Herbs are becoming increasingly popular as a he althy dietary supplement not only for humans but also for dogs . You can find out here which herbs are suitable for dogs and which even have a healing effect.
Herbs have been used by humans for a long time as a seasoning for various dishes and are also highly valued as medicinal plants against all kinds of diseases and ailments. But plants are not only good for people - herbs can also be a real enrichment for dogs. In fact, numerous herbs are suitable as a he althy change in the feed. But medicinal herbs for dogs can also help with illnesses and ailments. Here we tell you which herbs are best for your four-legged friends and how you can grow them in your own garden.
Which herbs can dogs eat and which not?
Many people think that dogs are allowed to eat the same herbs that are also considered digestible for us humans. Unfortunately, this is not the case: Some herbs, such as wild garlic (Allium ursinum), are even poisonous to dogs and should therefore never be fed to them. Therefore, you should always pay close attention to which herbs are offered to the dog or which ones it can eat in the garden. In the case of sick or pregnant animals, additional caution is required if you want to support them with herbal remedies. The use of medicinal herbs for dogs should always be discussed with a veterinarian in order to determine an exact dosage and to prevent possible interactions (e.g. with medications that the animal is taking). Please note that medicinal herbs are not an alternative to a visit to the vet, even for dogs in an emergency, but should only be used for support or for minor complaints. When it comes to feeding your dog herbs, you should also keep a few tips in mind. Herbs treated with chemicals and pesticides are unsuitable for dogs - it is therefore advisable to use wild herbs or fresh herbs from your own garden. These are easy to grow in the garden. Especially recommended for growing medicinal herbsfor the dog are organic soils such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil. These not only consist of 100% natural raw materials, but are also harmless to pets and garden animals.
Chemical pest control should be completely avoided when growing herbs for dogs, and mineral fertilizers are also rather unsuitable. To ensure that your herbs still thrive quickly and vigorously, an organic fertilizer - such as the Plantura universal fertilizer - can be used as an alternative, as it is harmless to dogs. In principle, dried herbs are also suitable for dogs, but they often contain less of the he althy essential oils than fresh herbs. With both methods, however, it is important to ensure the correct dosage: Normally, only the smallest 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. In addition, many herbs for dogs can be helpful as home remedies for minor ailments or - after consultation with the veterinarian - as a supportive measure. Common medicinal herbs for dogs include the following:
Stinging Nettles (Urtica)
They are not very popular in the garden, but they are good for your he alth. 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 often offered as a tea to dogs, but you can also mix it dried with the food.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
For irritation of the mucous membranes or coughing, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of the classic herbs for dogs. Fennel tea is particularly beneficial for your four-legged friend when you have a cold. But the tuber is also popular for feeding and convinces with its high vitamin C content.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Camomile is not only a tried and tested remedy for humans. Thanks to its calming and anti-inflammatory effect, dried chamomile or chamomile tea provide quick relief for gastrointestinal complaints.
Dandelions (Taraxacum)
Among the most effective wild herbsthe dandelion counts for dogs. This primarily supports the liver and kidneys, but also stimulates the metabolism. Apart from a targeted feeding, many dogs also like to nibble directly on the fresh flowers in the garden.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
The herb is useful for dogs in two respects: Marjoram helps with coughs and irritation of the respiratory tract and can also be used as a stomach herb for dogs with 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. Fresh oregano has a beneficial effect on dogs, especially when it comes to bronchial problems and coughs.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
In small amounts, the herb can have a positive effect on the bladder and kidneys of dogs. Positive side effect: Pervasive 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 counteracts general exhaustion and loss of appetite. However, rosemary should only be fed with the advice of a doctor - it is particularly unsuitable 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 - this is why sage is often offered as a tea, but it can also be purchased dried or fresh in small quantities.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
One of the most important wild herbs for dogs is plantain. Plantain used internally has an expectorant effect on dogs and supports the bronchi. However, it can also be used crushed for the initial treatment of smaller wounds, such as insect bites, as it has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and haemostatic effect.
In addition to medicinal herbs, there are also herbs for dogs that do not have a direct medical effect, but thanks to their minerals and vitamins they are a good supplement to feeding. Also workmost of the herbs mentioned have an overall positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract:
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The herb is rich in minerals and vitamins. Many dogs like to eat basil.
2. Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum): This he althy snack is high in calcium and potassium. Many dogs prefer to nibble on the garden cress right in the garden. But it can also be fed fresh.
3. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm is particularly rich in vitamins. You can mix them fresh or dried with the feed.
Tip: With our Plantura herb growing set, you can easily grow herbs yourself - both for you and for your dog.
Herbs against worms and ticks
Even if it would certainly be a great alternative, there are unfortunately no wormers for dogs that reliably help. However, dogs that seem particularly susceptible to worm infestation can be supported with herbs. A disturbed intestinal flora is often to blame for the fact that the four-legged friend can no longer defend itself against the pests. Stomach herbs for dogs support the digestive system in building a he althy intestinal flora and can therefore prevent worm infestation. Herbs against worms in dogs therefore include:
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Caraway (Carum carvi)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Even against ticks in dogs, no herb has yet grown. Although the essential oils of some plants and herbs, such as geraniol or lavender oil, can reduce the attraction of ticks in animals, they do not provide reliable protection. In addition, it must be noted that some four-legged friends are sensitive to essential oils and can cause skin irritation . It is also not advisable to use garlic (Allium sativum) as a miracle cure, as this (ingested in large quantities) can have a toxic effect on dogs. Instead, if you want to avoid using chemical preparations, veterinarians recommend checking the animal thoroughly for ticks after every walk and removing them if necessary.
If you are not only a gardener but also a dog lover, you should definitely take a look at our Plantura shopthrow - all our products are safe for pets and garden animals and are therefore also suitable for dog owners.