Skullcap for Dogs

Main Constituents

• It contains numerous valuable compounds, including scutellarin, catalpol, other volatile oils, bitter iridoids and tannins.

Medicinal Activities

• sedative
• antispasmodic
• anticonvulsant

Common Uses in Dogs

This is an excellent herb for treating nervousness and excitability in dogs and cats, especially after a traumatic experience. One advantage of using this herb on nervous pets is that, it does not cause drowsiness, nor does it interfere with motor coordination or reflexes. Thus, our pets can still lead a relatively normal and active daily life while being treated with skullcap.

Epileptic dogs can also benefit from this herb. For this purpose, it is best to combine it in equal parts with valerian. (Consult your holistic vet before using this treatment.)

Precautions

Excessive use of the herb may cause liver damage. It is also best not to use it in pregnant animals.

Availability

The dried herb or tinctures prepared from the leaves, stems and flowers are available through herb retailers. References

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).