Giving Herbs to Pets

First a few words of caution: Aspirin and aspirin derivatives (i.e. White Willow Bark and salicylic acid), acetaminophen products (i.e. Tylenol), ibuprofen produ. Motrin), can be fatal to cats or dogs. Do not use them. Do not give pets caffeine-containing herbs either, that includes chocolate, which can be dangerous for dogs even though they like it.  For chocolate flavored treats, try substituting with Carob.

Also, the use of anti-inflammatory remedies is inappropriate when there is already prescription of strong anti-inflammatory conventional medication, unless the intention is to withdraw the conventional medications.

Pregnant & lactating pets should be treated like people, use caution, ask your vet, do your research, and don't try any herb on a pregnant pet without complete knowledge of its properties!

Herbs that are toxic to cats: Marigold (Calendula is okay), Pennyroyal, Red Clover, White Willow Bark.
Do not give Wormwood to horses.
Dogs can take almost any herb safely unless they are on prescription medication.

Now, we can talk about administering herbs to pets......

Standard Infusion
The standard strength of the infusion for most pets is 2 tablespoons of herbs to one pint of water.  Mix the herbs with the water in a pot.  Cover, then simmer until near boiling, do not boil.  Take off of the stove and let sit for 4 hours, do not strain.  Pour into a clean jar and cover with a paper towel and rubber band.  Do not use wax paper or a tight fitting lid. It is best to allow entry of air.

The average dose for a 30-pound animal is two tablespoons of the infusion morning and night and always at least 30 minutes before a meal.  For smaller or larger animals, adjust the dose accordingly.

Doses can be administered with a plastic (never glass) dropper, poured directly into their water, mixed with their food, or mixed in a meat broth.

Strong Infusion
The standard strength for a strong infusion is about one cup of water to a handful of dry herbs.  Heat to boiling point, boil for no longer than 3 minutes, then set aside to steep for at least 7 hours (overnight is good).  While heating and steeping, it is important to keep a cover on the mixture.  After steeping, pour into a clean jar and cover with a paper towel and rubber band.  Do not use wax paper or a tight fitting lid. It is best to allow entry of air.

The average dose for a 30-pound animal is two tablespoons of the infusion morning and night and always at least 30 minutes before a meal.  For smaller or larger animals, adjust the dose accordingly.

Doses can be administered with a plastic (never glass) dropper, poured directly into their water, mixed with their food, or mixed in a meat broth.

Administering Capsules
This method takes some patience unless you have a very tolerant pet. 

For a dog:
Have the dog sit down and tilt the dog's head back. Lift the lips away from his teeth, hold his upper jaw by the gums directly behind his canine teeth, and push down on his lower jaw with your other hand to open the mouth. Place the pill in the very back of his throat, close his mouth and keep it shut. Stroke his throat softly until pill is swallowed.

For a cat:
Kneel on the floor and put the cat between your knees. If you have somebody else to help, at least for the first few times, it is easier to put the cat between their knees so you have a better angle to administer the capsule.  Wet the capsule just before putting it in their mouth.  Wet it too soon and it will start to dissolve.  Some people will put the capsule in their own mouth first.   Put the palm of your hand on top of the cat's head, and thumb and index finger on either side of its mouth. Your cat's mouth should fall open as you tilt the head back. If it doesn't, gently push down on the cat's lower front teeth with your middle finger of your other hand. Drop the pill in your cat's mouth as far back as you can. Keep its head tilted back a bit as you rub it's neck and throat until the capsule is swallowed.  As cats can vomit easily, it might help to give it a cat treat or its meal after the pill.

Administering in Food
You can sprinkle dry herbs in their food or the way I prefer is to make a thick mix of herbs with water and heat them to a paste where the herbs are soft and wet.  Either way, you can simply add them to food.  Try mixing the herbs with their regular food, in peanut butter, or in baby food.

Herb Goddess Dog Biscuits
You can definitely vary this recipe, but this is what I use for my dogs and they love it!

You'll need:

• 1/3 cup dry herbs
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of dry milk powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon of Garlic Powder
• 1 tablespoon of Wheat Grass Powder
• 1 tablespoon of Beet Root Powder
• 1/2 cup of oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix dry herbs with water on the stove top in a small saucepan.  Heat and boil for one minute.  Turn off heat, set aside to cool a little.  Mix all the other ingredients together, then add the cooked herb mixture. If the mixture seems to thin or thick at this point, you can add a little more flour or water respectively.  Blend together and shape into biscuits, balls, or whatever you prefer.  Set onto a greased baking sheet and place in the oven for about 25 minutes.  Cooking time may vary depending on altitude and your particular oven, so check them after about 20 minutes.