino acids work to strengthen your pet’s immune system.
5. Turmeric
Joint health - Helps maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissue whilst managing pain associated with joint issues and arthritis.
Digestive health - Turmeric has a positive effect on gut function and may be useful in treating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis symptoms, and other digestive disorders.
Immune health - A natural anti-inflammatory and a powerful source of antioxidants that work to keep the immune system strong and healthy by fighting free radicals.
Turmeric is in PetWell's DIGEST. Read more about Turmeric here
6. Dandelion
Digestive health – The roots of dandelion are a great source of inulin, a natural prebiotic and the leaves are full of vitamins and minerals which promote the development of good bacteria in the intestines.
Kidney health and overall well-being - Dandelion is a powerful diuretic that encourages regular urination, essential for kidney health. Diseases such as congestive heart failure, arthritis, gall bladder disease, and kidney stones, are brought on by the body's inability to get rid of excess water or other waste.
Immune health – Packed with vitamins A, C, E, and K, calcium, fibre, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and zinc all work together to strengthen the immune system and other organs.
7. Slippery Elm
Digestive health – The strong anti-inflammatory properties along with vitamins A, B, C and K, calcium, magnesium, and sodium aid in treating multiple digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcers.
Respiratory health – Slippery elm provides upper respiratory tract protection by coating the throat to soothe discomfort brought on by irritating coughs. Like the type connected with kennel cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses.
8. Oregano
Joint health – The anti-inflammatory properties along with the omega 3 fatty acids in oregano aid to support joint health and helps relieve arthritic pain.
Digestive health - The antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties of oregano aid in limiting the spread of bacteria and other viruses. Oregano's antimicrobial qualities can aid dogs with gas, diarrhoea, and other digestive issues.
Immune health – Oregano contains calcium, fibre, iron, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. Plus the high levels of antioxidants in oregano, make it a great booster for your pet’s immune system.
9. Boswellia (serrata)
Joint health - The active compound found in the herbal extract of Boswellia has a high potency for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. It works to maintain the structural integrity of joint cartilage whilst supporting smooth and comfortable joint movement with no long-term side effects.
Digestive health - Boswellia helps reduce the production of leukotrienes in your pet. These molecules are responsible for swelling and tenderness throughout their body. Reducing leukotrienes will not only improve your pet’s joint health but also aids in helping manage digestive disorders such as IBS.
Healthy skin - The anti-inflammatory properties in Boswellia also make it a great solution for your pet's eczema and skin allergies. Eczema causes pets to constantly scratch, chew or lick the affected area causing the issue to worsen. And, in some instances, can cause infections in the skin.
Boswellia is in PetWell MOBILITY. Read more about Boswellia Here
10. Basil
Cancer-fighting properties - Antioxidants found in basil can help ward off chronic illnesses like cancer. The herb has demonstrated anti-cancer properties.
Cellular health - Basil works as an antioxidant to eliminate harmful free radicals that harm cells. The herb can both stop and cure cellular damage. This one step alone can aid in both the prevention and treatment of numerous health issues that affect pets.
Helps relieve stress and anxiety - Basil acts as a calming agent that lowers cortisol levels, a stress hormone known to increase anxiety in pets.
As you can see there are many beautiful herbs that are good for pets and also their owners. Maybe try and mix up your fur baby's meal with one listed here.
Read more for A Guide to Safe and Healthy Foods for Dogs
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this email and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet healthcare decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.