Hawthorn for Dogs

Main Constituents

• saponins
• glycosides
• flavonoids
• ascorbic acid
• tannins

Medicinal Activities

• antioxidant
• relaxes and dilates blood vessels
• diuretic
• cardiac tonic

Common Uses in Dogs

Hawthorn is an excellent and safe cardio-tonic. It dilates blood vessels of the brain and the heart; therefore increasing and improving blood circulation and transportation of nutrients throughout the body.

It normalizes heart activity by strengthening a weak or erratic heartbeat and is therefore useful for heart failure or weakness.

This herb is also an antioxidant. It removes free radicals that take away oxygen from the blood.

As you can see, it is beneficial to add this herb as a daily tonic to the diet of older dogs, especially those suffering from chronic heart problems (e.g. cardiac anomalies resulting from heartworm, or bacterial or viral infections).

Fresh berries of the plant are good treats for your dog. Tea can also be made from the berries which can then be poured onto your dog's food.

Availability

Various preparations (such as tincture, tea, decoction, fresh or dried berries) are available at most health food stores. 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).