Infusions are a common remedy that we usually resort to to alleviate various kinds of ills. Our pets can also benefit from the effect of some medicinal plants in the form of an infusion, as long as they are administered in the right form and quantity, and under the supervision of a veterinary professional.
If you are curious to know what are some of the most effective infusions for dogs, join us in the next article on our site, at which we will talk about digestive infusions and relaxing infusions for dogs.
Chamomile or chamomile infusion
Chamomile or chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita) is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, which usually grows in dry and sunny terrain.
This is a plant with many beneficial properties for he alth. In fact, surely at some point you have taken an infusion of chamomile to calm pain or upset stomach. Well, chamomile infusion can not only be taken by people, but is also among the most common digestive infusions for dogs.
Just like in humans, chamomile has beneficial gastrointestinal properties for dogs It helps with heavy digestion and relieves stomach discomfort. Therefore, if your dog is going through a mild gastrointestinal process, you can choose to administer an infusion of chamomile.
To prepare it, put a bag of chamomile in a glass of hot water. Wait for it to cool down and administer one tablespoon/hour in small and medium dogs, or two tablespoons/hour in large dogs.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of chamomile make it an effective alternative for the treatment of periodontal disease, since it is capable of reducing bacterial plaque and relieving inflammation of the gums. In this case, an infusion of 20 grams of chamomile flowers should be prepared in 80 milliliters of boiling water. Once cold, it should be applied to the teeth and gums twice a day for a month.
Don't hesitate to take a look at the following article on how Can I clean my dog's eyes with chamomile? for more information on the subject.
Dandelion infusion
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Although it is considered by many to be a "weed", the truth is that it is a medicinal plant with numerous properties, since it is:
- Diuretic
- Depurative
- Hypoglycemic
- Mild laxative
The whole plant has healing properties, especially the leaves and roots. In the specific case of dogs, it has been proven that dandelion extract has a choleretic effect (promotes the production of bile in the liver)and cholagogue (favors the excretion of bile contained in the gallbladder), so it can be beneficial for the treatment of some liver diseases in dogs.
Dried dandelion can be given to dogs in infusion mode, since it is listedHomemade infusions for dogs To prepare, bring a cup of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of dried dandelion (commonly known as dandelion tea).
However, before administering this infusion to your dog, it is important that you consult your regular veterinarian. There are certain situations in which this medicinal plant may be contraindicated, such as:
- Bile duct obstruction
- The hypertension
- Heart disease
Therefore, it is important to consult a professional to avoid any undesirable effect on your pet's he alth.
Valerian tea
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous species belonging to the Valerianaceae family. It is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times for its effectiveness as a relaxant and sedative.
People usually use this plant in infusion to calm states of anxiety and excitability, and to combat insomnia. For this reason, it is common for many caregivers to wonder if the infusions of this herb are suitable as infusions to relax dogs.
In fact, valerian also has a relaxing and slightly sedative effect on dogs, helping them calm down in states of anxiety, panic or tension. This type of relaxing infusions for dogs can be useful to reduce separation anxiety, or to anticipate stressful situations (such as visits to the veterinarian or rocket or fireworks shows).
To prepare the infusion, boil a glass of water and add a tablespoon of valerian. Once tempered, add a few tablespoons of the infusion to its usual feed until it is moist (without wetting it too much). It is not recommended to administer the infusion directly with a syringe, since its taste is not usually liked by dogs.
Can I give valerian to my dog? We tell you more in the next article on our site.
Basil infusion
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an aromatic herb from the Lamiaceae family that is commonly used in kitchens around the world. world.
Basil is not considered a toxic plant for dogs. In fact, its consumption can be beneficial thanks to its analgesic properties, being especially useful in dogs with chronic osteoarticular problems. Although it does not replace analgesic drugs, it can be used in combination with them to enhance their effects, always under veterinary prescription.
One way to give dogs this herb is in the form of an infusion. To prepare it, you only have to boil a branch of basil in water for 3-5 minutes.
Ginger infusion
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is an aromatic plant of the Zingiberaceae family, which has an underground stem highly appreciated for its aroma and flavor.
This is an ingredient that has a large number of beneficial properties, not only for humans, but also for dogs. In addition to controlling halitosis (bad breath), it has an important anti-inflammatory power (especially beneficial for dogs with arthritis).
To offer ginger as an infusion, you only have to cut a half-centimeter slice, peel it, cut it into small pieces, and add them to a glass of boiling water.
Thyme infusion
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a shrub of the labiatae family, widely used as an aromatic herb and as a medicinal plant. This herb has expectorant and antispasmodic properties, which makes it an excellent alternative to treat coughs in dogs
In dogs, may be administered as an infusion. To prepare it, boil a branch of thyme in a glass of water and, once warm, you can administer a teaspoon 3 or 4 times a day.
Rosemary infusion
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is another of the aromatic herbs that dogs can consume, since it is not toxic to their body. Its administration as an infusion helps to improve digestive conditions, favoring the expulsion of gas and relieving stomach discomfort. To prepare the infusion, simply boil a sprig of rosemary in boiling water.
Sage infusion
Salvia (Salvia officinalis) is a species popularly known for its use in gastronomy and for its use as an ornamental and medicinal plant.
This is a plant with antiparasitic, antifungal and antispasmodic effects, which also has digestive and antispasmodic properties. In dogs, can be given as an infusion to improve digestion Simply boil a few sage leaves in boiling water, and mix a tablespoon of the infusion with the drinking water.
However, it should be noted that the administration of salvia is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating bitches, since it interferes with the hormone prolactin.
