Safe Herbs for Dogs - Dandelion

The roots and leaves of dandelion contains:

• Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B complex
• Potassium, calcium, iron, thiamin, choline, lecithin, riboflavin

• anti-inflammatory
• laxative
• diuretic
• stimulates the urinary organs and liver
• supports the liver and gallbladder
• tonic

Since this herb is rich in vitamins and minerals, it can be fed to your dog as a supplement to his diet to help him stay healthy. Dry the greens and crumble them onto your dog's food. Alternatively, make a leaf tea by boiling the greens in unsalted vegetable or meat broth. (Daily intake: One teaspoon of dried herb for each 20 pounds of body weight.)

This herb is also a strong but safe diuretic and liver stimulant, and its rich supply of potassium replenishes the precious mineral lost in the urine.

The root has the ability to stimulate bile production by more than 50 percent, and it also increases bile flow to the gallbladder. This proves to be helpful to dogs suffering from liver congestion, gallstones, and other forms of liver problems. The flowers are high in lecithin and have useful pain reducing qualities, so it can be used as a mild painkiller. The flowers can be dried and then sprinkled on the dog's food.

This plant can be found virtually everywhere! Fresh or dried leaves and flowers of the herb can be used to prepare water infusion, tincture, and decoction.

The plant by itself is safe for dogs but make sure that the plants you use are free from herbicide.

References

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).

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