We sip on chamomile tea to soothe our nerves or brew a refreshing peppermint tea to ease our upset stomach and than sink into the oceans of dreams. In the kitchen we add rosemary, thyme, oregano, ginger, mint (and much more) to enhance the taste of our meals and herbal infusions, botanicals, essential oils accompany our personal care products.
So, why shouldn't our canine companions benefit from some of Mother Nature's gifts as well? Herbs, plants and plant essences can be used for dogs internally and externally, but please read my warnings and suggestions at the end of this article.
Holistic care needs moderation and should be considered a complementary therapy only. Regular vet visits and grooming, a very health diet, obedience training, plenty of workouts and playtime, can make any puppy grow into a healthy, happy and a well-rounded dog. Using herbs, aromatherapy and other natural substance in conjunction with above canine-regime will complete and complement your canine's health.
Since external use is one of the gentlest and the safest way you can use herbs, other botanical goodies and essential oils on dogs, I have decided to share some simple recipes with you in this article.
Doggie Body and Coat Tea
Herbal teas make wonderful rinses for canine coats and I will give a few recipes for you to try out and of course when comfortable you can start adding your own touches.
If you are using roots, seeds or barks (hard plant parts) such as ginger, fennel, valerian root, soak your them in cool water overnight and than boil them for 10-15 minutes. Then follow the above steps.
Once it's cold add organic vinegar and glycerin. Dilute this solution with 1-2 cups of bottled water. Use this mixture as the last rinse water for your dog. You can wipe your dog's face with it as well. It's light and the scent is so mild that it will not bother her/his sensitive nose.
You can also put this doggie body tea in a spray bottle without diluting it and mist lightly while brushing your dog. I use both peppermint and chamomile all year around and it's makes our German Shepherd's coat smell great and helps the itchies she gets after hiking and excessive swimming.
Make sure to label (date, ingredients used) and refrigerate left over tea.
So, why shouldn't our canine companions benefit from some of Mother Nature's gifts as well? Herbs, plants and plant essences can be used for dogs internally and externally, but please read my warnings and suggestions at the end of this article.
Holistic care needs moderation and should be considered a complementary therapy only. Regular vet visits and grooming, a very health diet, obedience training, plenty of workouts and playtime, can make any puppy grow into a healthy, happy and a well-rounded dog. Using herbs, aromatherapy and other natural substance in conjunction with above canine-regime will complete and complement your canine's health.
Since external use is one of the gentlest and the safest way you can use herbs, other botanical goodies and essential oils on dogs, I have decided to share some simple recipes with you in this article.
Doggie Body and Coat Tea
Herbal teas make wonderful rinses for canine coats and I will give a few recipes for you to try out and of course when comfortable you can start adding your own touches.
- 1 Tbs. of organic cider vinegar
- 2 cups of herbal tea (chamomile, rosemary or peppermint)
- Nettle, comfrey leaf, calendula leaf (loose herbs)
- A few drops of glycerin (optional)
If you are using roots, seeds or barks (hard plant parts) such as ginger, fennel, valerian root, soak your them in cool water overnight and than boil them for 10-15 minutes. Then follow the above steps.
Once it's cold add organic vinegar and glycerin. Dilute this solution with 1-2 cups of bottled water. Use this mixture as the last rinse water for your dog. You can wipe your dog's face with it as well. It's light and the scent is so mild that it will not bother her/his sensitive nose.
You can also put this doggie body tea in a spray bottle without diluting it and mist lightly while brushing your dog. I use both peppermint and chamomile all year around and it's makes our German Shepherd's coat smell great and helps the itchies she gets after hiking and excessive swimming.
Make sure to label (date, ingredients used) and refrigerate left over tea.
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Water should be offered only in small amounts but frequently in order to combat the tendency to dehydrate that accompanies vomiting. Large amount of food or water distend the already irritated stomach and usually cause vomiting to recur. An easy way to have water available in small portions is to place ice cubes in the water bowl and allow the dog to drink the liquid that accumulates as the cubes melt.
If your dog is vomiting persistently and unable to retain even water, then wait no longer than 24 hours before seeing your veterinarian. This indicates a severe problem such as an obstruction.
If your dog is able to keep down water, and only intermittent vomiting, then you can try a home remedy, such as a short fast to let her stomach have a rest.
A 24 hour fast is the most important thing you can do to allow your dog’s inflamed stomach to heal. Allow access to controlled amounts of water, but no food. After 24 hours offer bland food such as plain white cooked rice with a little chicken or turkey baby food mixed in. After 48 hours mix their regular food with rice and don’t fully go to regular food until after 72 hours.
If your dog is keeping the rice and baby food down, you can try giving her some herbal peppermint tea. Peppermint Tea is an old remedy used for upset stomachs for people. Brew up a strong cup of tea, but allow it to cool before offering.
The pacing and digging around sounds as though your dog is uncomfortable, and can't find a "place for herself". If the vomiting and pacing is still going on by tomorrow morning, you should have your dog seen by your vet ASAP.
I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti
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