Using Herbs For The Senior Dog
If you’ve been following me for a while or plundering around my website, you know I believe in “food first” and natural ways to help our dogs stay healthy or regain their health.
Herbs are great natural way to target key areas of support for systems of your dog’s body.
Adding Fresh Herbs To Your Senior Dog's Diet
Remember supplementation is generally only necessary if your foundational diet is missing these nutrients, if your dog has some health concern you are trying to address, or if you have a predisposition in the breed / lineage you need to be proactive with.
Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has more antioxidant properties than vitamin E, and many studies have supported its potential as a cancer preventive. It increases bile production and flow and protects the stomach and liver. It is the perfect herb to sprinkle on your animal's food. Tumeric is a root, related to Ginger. Freshly Grated turmeric is best as there may be synthetic and lesser quality ingredients in the store-bought spice given the growth in popularity of this herb.
Thyme contains vitamin C for immune support, potassium for healthy cells, manganese calcium for bone development, and Vitamin K for supporting blood clotting. Thyme contains, iron, and dietary fiber. Its primary active ingredient, thymol, helps inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria. This herb also contains a variety of flavonoids which increase its antioxidant properties.
Oregano is a source of calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains the volatile oils thymol and carvacrol, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast. Oregano contains more antioxidant power than apples and blueberries! Think of it as nature’s antibiotic.
Ginger is an excellent anti-nausea herb and is well tolerated by companion animals. It acts as a digestive tonic, relieving stomach aches and intestinal gas. It also stimulates the digestive juices and helps expel worms. TCM 5 Element theory tells us that it helps warm the Qi — keeping old bones warm.
Garlic, yes freshly grated garlic is safe to use. It contains over 100 biologically useful chemicals, including compounds that act as antioxidants and demonstrate anti-carcinogenic properties. The most important nutrient in garlic is allicin, which has potent antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibiotic properties. It supports cardiovascular health and the immune system. (Bonus, natural flea and tick deterrent) Garlic is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, iron, protein, tryptophan, zinc, and selenium. It also has manganese, a co-factor of a variety of important antioxidant enzymes.
Parsley is the world's most popular herb and one of the most concentrated food sources. It's rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, folate, and a variety of minerals. It contains various volatile oils, including myristin, which is thought to inhibit tumor formation, especially in the lungs. It also contains histidine, an amino acid that has also been found to inhibit tumor growth. Parsley is a "chemoprotective" food because it may help neutralize various carcinogens, including benzopyrenes in cigarette smoke. Bonus: Fresh parsely in food can also help with keeping your dog’s breath fresh!
Slippery Elm is good for very young, old, or weak cats and dogs. It should be part of every first aid kit. It contains vitamins A, B, C, and K, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. It coats and heals inflamed tissues and is used for the stomach, ulcers, bowels, kidneys, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, and colitis. You can use it externally for wounds, burns, rashes, or insect bites and internally for the lungs, coughing, vomiting, and stomach and bowel cancer.
Dandelion leaves are a richer source of vitamin A than carrots. The root is an excellent source of inulin, which encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. Dandelion also contains vitamins C, E, and K, calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and zinc.
Milk Thistle: aka: Silymarin is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification by enhancing liver function as well as kidney and pancreatic function.
There are many herbs to choose from and just like our essential oils quality matters! As does the frequency and duration of use.