5 beneficial herbs for your dog

Nowadays many people choose to rely on these natural products to protect the physical and mental well-being of their pets, combining them with conventional treatments prescribed by the vet. Medicinal herbs for dogs have the advantage of being totally natural, free of additives and toxic ingredients or ingredients that are not advisable for our beloved animals. If you are interested in including herbal medicine in your dog's life, take note of these 5 herbs beneficial to canine health.

Contents index

1. Aloe vera to care for your dog's skin

2. Ascophyllum nodosum algae for a healthy coat

3. Turmeric to relieve inflammation

4. Sage for good digestion

5. Helichrysum to combat your dog's allergies

Aloe vera to care for your dog's skin

Aloe vera is well known in the world of natural cosmetics for people. There is scientific evidence of its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, healing and antiviral properties, among others. But did you know that aloe vera can also benefit your dog's health?

Dermatological properties of aloe vera for dogs
At a dermatological level, the topical application of this plant reduces itching and stinging in cases of allergies, dermatitis or other skin problems. Its cooling effect soothes any type of skin irritation, as well as maintaining hydration, reducing inflammation and regenerating skin cells. This makes it very useful for accelerating the healing of scars in the postoperative period or in cases of parasitic infections affecting the skin. Due to its great moisturising capacity, aloe vera is an ideal moisturiser for your best friend's paw pads and nose. You can use it on a daily basis, as these sensitive areas can become dry and cracked due to external factors such as the cold or the sun.

Effects on digestion and the immune system
Aloe vera can also help your dog with digestive problems, as it stimulates the appetite, treats vomiting and diarrhoea and improves the absorption of nutrients, which is very positive in dogs with a poor appetite, or those that are ill or older.

In addition to these incredible properties, according to a study by the University of Hatay, in Turkey, aloe vera has a strong impact on the immune system of dogs, inducing the antibody response to fight infections of all kinds, such as colds.

How to give aloe vera to my dog
Before using aloe vera on your dog, it is essential to consult with your vet so that they can indicate the correct dose and the best method of administration. Although you can use an aloe vera plant that you have at home, we advise you to buy specific products for dogs that contain this ingredient, such as shampoos, lotions, creams or supplements, as this reduces the risk of contamination. To use aloe directly from the plant, you have to be very sure of its origin, and it has to be clean and disinfected. Extracting aloe gel from the branch also has its trick: you have to remove only the transparent part and avoid the yellow liquid, which is the one that is toxic.

Ascophyllum nodosum algae for a healthy coat

Ascophyllum nodosum algae is a very interesting herb for your dog's health due to the large amount of minerals, trace elements and vitamins with high bioavailability it contains. If you give your best friend a natural diet or BARF, supplementing with this algae is an excellent way to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed is rich in iodine, which promotes thyroid function. Of course, if your pet has thyroid problems, consult your vet. But, in addition to its use as a nutritional supplement, this seaweed has other beneficial effects for your dog's body:

It protects the appearance of the coat and strengthens it: your dog's hair will be shiny, strong, soft and very moisturised. In addition, this seaweed enhances the colour of the coat thanks to its natural dyes.

Benefits for dental health: it combats bad breath, tartar and plaque, keeping your dog's teeth and gums in good condition.

How can I use ascophyllum nodosum seaweed on my dog?
For nutritional supplements, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions and seek advice from your vet. Topically, any quality product containing this seaweed will benefit the health of your dog's coat: lotions, shampoos, masks...

Turmeric to relieve inflammation

Technically, it is not a herb, but a root from the ginger family. However, the therapeutic properties of turmeric are so important that we could not exclude it from this selection of beneficial herbs for dogs. Thanks to curcumin, a natural colouring, this vegetable has a great anti-inflammatory capacity. If you have an older dog and it suffers from arthritis or osteoporosis that cause pain and make it difficult for it to move, taking turmeric can be very good for it.

Benefits for your dog's circulation
As well as being an incredible natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric has very positive effects on the circulation of dogs. By promoting blood flow, it prevents cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs, also known as canine Alzheimer's. In general, it helps your pet enjoy excellent cardiovascular health, although you should consult with your vet if your dog suffers from bleeding problems or has recently undergone surgery. Other benefits of turmeric include reducing blood glucose and protecting the liver.

How do I give turmeric to my dog?
Although you can give your pet turmeric tablets, the most practical option is turmeric paste or golden paste, which you can buy or make at home. Turmeric is also available in powder form, and in all cases you should make sure it contains piperine (the main compound in pepper that activates curcumin). To find out the right dose of turmeric, consult your vet.

Sage for good digestion

Did you know that sage has antimicrobial, purifying and antioxidant effects? This is why it is increasingly included in dog shampoos, as it strengthens the coat and accentuates the colour. Your dog's coat will shine like never before! In addition, sage is effective in the treatment of some parasites and fungi, helping to maintain the health of your dog's skin.

Digestive properties of sage in dogs
When taken orally, sage can help dogs with digestive problems thanks to its astringent and antispasmodic properties, which relieve gas and diarrhoea. At a nutritional level, it is an excellent supplement that will provide calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals to your pet's diet, as well as numerous vitamins. In natural dog food, sage is very useful for covering all the animal's nutritional needs.

Helichrysum to combat your dog's allergies

Have you ever heard of helichrysum? It is a herb that is not as well known as the previous ones, but it is extremely interesting, especially for treating allergies in dogs. Various scientific studies have shown that this plant increases the secretion of hydrocortisone and decreases the release of histamine, two key processes in combating the body's allergic reactions. Helichrysum is recommended for eye, respiratory (such as asthma), food and skin allergies. If your best friend tends to have allergies of this type, consult your vet for advice on the best way to combine this beneficial herb with other measures to manage allergic reactions.

Other benefits of helichrysum for dogs
In addition to its strong antihistamine power, helichrysum has a healing and soothing function, making it ideal for topical use in all kinds of skin problems. Its digestive, antiseptic and hepatoprotective benefits are also noteworthy.

These are some of the beneficial herbs that can improve your dog's health in different areas, although there are many other plants that can relieve discomfort and health problems in a totally natural way. If you are interested in herbal medicine for dogs, we recommend that you make your own medicine cabinet at home with the beneficial herbs that you think can benefit your pet the most. That way you will always have them on hand to help your beloved friend feel better whenever he needs it. Remember that these natural methods also have contraindications, so don't forget to go to the vet so that they can indicate the appropriate dose and application and whether it is advisable to administer it in the specific case of your dog.