10 Healthy Herbs For Dogs: Herbs With Healing Properties From The Garden

Herbs are becoming increasingly popular as a healthy food supplement not only for people but also for dogs. Which herbs are suitable for dogs and which even have a healing effect, you can learn here.

Herbs have been used by people for a long time as a seasoning for various dishes and are also highly regarded as medicinal plants against all kinds of diseases and ailments. But the plants are not only good for people – but herbs can also be a real asset for dogs. In fact, numerous herbs are suitable as a healthy variety in the food. But medicinal herbs for dogs can also help with illnesses and ailments. Which herbs are best for your four-legged friends and how to grow them in your own garden, we tell you here.

Which herbs are dogs allowed to eat and which are not?

Many people think that dogs are allowed to eat the same herbs that are considered digestible for us humans. Unfortunately, this is not the case: some herbs, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are even poisonous for dogs and should therefore not be fed under any circumstances.

Therefore, you should always pay close attention to which herbs are offered to the dog or which he can eat in the garden. Additional caution should be exercised when supporting sick or pregnant animals with herbal remedies.

In any case, the use of medicinal herbs for dogs should be discussed with a veterinarian to determine an exact dosage and prevent possible interactions (for example, with medications that the animal is taking).

Keep in mind that medicinal herbs for dogs are also not an alternative to a visit to the vet in case of emergency, but should only be used for support or minor ailments. Also, as for feeding the dog with herbs, you should follow some tips.

Herbs treated with chemicals and pesticides are unsuitable for dogs – it is therefore recommended to use wild herbs or fresh herbs from your own garden. These can be easily grown in the garden.

Especially recommended for the cultivation of medicinal herbs for the dog are organic soils. These are not only made from 100% natural raw materials but are also harmless to pets and garden animals. Chemical pest control should be completely avoided when growing herbs for the dog, mineral fertilizers are also rather unsuitable.

In principle, dried herbs are also suitable for dogs, but these often contain less of the healthy essential oils than fresh herbs. With both methods, however, it is important to pay attention to the correct dosage: Usually, only tiny amounts of the herbal mixture for dogs are fed (similar to seasoning a dish). If you are unsure about the dosage, just ask your veterinarian.

Planting medicinal herbs for dogs in the garden

Medicinal herbs for dogs from your own garden are a great addition to a balanced diet. Additionally, many herbs for dogs can be helpful for minor ailments as a home remedy or, if consulted with a veterinarian, as a supportive measure. Common medicinal herbs for dogs include the following:

Nettles (Urtica)

They are rather unpopular in the garden, but good for health. In dogs, nettle has a diuretic effect due to its high potassium content and can therefore be used to treat urinary tract and kidney diseases. The herb is especially common in dogs as a tea, but you can also mix it dried into the food.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

For mucous membrane irritation or cough, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of the classic herbs for dogs. Fennel tea is particularly soothing for the four-legged friend with colds. But also the tuber is fed with pleasure and convinces with its high vitamin C content.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is not only a tried and tested remedy for humans. Thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory effect, dried chamomile or chamomile tea provide quick relief for gastrointestinal complaints.

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelion is one of the most effective wild herbs for dogs. This supports especially liver and kidney but also has a metabolism-stimulating effect. Apart from targeted feeding, many dogs also like to nibble directly on the fresh flowers in the garden.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

This herb is useful for dogs in two ways: marjoram helps with coughs and respiratory irritation, and at the same time it can be used as a stomach herb for dogs for flatulence and other gastrointestinal complaints.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

It not only tastes good to humans but is also one of the medicinal herbs for dogs. Especially for bronchial complaints and coughs, fresh oregano has a beneficial effect on the dog.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

In small quantities, this herb can have a positive effect on the bladder and kidneys of dogs. Positive side effect: penetrating bad breath in dogs is alleviated by parsley. However, the herb is not suitable for pregnant bitches and dogs with kidney stones.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

The aromatic herb is able to awaken the spirits of dogs and is effective against general exhaustion and loss of appetite. However, rosemary should only be fed under medical consultation – it is especially not suitable for dogs with epilepsy.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Similar to humans, sage can also be used in dogs as a remedy for respiratory problems and colds – it has an overall calming effect on the animal. It is also beneficial for inflammation of the mouth and throat – sage is therefore often offered as a tea, but it can also be purchased dried or fresh in small quantities.

Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)

One of the most important wild herbs for dogs is ribwort plantain. Used internally, ribwort has an expectorant effect on dogs and supports the bronchial tubes. It can also be used crushed for the first aid of small wounds, for example, insect bites, as it has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic effect.

In addition to medicinal herbs, there are also such herbs for dogs, which do not have a direct medicinal effect, but thanks to their minerals and vitamins, they certainly provide a good supplement in feeding. In addition, most of the above herbs have an overall positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract:

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): the herb is rich in minerals and vitamins. Basil is readily eaten by many dogs.
2. Garden cress (Lepidium sativum): This healthy snack has a high calcium and potassium content. Many dogs prefer to nibble on garden cress right in the garden. However, it can also be fed fresh.
3. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): lemon balm is particularly rich in vitamins. You can mix it fresh or dried under the feed.

Herbs against worms and ticks

Although it would certainly be a great alternative, unfortunately, there are no worming herbs in dogs that reliably help. However, dogs that seem particularly susceptible to worm infestation can be helped with herbs. Often a disturbed intestinal flora is to blame for the fact that the four-legged friend can no longer defend itself against the pests.

Stomach herbs for the dog support the digestive system in building a healthy intestinal flora and can therefore prevent a worm infestation. Herbs against worms in dogs therefore include:

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• Caraway (Carum carvi)
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Also against ticks in dogs have not yet grown a herb. Although essential oils of some plants and herbs, such as geraniol or lavender oil, can reduce the animals’ attraction to ticks, they do not provide reliable protection.

In addition, it must be noted that some quadrupeds are sensitive to essential oils and skin irritations occur. Garlic (Allium sativum) as a miracle cure is also not recommended, as it can have a toxic effect on dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Veterinarians recommend instead if you want to do without chemical preparations, to search the animal thoroughly for ticks after every walk and to remove them if necessary.

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