07- herbs01

It is known that many animals consume specific herbs to treat ailments, a process called zoopharmacognosy (yes that is a real word). The use of herbs for medicinal purposes among humans has been documented to have occurred as far back as 60,000 years ago based on remains found in an ancient grave in Iraq. It has been proposed that the human use of herbs may have started by early man (and woman) carefully watching and mimicking wild animals. If we have animals to thank for our practice of herbalism, then I think it is high time for us to return the favor and treat our pets with gentle herbs in place of harsh drugs.

Herbs often make great substitutes for pharmaceuticals. In fact, about 25% of today’s medicines were derived from herbs.

Partial list of drugs derived from herbs
Aspirin – white willow
Atropine – belladonna
Digoxin and digitoxin – foxglove
Morphine and codeine – opium poppy
Cancer Chemo – Paclitaxel (Taxol) – yew tree
Cancer Chemo – Vinblastine and vincristine – periwinkle

Don’t try to tell me that herbs don’t have a strong effect on the body

The confusing thing about herbal medicine is that herbal remedies come in many forms. Of course, this also makes them more versatile.

You can give a pet the fresh herb (green or dried). You can also give the herb in the form of a tea.

Herbs come as tinctures (a grain alcohol/water preparation of the dried herb). An extract uses the same extraction process only with the fresh herb. (Both of these are considered more potent than teas because the alcohol helps extract more active ingredients).

The problem with tinctures and extracts is the alcohol they contain. Some pets just don’t tolerate it. A way around that problem is to dilute the dose of herbal tincture with an equal amount of hot water. This evaporates off the alcohol.

Herbs can also be found as glycerin extracts but these are less effective than the alcohol preps. Recently a hybrid has been developed. Some herb companies use a water and alcohol extraction process, then evaporate off most of the alcohol and add glycerin as a preservative. This gives the best of both worlds?

When purchasing herbs, be sure the label contains the following information

Genus & Species (Not just the common name)
Expiration or Harvest date
Part of herb used
Amount of active ingredient (standardized)
Other constituents

When dosing herbs for your pet, the following chart may be helpful.

(Give the indicated amount 2-3 times a day)
Pet’s Weight        Tea       Dried Herb        Tincture
0-10 lbs               1/8 c        1/8 tsp           1-3 drops
10-20 lbs               ¼ c        ¼-½ tsp          3-5 drops
20-50 lbs            ¼-½ c       ½-1 tsp         5-10 drops
50-100 lbs          ½-1 c       1-2 tsp         10-20 drops
>100 lbs              1 c           2-3 tsp         20-30 drops

Here are some potential dangers to be aware of.

– Pennyroyal – Very toxic to dogs & cats
– Tea Tree Oil – Very toxic to cats & small dogs
– White Willow Bark – Contains salicylates which are toxic to cats
– Garlic – Can cause anemia at high doses
– Ma Huang – Toxic to cats
– Comfrey – Can cause liver damage
– Hops – Toxic to greyhounds

If your pet has any of the following conditions, the herbs listed should be used with caution.

• Kidney disease – Dandelion, parsley
• Heart disease – Motherwort, goldenseal, Oregon grape, barberry
• Autoimmune disease – Echinacea, reishi, maitake, astragalus
• Liver Disease – Dandelion
• Thyroid disease – Kelp, bugleweed

Herb-Drug Interactions

Herbs used to treat a certain condition may potentiate drugs for that condition
– Gymnema, bitter melon > insulin
– Licorice, bayberry > glucocorticoids
– White willow bark > NSAIDS
– Convallaria, squill > digoxin
– Hawthorn, ginseng > cardiac drugs
– Valerian > CNS depressants

High fiber herbs (flaxseed, psyllium) may delay absorption of drugs

High tannin herbs (grape seed extract, green tea) inhibit absorption of certain alkaline drugs

Anticoagulant herbs (gingko, garlic, ginseng, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, reishi, white willow bark) should not be used with anticoagulant drugs or if the pet has GI ulcers or any bleeding condition.

Many herbs interact with the liver’s detoxification system. They should not be used with phenobarbital, glucocorticoids, ketoconazole, midazolam & calcium channel blockers. Those herbs include: Cats claw, chamomile, echinacea, elder root, eleuthero, gingko, goldenseal, hops, garlic, licorice, milk thistle, red clover, rosemary, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort, valerian, and wild cherry bark.

Herbs can be very helpful for many common conditions. Mixing herbs and drugs can cause problems so you really need to know what you are doing. If in doubt, don’t mix the two. Future “Herbal Pet” posts will give information about specific herbs and their uses.

213 replies
  1. Lisa
    Lisa says:

    ok my question to this is, Peanut is on all kinds of drugs due to a herniated disc in his neck, and Buttercup is on insulin and we get the result back Monday or Tuesday for the Cushing’s test… I have 1000mg capsules that I take everyday, how can I give it to both if them from the capsule and how much??

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Milk thistle can change the metabolism of some medications so it is not a good idea to give it to pets on multiple medications.

      Reply
      • Olufunke
        Olufunke says:

        Dr.
        I use a few drops of benzoin in my glycerin tinctures to prolong the life and I’m wondering if that bends when is going to be hazardous to my little cat friend who is almost 20 pounds.
        She gets urinary tract infections and I was going to give her some dandelion root tincture that is a glycerin base and I remembered I put a few drops of benzoin in the bottle and so I thought I’d better ask

        Reply
        • Dr. Doug
          Dr. Doug says:

          I don’t know for sure how well cats can handle benzoin. I do know that cats are very sensitive to many things as their livers cannot process certain compounds. If in doubt, keep it out.

          Reply
      • Gaby
        Gaby says:

        Hi, my dog is on ivermectin treatment for demodex. A friend recommended me to give her milk thistle and cats claw to improve her immune system and to detoxify her liver. If she is on ivermectin can i give her those herbs?

        Reply
      • jeni
        jeni says:

        I see on your list that astragalus is bad for dogs with autoimmune issues, yet I’ve heard its recommended for dogs with mast cell tumor. Is it good or bad for dogs suffering from recurrent bouts of that?

        Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I would suggest 1/2 oz olive oil into which you add 400 IU Vitamin E from a capsule. Put 1/2 dropper-ful in each ear every other day for 6 days.

      Reply
  2. Elaine
    Elaine says:

    I use Nature’s Way’s Thisilyn, capsules, each 175 mg extract, 80% silymarin. Can they be used on my 52 lb Am. Staff. Terrier? He’s on a few supplements and hydroxyzine for skin and possible food allergies.

    Reply
  3. Debbie caponi
    Debbie caponi says:

    I would like to start giving my 9 lb Pom milk thistle for a week after her monthly Trifexis pill. I bought liquid milk thistle made by Herb Pharm. it’s ingredients are:
    Certified organic alcohol (62-72%), distillers water and milk thistle extractives.
    Would this be considered a tincture? Do I just put three drops in her mouth?
    It is from the dried, whole seed of Silybum marianum plants. They use a double extraction process. Is this a good choice?
    Thank you!

    Reply
  4. janis
    janis says:

    My husky has shown symptoms of thyroid condition. She is fed a raw diet. The vet would not do a test as she believed she was clinical healthy only she should lose some kg’s.
    She has since produced further symptoms such as dark pigmentation in the groin area; dry fur on hind legs; lethargic; mentally slowed; irritable at times; other little very subtle signs.
    I am giving her kelp, salmon oil, spirulina and recently started on ashwaganda and bladderwrack.
    Is there other herbs that may support her?
    Is kelp needed, as I don’t know if she has an iodine deficiency?
    Thank you for the informative article.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      The first step is to get the condition diagnosed. It does not make sense to treat the thyroid if that might not be the problem. I recommend the Hemopet Thyroid Profile 5 http://www.hemopet.org/veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory.html

      Perhaps if you insist on the test your vet will agree. If not, find one who will. I can’t think of a good reason not to do such a test if the pet caregiver is willing to pay for it.

      Reply
  5. Kathryn
    Kathryn says:

    I was interested to see that caution was recommended regarding use of echinacea, reishi, maitake, & astragalus for dogs with autoimmune issues. I have always thought of these herbs as immune enhancers, especially the mushrooms, so am curious as to why caution is recommended. Thanks for any help you can give me in understanding this.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Autoimmune disease involves the immune system attacking healthy cells. The idea is that it is not a good idea to enhance the immune system under these circumstances. There are those who believe that these supplements “modulate” the immune system and thus bring it back into balance when it is attacking the body. My caution is there because I think that without expertise in herbal medicine, these supplements should be avoided in the case of autoimmune disease.

      Reply
      • Severine
        Severine says:

        I know this is an older post, but was wondering if you please could explain more in detail?
        So, if I understand correctly, they build up the immune system to be stronger, which means giving more power to the immune system to attack more healthy cells. Correct?
        However lowering or surpressing the immune system (steroids, apoquel), is not the way to go either…
        what else is there? Balancing the immune system? How?
        Thank you!!!

        Reply
        • Dr. Doug
          Dr. Doug says:

          I’m not sure what you’re talking about when you say “they build up the immune system.” With certain herbs, it is all about make the immune system healthy. It is not necessarily a matter of a stronger immune system but one that is reacting to the right triggers and not wrong ones.

          Reply
  6. Sia
    Sia says:

    I’m considering giving my dog Convallaria Majalis I’m worried he’s at the beginning of a heart failure. Since all the mother tinctures are with a high percentage of alcohol ( 87% in one I found ) where can I find one with either low alcohol or is there a way to get the alcohol out of the tincture before giving?
    Muffin is 8 yrs old chihuahua and weighs 8 pounds. His Mitral valve disease was diagnosed this may and has got worse and worse till now because there aren’t any Cardiologist Vets in my city. Vet suggested starting Digoxin but a holistic vet said Convallaria is much better.
    He’s also getting hawthorn and dandelion last 2 weeks.
    Is there a safer way to give him Convallaria with a little or no alcohol. I’m in India and would have to find a way to ship it here asap.
    Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      You can get much of the alcohol out of a tincture by adding an equal volume of boiling hot water to each dose. This evaporates off much of the alcohol and dilutes the rest. Do not evaporate off the alcohol from the entire bottle as the alcohol serves as a preservative. Just do each dose before you give it. (Obviously be sure it is cool enough before you give it.)

      Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I am not familiar with wild cherry bark. My recommendation for a cat with a cough is to find the cause of the cough and treat that. The cough is a symptom of some underlying problem.

      Reply
  7. Carol Pearson
    Carol Pearson says:

    What would you recommend for a dog with pancreatitis?
    I have purchased a tincture product that contains comfrey and devils claw and have been informed that they could cause problems, especially with the liver.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m not familiar with those herbs for pancreatitis. I use Chinese herbal medicine and would need to examine the pet to prescribe the best formula for the individual.

      Reply
  8. Rose
    Rose says:

    Dr. Doug:
    You state if there are liver issues one should be cautious using dandelion. I also read on the MedlinePlus nlm.nih.gov Herbal Medicine site that if there is inflammation in the gallbladder dandelion should not be used. My dog has sludgy bile and sludge in his gallbladder. It seems from what I’ve also read dandelion can be so beneficial for liver and gallbladder; however, there must be a good reason that you are stating caution be used if liver, kidney issues. Does that apply to bile sludge and sludge in the gallbladder and what would the reason caution needs to be used in these cases? Thanks

    Reply
      • D
        D says:

        I give my dog a liver supplement (Zentonil advanced), and Yunnan Baiyao for liver disease. A liver biopsy was recommended against as there is a coagulation problem hense the use of the Yunnan Baiyo. My dog is also hypothyroid and on Levothyroxine (dignosed hypothyroid/ Hemopet). Diet is Instinct raw, topped with green veggies/ raw pumpkin put through food processor, fruits and veggies for snacks. I am wondering if Ashwagandha would be beneficial as well for my dog’s liver?

        Reply
  9. Rose
    Rose says:

    Good Morning Dr. Doug:
    Thank you for your previous response. I became curious about why Dandelion should be used with caution regarding liver or gallbladder issues in a dog. I had been using Milk Thistle and dandelion leaf as well as organic Vitamins, Minerals, Omegas, and Probiotic for the past year, and then twice a year giving a organic Liver cleanse which included dandelion root, Milk thistle and couple Chinese herbs. Ultrasound on my dog done yesterday and was told by the Certified Intern Vet that looks like his Liver issues have resolved using the Milk Thistle and no abnormal or immobile sludge in gallbladder. I guess I just became curious about why using Dandelion under certain circumstances of possible gallbladder issues (at the time) may be an issue as I was using for the past year both Milk Thistle powder (organic) and (organic dandelion) Knowing there had to be a valid reason to now read to use caution with Dandelion which made me curious I suppose. Is it because dandelion could cause too much liquid to enter the gallbladder and cause thickened sludge to then form into a mucocele (sp?). Simply out of interest and curious at this point I researched any studies but the words are quite technical and well…duh to me ! So, if you find the time and could let me know I’d really appreciate it. No matter what I appreciate your initial response very much. Truly
    Thank you..

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Rose, the bottom line is that I have passed along the cautions I’ve read but I do not know exactly what the concerns are with dandelion with certain liver issues.

      Reply
  10. TAMMY CURRY
    TAMMY CURRY says:

    Hello, my name is Tammy. I have Dobermans who are cancer survivors who were on medications that I am sure was hard on their liver and kidneys and I know their immune systems had crashed and I am working hard to rebuild their immunity to optimum levels. I am currently giving Turmeric with black pepper and I have been giving Milk Thistle but I had ran out so I bought bulk Organic Milk Thistle in finely ground form in a 1 pound bag. My question is do I use your chart above for the dried herb and also I read it is wise to give your dogs a break from the Milk Thistle. It was suggested 3 weeks on with 1 week off, would this be your suggestion as well? Thank you in advance. Tammy.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Yes, it sound like you have the dried herb form of Milk Thistle. I personally don’t think the body needs a periodic break from an herb like Milk Thistle.

      Reply
  11. Edward Galvez
    Edward Galvez says:

    Hello my name is Ed Galvez and I have a pitbull dog 8 years old and has had a runny nose for the last 11 days. It is coming out of one nostril and is clear fluid. He has been eating just fine. His temp is 99 deg. I was wondering if there can be simothing that can help him out?

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m sure there is something that can help your dog. The first order of business is to find out what is causing the nasal discharge. He needs to have a complete workup. It may require using a scope to see into the nasal passages.

      Reply
  12. Peter Rapnik
    Peter Rapnik says:

    Hi Doug,
    I have a 9 year old English Bulldog, that has been exceptionally fit for her breed, but lately has started to display what i think are signs of a bit of arthiritis in her back hip, and limping on it.
    A friend of mine has been giving her some healing, and it has improved a lot, but i am going to start her on some willow bark powder, to hopefully improve things further.
    She is around 50lb, so i can mix half a teaspoon with her turmeric on each meal daily as your chart suggests can i??
    Thanks in advance
    Pete

    Reply
  13. Anne McIndoo
    Anne McIndoo says:

    My 7-yr old cat has had 4 surgeries for mammary adenocarcinoma. After the last, there are more tumors from her armpit down her leg. Vet oncologist tried 2 chemos which didn’t work and she’s now on palliative meds. She is getting buprenorphine, gabapentin and prednisolone with 5X fish. I’m at my wit’s end. I want to give her a Reishi mushroom extract to help her immune system. Any thoughts on its killing her cancer?

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m sorry but after 4 surgeries and 2 rounds of chemo only the most malignant cancer cells have survived. I really doubt that Reishi mushroom extract is going to kill off many cancer cells. Your best bet is to find a local holistic vet at http://www.ahvma.org.

      Reply
  14. Crystal
    Crystal says:

    My dog is having reactions to Trifexis. Seen dandelion and thistle is a detox. Can you tell me how much please.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I do not know of a replacement for Ketoconazole. My focus would be on strengthening your dog’s immune system.

      Reply
  15. Ashlee
    Ashlee says:

    Hello, I bought dandelion root oil for my dog who has hemangiosarcoma, how many drops a day should I give her? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I have never heard of such a thing. You could dose it as advised in this post – as a proportion of the human dose.

      Reply
  16. Kalena Georgi
    Kalena Georgi says:

    Hello! I have a question about bee propolis – do you know about or have any experience with this? I have been learning about it, and it just so happens this past month that my sweet, four-year-old Golden Retriever just developed a tumor in his mouth. Found it by accident because of bleeding, and is aggressive. Had it removed and it reappeared in 11 days. Our vet has nothing more to offer (except enjoy what little time we have left with him), and our boy has been otherwise healthy so it is a huge shock and we are just devastated. Except for bleeding from his mouth, he is otherwise still himself… I have been learning about herbal uses for myself, and have been trying to find something to try for Mr. Bach. We have nothing to lose at this point, and looks like time is not on our side here. I have read about propolis in studies on dogs regarding cancers and other health conditions, and have been giving him some in capsule form. However since the tumor is in his mouth, I would like to try applying liquid directly on it. I am willing to try anything that might help, although I cannot afford much major expense at this time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am new to herbal/natural medicine, but have seen incredible results in my own health so far, and has personally given me great hope where conventional medicine has failed me miserably. I don’t know if anything can help my Mr. Bach or not, but I at least want to know I tried everything I could. Also, is there anything else I should look for or avoid (in regard to giving to dogs) when searching for types of supplements, e.g. tinctures? Was wondering about different ingredients I’ve seen so far such as alcohol (which is how I found this page). Does adding boiling water like mentioned change the effect of the herb, or such as propolis, etc? Again I am very new to this, and totally on my own for this, unfortunately. Thank you very much for any suggestions you could give!

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I am not familiar with bee propolis. It sounds like it would be best for Mr. Bach to be seen by a holistic vet for a complete workup and treatment plan.

      Reply
  17. Peter N
    Peter N says:

    Hello Doctor —

    My 14 year old Lab has Cushings. She’s also had one known 4 pound Nerve Sheath Tumor removed a year ago and two others currently on her that are suspect. She is on Trilostane and was doing well until we added the herb Eleuthero to her regiment. Was also on MetaCam but stopped it out of fear of side effects and some stomach issues. She was also started on Drynaria 12 at the same time. She’s gone downhill fast interestingly since those were added. She’s also on Astragalus. Also on Cuscutta, Laminar 4, Chih-ko & Curcuma… Now she has inappetence. Wondering if you would know if any of these might be interacting with Trilostane and or MetaCam.. Wanted your thoughts here 🙂

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      You are talking about a lot of herbs and a couple of medications. Nobody knows how all of that might interact.

      Reply
  18. Rob
    Rob says:

    Hello
    My dog recently had anal glands removed. And small tumor was found which was cancerous, hopefully it did not spread, I was told that I should try cats claw bark, which I purchased but the store had fluid extract, is it safe and how much water to dilute if she is 20 pounds.

    Reply
      • Kristin Devlin
        Kristin Devlin says:

        BTW thank you for all of the information. My cat has an autoimmune disease called eosinophilic granuloma complex. He is currently off all meds, he used to take atopica and then methylprednisalone. I’m thinking of trying cats claw for inflammation, but I’m also thinking his issue is if not caused by, exacerbated by allergies, so I’m looking for a suggestion for allergies.

        Reply
  19. Dawn
    Dawn says:

    Hi,
    My dog has fear issues, is there anything you would recommend for this. A previous vet wanted to put him on prozac, we’re not big on medicating him and we still want him to function normally just a little less stressed out.

    Reply
  20. Therese
    Therese says:

    I have a 14yr old female cat, hyperthyroid 6.21bs and heading towards renal failure they tell me per the t4 & bun tests. Used to get high protein dry am & hp low grain canned evg. And still ended up hyperthyroid, now she gets canned only have not been able to convert to raw. We have a holistic vet in Edmonton, Canada but they only use alchohol tinctures. She continually gets uti,s and bladder infections, she gets boocked literally overnight…and I end up having to take her to the emerg vet and after being financially drained for tests that I feel were unneeded ai walk out with prescription for antibiotics or she gets convenia. Financially tapped Ive been searching on my own to find solutions wich lead me here. If I lived there Id be at your clinic in a heartbeat.
    She is on Methinazole 50mg .15ml per ear twice a day. I am giving her pro biotics once a day, collidiol silver 10ppm twice a day and cranberry from capsule i. food just recently.
    I would like to try the milk thistle but read not to give it unless pilled….how and what kind should I give should I be getting the Rehmannia? I dont think we have any tcm practitioners here. As for phos bind I guess I need to see if she is at that point yet, I hope my vet has heard of using it. There is a glandular supplement I read about to hrlp with hyperthyroid would you reccommend that or any other suppliments?
    Everything I am reading here makes sense to me unfortunately here the only thing the vet’s will suggest are things that are drugs or ordered through their clinic only. I am at the point to try things on my own but dont want to mske things worse for my old girl.

    Reply
  21. Cindy Bonus
    Cindy Bonus says:

    Hi I have 2 11 year old Saint Bernards that the vet put on Previcox. They are doing so wonderfully on this medicine I am not sure that I want to stop it. The warnings on it are stomach ulcers and liver disease. What herbs can I use to help reduce the risk of these issues that will not interact with the Previcox?

    Reply
  22. Fatima
    Fatima says:

    Hi, My cat is showing signs of Feline Hyperesthesia with skin rolling, twitching, running, etc. about three or four times a day. The vet has cleared all x-rays, blood test and urinalysis. They have given her an allergy medicine to be given twice a day. She is 12 years old and weighs 3 kgs, lhd. Any suggestions will help as I don’t want it to get from bad to worse or put her on any strong medicines. Will Feliway help? Thank you.

    Reply
  23. Linda
    Linda says:

    Is white willow bark safe to use alongside SAMe in dogs? And does it damage the liver?

    My 12 1/2 year old lab has nodules (non-cancerous) in her liver and spleen. We’ve been using SAMe for liver support (along with cutting copper out of her diet and givimg her milk thistle) but now her arthritis is acting up and we’re looking for a way to relieve her pain that won’t exacerbate her liver issues. She takes glucosamine as well.

    Reply
  24. Raymond
    Raymond says:

    My cat of 16 years female has developed lumps on her under her skin. I took her to the vet yesterday and they said she does have cancer. She gave her a shot of prednisone, and a prescription for more to start next week. I know how prednisone affects me it will hurt my joints so bad. Instead of giving her 4th that would it be OK to give her Red clover in a very small dose. And it in her food. I gave her half a capsule this morning. I just want her around as long as I can. I’m afraid of the prednisone. It made her not eat and she was very slow walking taking it. So will the red clover work better to control the cancer?

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I do not see any issues with this supplement. At the same time, since I am not familiar with this company, there is no way for me to know that what is on the label is what is in the product.

      Reply
  25. Roman kruze;ecky
    Roman kruze;ecky says:

    Our female puppy of 9 months, a 60 lb husky mix, has a so far mild case of an upper respiratory infection, as diagnozed by our vet (kennel cough). She showed some symptons this Sunday, mainly a congested throat and some coughing to clear it.

    On some sites it mentions that Echinecea tea can be helpful. Its what I use for colds myself.

    I found some hernbal echeiecea herbal tea that also containes Fir essence. Would this be safe to brew and give here in a small 91/2 cup) dose with some honey. There is no holistic vet at the clinic that we use.

    Thanks very much for your help.

    Roman

    Reply
  26. Daniel
    Daniel says:

    Pleas tell me what you recommend for a Siberian husky that is diabetic we’ve tried bitter grape berberine and cromium and cinnamon is Oregon grape OK to try .
    Thank you

    Reply
  27. Kayla
    Kayla says:

    Hey Dr. Doug
    My 13 year old Cat was diagnosed with Mast cell tumor, one loop in his intestine and in his spleen. Could you recommend any herbs and their dosage i could give him. I unfortunately can not afford the surgery to remove his spleen or the loop in his intestine.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I treat animals individually. I need to examine each pet to know what to use. I would suggest you call my office for a holistic exam.

      Reply
  28. Jennifer
    Jennifer says:

    Hello,
    We have a kitty with severe anemia as a result of FIV. He is on an iron supplement, but there is not much hope that he will stabilize. Would you have any recommendations for anything that can help stimulate his kidneys to produce erythropoietin? Thank you.

    Reply
  29. Lindsey
    Lindsey says:

    My 13 year old lab has Cushing’s and is on Vetoryl. She is also currently on antibiotics (Amoxicillin) for a UTI. I was looking into supplements that might help prevent future UTIs. I bought this product: http://www.naturvet.com/product/cranberry-relief-soft-chew but I noticed that it says on the label “Absorption of drugs taken simultaneously may be delayed.” I am concerned it might effect her medications.
    Active Ingredients per 1 Soft Chew:
    Cranberry Extract 236 mg
    Echinacea 118 mg
    Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) 79 mg
    Astragalus Root 52 mg
    Oregon Grape Root 39 mg
    Marshmallow Root 23 mg

    Inactive ingredients:
    Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Canola Oil, Dried Potato Product, Flaxseed, Glycerin, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Mixed Tocopherols, Natural Flavoring, Rosemary Extract, Sorbic Acid, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Oil and Water.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I think it’s the marshmallow in the supplement that could interfere with other medications. I suggest you find a plane cranberry supplement to use.

      Reply
  30. Mar
    Mar says:

    I’ve been giving my dog some liver tintures to help with her allergies..Not on a daily basis but every so often..fir around the past month.And the past two nights she has wet the bed, I’m not sure if the two correspond, but it’s really unusual for her to do such a thing, what’s your thoughts

    Reply
  31. Ben Jerse
    Ben Jerse says:

    I have a quick question. So my 140lb dog has cervical myopothy (wobblers) and is currently taking prednisone to help with the inflammation in his neck. If I start him on white willow tincture will it react poorly with the prednisone? I am trying to fine something to eventually replace the prednisone and I heard white willow has excellent anti inflammation and pain management properties. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I would not recommend giving White Willow with pred as it could possibly increase the risk of GI ulcers. The best thing I’ve found for this condition is acupuncture.

      Reply
  32. Gina
    Gina says:

    Dr. Doug- I have a question regarding the use of dandelion tea as an alternative to lasix. My teacup has an enlarged heart and tends to cough. The lasix has helped a good bit but she does not tolerate it well. Shakes and loss of appetite. She also on the lowest does of Pimobendan.
    Would dandelion tea be a safe alternative to use with the Vetmedin?
    Thanks.

    Reply
  33. Wendy Gratrix
    Wendy Gratrix says:

    I have a 6 year old Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog thathas had 2 uti’s in the last year. She reacted badly to the antibiotics and went into liver failure. Today at the vets after her exam she went oitside and urinated blood. We are now waiting on her blood and urinalysis panel to come back. Could you please suggest some herbs that could help with her uti’s. Her liver values were normal 3 months ago and she has a grade 2/3 heart murmur.

    Reply
  34. Michelle
    Michelle says:

    Hello, great post about tincture dosage. I have a 13 year old shih Tzu who was just diagnosed with lymphoma. She is on tylan antibiotic and a steroid prednisone. I want to help her herbally and give her last month’s freedom from drugs. Is there any teas, infusions or tincture I can give her to replace the tylan and prednisone? Is there anything to put this lymphoma in remission? Thank you and god bless.

    Reply
  35. Joyce Poretr
    Joyce Poretr says:

    Hello Dr. Doug,
    I was in touch with you recently concerning giving my male ShihTzu ( 13LB ) SawPalmetto for his enlarged Prostate.
    You said his prescription drugs Apoquel and Hydrocodone should not interact with this herb. I know I would need to use a very small dose, 5 – 10 mgs. ? Is there an over the counter brand that you could recommend. Everything I see is very high, 350 or 540mgs. Some have other additives included, so I am very confused as to how to correctly dose. I could open a powdered capsule, but not sure about the amount to small doses.

    Your advice is greatly appreciated,

    Thank you,

    Joyce Porter

    Reply
  36. Candace
    Candace says:

    Hello, I’d like to give my dog ashwagandha for it’s anti-inflammatory and stress reducing benefits, but want to ensure the right dosage. The premed tablets are 500mg. Is that a fine dosage for a 40lb and an 80lb dog? In powder form, I believe 500mg is a 1/4 tsp. Thanks so much for your time.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Since I don’t know what the mgs are measuring I can’t answer your question. Follow the formula given in the post.

      Reply
  37. Julie
    Julie says:

    I’m confused about milk thistle. My dog has epilepsy and is taking potassium bromide and phenobarbital. She has been on this medication for about 5 years now and her liver values are now elevated. I have read that milk thistle can help with getting her liver values down, but this statement on your website has me confused:

    “Many herbs interact with the liver’s detoxification system. They should not be used with phenobarbital, glucocorticoids, ketoconazole, midazolam & calcium channel blockers. Those herbs include: Cats claw, chamomile, echinacea, elder root, eleuthero, gingko, goldenseal, hops, garlic, licorice, milk thistle, red clover, rosemary, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort, valerian, and wild cherry bark.”

    So milk thistle should not be given to dogs taking phenobarbital? if this is true, then is there anything that I can give my dog to help heal the liver?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  38. Chris
    Chris says:

    my comment or question is similar to Candace’s. I have White Willow Bark 400mg in powder form capsules. When I open the capsule one measures 1/4 teaspoon. So according to your chart it is ok to give my dog 4 to 8 capsules of this dried herb, 2 to 3 times a day? 4 would = 1teasp. I ask because the label instructs for humans take 1 up to 6 times a day. 1 capsule of 400mg/1/4 tsp. does absolutely nothing for my dog. She is 66 lbs. The other ingredient is the gelatin capsule and Magnesium Stearate. Your post is very helpful by the way, I just want to make sure my dried herb in the capsule is equivalent to your dried herb dosage.
    Thanks

    Reply
  39. Martin
    Martin says:

    My 9 year old Boxer bitch has a suspected heart hemangiosarcoma. Not able to do biopsy due to positioning. Due to all the bleeding and her collapse she has just had a very successful key hole surgery to remove the sac around the heart. She also has a tumour on one of her liver nodes which might be a hepatocellular carcinoma or adenoma. Our dile(ma is should we give her chemo? She is on Yunnan Biaou two capsules every other day (30kg) to help stop the bleeding or slow it down. On Metacam for spinal problem and Nutraquin plus. Should we put her on Milk Thistle tablets? What should we give her to boost her immune system? Even though she is stage 2 she is eating very very well and got lots of energy Thank you

    Reply
  40. Samantha
    Samantha says:

    Hi how do I give my dog the tincture? Can I put drops on top of the food? Or does it have to be in water?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      The best way is to put it directly into her mouth. You can put it on the food as long as you’re sure she gets it all.

      Reply
  41. Stephanie Natale
    Stephanie Natale says:

    Hi Dr. DOUG
    Dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on front carpal. Lungs are clear. I’m giving him turmeric, green lipped mussel, fish/krill oil, Dasuquin, digestive enzymes, oyster shell calcium extract. And I will be adding Turkey tail.mushroom and an immunity blend vitamin. As well as dandelion root. Do you see a bad interaction with any of these?

    Reply
  42. lisa
    lisa says:

    My dog is taking phenobarbitol and potassium bromide for siezures and is weaning off of prednisone. Also giving tramadol as needed for pain. is it okay to give him golden paste (turmeric) for pain?

    Reply
  43. Luci
    Luci says:

    Thank you for this article!
    Our house was struck by lightening a couple months ago and my lab mix has not been “right” since. We have tried everything. Ativan 2mg works very well but I don’t want her drugged that much. I just want her calm.
    When a storm comes she is completely incapacitated. She will pant to the point of hyperventilating. We place her in a large crate with a fan on top, hoping she wont hear it; but she can “smell it coming”. She is inconsolable. Her sister dog will lick her to try to comfort her. We try to cuddle her, without success.
    I was reading about California Poppy and Valerian root; interested in trying, but unsure of doses. She is 60 lbs. lab mix, looks like a whippet.
    Thank you so much for your time.

    Reply
  44. Rachel
    Rachel says:

    Hi Dr Doug,

    What kind of herbal treatment would you recommend for a dog with heart disease?
    What about cataract? Thanks!

    Reply
  45. Stacie
    Stacie says:

    My female pit bull suffers with incontinence. She was spayed very early and is now 3 years old. We’ve been trying her on vet prescribed Prion. Which helped at first but as we tried to slowly ween her off of it, shes having problems again. We have her back up to every other day, but I wanted to try other options-specifically natural ways. I am also looking to change her diet. Through research I’ve came across many herbs that can help this but I was looking to start her off with wild yam, corn silk, and saw palmetto. Any suggestions or concerns?
    Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m not sure how those herbs would work. I’ve had success with chiropractic. You also might want to try the Vetriscience product, Bladder Strength.

      Reply
  46. Jennifer Jenkins
    Jennifer Jenkins says:

    Hi, I have a 9 year-old Boston Terrier. He’s been slowing down lately. At first the vet thought he had arthritis but, when he started bleeding out of his nose, she thought maybe cancer. She did a rectal exam and thought she felt a tumor. No way of knowing for sure without a CT scan. She prescribed him painkillers, Proviable Digestive health supplement, and Yunnan Baiyao capsule. He is done with the pain killers but, I have some herbal/natural medicine that I’ve ordered. We are giving him a combination of two dog foods; one with glucosamine and Chondroitin and some Blue Wilderness holistic dog food. I’m continuing on with the Yunnan Baiyao capsule and a chewable with probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzyme (because he is almost done with the Proviable Digestive Health supplement). I’m also giving him two 1200 fish oil in the morning and two in the evening. What is the best painkiller? I’ve got Tumeric Curcumin (500 mg) capsules, white willow bark extract, and oregano essential oil. What regimen would be best to help him? How would you change things or is there something else even better?Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  47. Rodica
    Rodica says:

    Hi dr Doug.
    Im giving my pug a tinture of licorice for her skin allergies.
    She gets 20 drops per day and this help her a lot.

    She’s s got environmental and food allergies.
    She’s on a cooling homemade diet.

    It’s been about 3 weeks now and i need to add Dandelion in her diet.
    I have dandelion root powder.
    How much should i give?

    And if it’s a glycerine tinture how many drops per day?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  48. Joanna Creek
    Joanna Creek says:

    Hi, my cat is constipated lately, (last 3 weeks), I would like to give her some dandelion root in dry capsule form. For people it says 1 capsule(450 mg organic dandelion per capsule), 1-2 x daily. How about for an 8 pound cat? Joanna

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Human supplements are based on the “average” 150 pound person. Divide the cat’s weight by 150 and you have the fraction of the human dose to give.

      Reply
  49. adi malik
    adi malik says:

    Hey Dr. Doug!
    My dog is a beagle 12 years old, and she has a history of UTI and in the last year we removed twice! Calcium oxalate stones from her bladder. Now she is stone free but I’m wondering which herb should I give… I wanted to try echinicea and maybe marshmallow… But I’m not sure which. She still gets UTI all repeatedly. And she is on and of antibiotics to the point where they don’t affect the infection/inflammation. Cranberry is no good because she had history of stones that need acid environment to grow. What would you recommend I use to treat the UTI while also avoiding getting new stones to appear? (she is on a special diet)

    Reply
  50. Kimb
    Kimb says:

    Hi Dr. Doug,
    My senior shepherd is full of arthritis….especially in his elbows. He is on gabapentin, tramadol and golden paste. Are you familiar with Pain Plus by Vet Classics? It has yucca, boswellia, msm, meadowsweet, cornus, licorice, ginger, and manganese. Is this supplement safe to give with the drugs he is on? Thank you!

    Reply
  51. Ashley
    Ashley says:

    Hi Dr. Doug ! My name is Ashley and I have a 60lb male neutered Shepard mix who is 10 years old. He is in pretty good health for his age but he does have calcium oxalate bladder stones. We discovered them by accident while taking radiographs for something else 3 years ago. He has never exhibited any symptoms or signs related to these stones. We were able to flush the stones because they were very small! It’s been 3 years and they have come back , very small still and he is still not exhibiting any symptoms from them 🙂 I did some research and found Stone Breaker from herb pharmacy . It’s not meant for use in dogs by the only ingredient that concerns me is the organic cane alcohol! Do u think I should do what you suggested above and mix it with hot water before giving it to him ? Or should I just try it and see how he does? I have heard amazing things about this herb and have a friend that said it saved her life , she too had calcium oxalate stones . Thank you for your time and I would really appreciate your input 😉

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m not familiar with that particular supplement but if the alcohol is your only concern then the hot water technique should work.

      Reply
  52. aa
    aa says:

    Can I use milk thistle to prevent harm from heartworm meds? My nephew’s dog suffered liver failure from heartworm preventive and recovered only after a very long while. He still takes Denamarin. Now I’m nervous about giving my own dachshund hw meds. If you think it might help, how much milk thistle would I give to a 20lb dog? Would I give that always or just around the time of the hw med? Is there a less dangerous heartworm solution?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I suggest giving Milk Thistle for 3 days before and after the heartworm pill. The amount to give depends on the form of herb you are using.

      Reply
  53. Mary
    Mary says:

    Hi doc, my 100lb dog has almost constant itchy nose and eyes. He has no mites and it seems to get extreme when he is excited or anxious. I’m not sure to give him Rhodiola or ashwagandha. I am on both and would like to share my good experience with Klyde. He is Chesapeake hound mix, we think, living in the desert. He gets local honey in sweet potato cookies I make to help with allergies. This all started after being on steroids for a misdiagnosis. He actually had mange for nine months and four vets could not get it right. Thank you for any help.

    Reply
  54. Miguel
    Miguel says:

    Hi,

    My dog appears to have signs of initial kidney glumerolonephritis most probably secondary to leishmania infection/imunocomplex deposits. Urine Protein/Creatinine ration 0.3 (so borderline) but Blood serum Creatinine 1.9mg/dl. Im more or less familiar with herbal phytotherapy (tinctures, powder,…) but less Homepathy, and actually i´ve been able to arrest/treat some kidney symptoms. My question is: is it safe to give dogs who show some light to mild signs of kidney or even Liver function compromise ethanolic Tinctures? be it 1:2, 1:3, 25% to 45% ?
    My dog is a German Shepherd who weights 42 Kilos (88 Lbs). Thank you very much.

    Reply
  55. Samantha
    Samantha says:

    Hi there!

    My Pittbull has had severe allergies since she’s been 6 months old. We got her allergy tested and the vet basically told us she was going to have to take prednisone for life since the immunotherapy shots did not work. I have been able to reduce her steroid intake by supplementing Licorice Root capsules into her diet. However, I have also looked into Yucca and Oregon Grape. Would it be wise to use these together or no? The only medication she is on is 2.5mg-5mg prednisone every other day. I thought of Oregon Grape as a natural antibiotic and Yucca for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. What would you suggest? Thank you.

    Reply
  56. Leila Don
    Leila Don says:

    Hi Dr.Doug. My 4 year old 12lb Maltese/Papillon just had a debridement surgery after being attacked by a dog 8 days ago. I wanted to start giving her Calendula in its tea form orally twice a day just to help with the healing process. Just wanted to know if this was a good idea or not as she is taking 25mg of Rimadyl, 62.5 mg of Clavamox, and 25mg of Gabapentin. Thank you

    Reply
  57. Tera Smith
    Tera Smith says:

    My bulldog/boxer mix has seizures. They just started 6 months ago, after she got into a bunch of garbage. Im 97% sure that they happen after she eats grain or certain foods with dye. However, I live on a horse farm and keeping her out of that is harder than it seems. I took her off phenobarbitol because it wasn’t preventing them from happening. I will give her one if she is clustering and it does seem to stop that. She is on DMG and hemp oil daily and that has helped. She also takes a fish oil pill and a probiotic. I would like to start her on Belladonna and Cuprum metallicum, however I dont know how much to give and cant find it anywhere. Can you tell me how much to start with? She weighs 80 pounds. Any other suggestions or thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      It sounds like when you are referencing Belladonna and Cuprum metallicum, you are talking about homeopathic remedies. I would advise that if you are going to go that route that you consult a veterinary homeopath. I believe Dr. Christina Chambreau works long distance. Other than that, there is evidence that a ketogenic diet can help with seizures. You might want to look into0 that.

      Reply
  58. Constantina
    Constantina says:

    Hello, I wish you could advise me how to treat my 14 yrs old female cat. She has developed hyperthyroidism, with symptoms like diarrhea, constant need for food and weight loss .
    I have started feeding her wet food CARNY brand -grain free Made in Germany, but I don’t know what supplement could help in this condition. Vet suggests a drug that completely destroys the thyroid gland and then a lifetime pill. I don’t trust she will make it with such a strong chemical, she is so light and fragile! Thank you in advance for your advice.

    Reply
  59. Eva
    Eva says:

    My kitty has been diagnosed with triaditis / IBD she is 6.5 years old. Would like to know if the herb cats claw (uncaria tomentosa) would be ok to use for her. My interest in this herb is for its immune and intestinal supports and inflammation. Her last blood profile was done in Dec 2017 and it was all good except for the liver ALT which was extremely high and elevated eosinophils. I use the herb myself and have found it very beneficial. thank you

    Reply
  60. Jessica Pompeo
    Jessica Pompeo says:

    Hi Dr. Doug;
    I’ve been reading your page and am very interested if you have any thoughts or recommendations for herbal use in treating FIP in cats? My 9month old kitten was just prognosed with a 95% of having this fatal virus. Modern medicine has no cure or treatment so have been researching herbal medicine such as cats claw, cod liver oil, vitamins a, b and d. Do you have any recommendations?
    I look forward to your thoughts and direction.

    Reply
  61. Dianne
    Dianne says:

    My little chihuahua has chf he take 585mg hawthorn, 500mg milk thistle, dandelion root 500mg and burdock root 400 g. He still coughs a lot. is this sufficient for a 17 lb dog?

    Reply
  62. Macy
    Macy says:

    Hi Dr. Doug,
    I have a 3 month old 46lb Great Dane. I’ve been to the vet 3 times already and it’s getting expensive so i wanted to do home remedies for what we think is either kennel cough or allergies.

    I give him a tsp honey 2 times a day once in the morning and once at night. I just let him lick it off the spoon. I made sure it was raw organic.

    Then i mix 2 tsp of coconut oil and 2 vitamin E pill capsules that i break open into his food but only once a day. I have been doing it in the lunch food.

    Then at night time i give him 2 tsp of children’s night time Robitussin DM

    And last i have a aromatherapy diffuser to help with allergies/cold i put that on when we sleep and during the day. I put in…
    3 drops of lavender
    3 drops of peppermint
    3 drops of tea tree
    3 drops of lemongrass

    Is this all ok?

    I was thinking about giving him licorice root or marshmallow root to but i didn’t know if i give him the liquid in his food or tea. And what would the dosage be?

    Reply
  63. Manon Hetu
    Manon Hetu says:

    Hello
    Our cat takes Fortekor for his Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (good taste). He also takes Clopidogrel (bad taste). Can he takes an herbal medicine instead?
    Thanks.
    Manon Hetu (Canada)

    Reply
  64. Tamatha Kostynyk
    Tamatha Kostynyk says:

    Hi there Dr.!

    My dog has Lyme disease and I asked my holistic vet about herbs but he was not aware of any. A friend told me she used samento liquid as she had success with her dog on it. the link is below. Have you heard of small dogs taking this and being ok? My main concern is the ethanol of 20 to 25%. But I like your hot water idea. I am curious if you are aware of this product. It is an upscale form of cats claw apparently.

    https://www.nutramedix.com/shop/liquid-products/samento-microbial-defense

    Reply
  65. Dhruvi
    Dhruvi says:

    Hi,
    I have an all organic product from herbera called parasitix roundworm. It has black walnut, wormwood, and clove total 671mg and I want to use it at a preventative for worms. He is 10.6 lbs so should I do maybe 2 drops twice a day ? And how long should this regimen last for?

    Thanks

    Reply
  66. Jackie
    Jackie says:

    My dog has T cell Lymphoma and on steroids, she’s doing really well at the moment (I know it’s terminal) she lost 6kg of Weight, but has recently put 2.3kg back on, her calcium levels are normal again and she’s looking really healthy for saying she has been diagnosed about 8 weeks ago now..She did have 2 lots of chemo but i stopped it due to her not really reacting well to it..Shes eating well & still has a zest for life..Is there anything you can suggest to give her to help her fight this longer..Thanks

    Reply
  67. Terry Journey
    Terry Journey says:

    Dr. Doug, my dog has a tooth infection and I would like to use goldenseal. However, he also has a Grade 2 heart murmur. Would goldenseal still be ok?

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Goldenseal is OK to give to a dog with a heart murmur but if your dog has t tooth root infection, the only cure is to pull that tooth.

      Reply
  68. Julie Dulong
    Julie Dulong says:

    My cat is 13 and has suffered from feline herpes his entire life. I’ve tried l-lysine and it didn’t have any appreciable benefits so I am considering astragalus – which I personally take as a tincture.

    He is under 10 lbs. and I see the recommended dose is 1-3 drops. I will start with 1 but should I dilute that as mentioned earlier in the article?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Diluting with equal parts hot water should hemp it go down easier – only dilute the amount for one dose at a time.

      Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      You can use the human form, the problem is getting the dose right. The best thing would be if you can find the herb in a tincture form then give 1 drop per pound of body weight twice daily. Be sure to evaporate off the alcohol with equal amount of hot water.

      Reply
  69. Ella
    Ella says:

    HI Dr.
    My dog is a chihuahua-terrier and about 12 years old. He developed severe demodectic mange and I’ve been treating him with 1/10 cc of Ivermectin for 6 months successfully as he’s 6lbs. No more mange.
    However, He had a full seizure a few days ago and I took him to the vet. Vet says he probably has Epilepsy as he’s had minor seizures (currently his body bobs back and forth in clusters and he had a full seizure 4 years ago) but I’m afraid it’s Ivermectin toxicity. I’ve stopped Ivermectin today but I’m wondering what can I do or give him to help his body recover and Detox and at what doses?
    Thanks

    Reply
  70. jns o
    jns o says:

    Hi Dr. We have a 3 year old cat with a sore on the end of his tail. Can we use Tincture of benzoin as a liquid bandaid on it? If we held him long enough to let it dry so he couldn’t lick it?

    Reply
  71. SHANNA WADSWORTH
    SHANNA WADSWORTH says:

    Hi Dr. Doug, my 5 yr old English bulldog has Arvc and severe enlargement on his right side of his heart, he is on Vetmedin 7.5 mg 2x a day, and melixitine 150mg. 3x a day. My question is he recently is starting to have a little pot belly look some days and when he does he seems uncomfortable, so I think he is starting to have a little fluid build up, is there something natural I can use that wouldn’t be as hard on his system as a prescribed diuretic? I’ve looked up horsetail, b6, and dandelion root but im not sure. Thanks so much in advance for your help.

    Reply
  72. Caroline Pirouet & Melody
    Caroline Pirouet & Melody says:

    Hi Dr Doug, I am doing a little research regarding Milk Thistle for our 10 and a half yr old (10 month old in her mind) Lab mix who is my entire world. We’ve had ultrasound, X-ray and bloods done recently and the only thing coming up was some biliary sludge in her gallbladder. Her symptoms are mainly constant hard swallowing, stomach gurgles that could rival a demolition site, cannot seem to settle for long and slightly louder than usual breathing whilst resting. Vet has ruled out any issue with all her main organs (thankfully) and has her on Destolit (150mg) 1 and half tablets twice a day and two sachets of Samylin (UK equivalent of Denamarin I believe) Large Breed mixed into her breakfast wet meal. We are 7 days in and haven’t seen any reduction in her symptoms and just this evening we have had a massive what we call “gulpy” session where she swallows constantly and drools like mad. It makes her really anxious and we’re trying not to react and make her even more antsy. We’re back to the vet for a follow up ultrasound on the 17th to see if any of the sludge has shifted so I’m mainly looking at things to bring up in that conversation as it’s better in my mind to have valid things to suggest and discuss than miss the one thing that could help her. We think that due to the sludge build up she’s now got an excess of acid in her stomach hence the noise and swallows and the antsy restlessness is the build up of sludge and how it’s making her feel in herself. Would it be worth mentioning Milk Thistle to our vet when we see him soon as a possible alternative to the Samylin as I’m already thinking of also mentioning Omeprazole for her acid issues. I am so desparate to see her return to the lunacy that she was before this all started as otherwise she certainly defied her almost 11yrs bless her heart. Thank you so much for any advice on whether Milk Thistle might be worth a mention to our Vet (as a side note Melody has totally fallen head over heels in love with this vet and I suspect would leave home for him) 😀

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      The sludge in the gallbladder may have nothing to do with the signs you are seeing. If the gallbladder was the problem I would expect some indication in the blood work such as elevated bilirubin or liver enzymes. Sometimes sludge can be an incidental finding. This sounds like a problem in the stomach itself (or perhaps small intestine). Also, sludge in the gall bladder does not indicate excess acid in the stomach. It is just as likely that there is not enough acid in the stomach to digest the food properly. (I guess I’m against the indiscriminate use of antacids). It may be time to consider an endoscopy of the stomach since an ultrasound does not see into the stomach very well.

      Reply
  73. Marie
    Marie says:

    Can you use milk thistle seed in place of the herb leaves? Or is there a different dosage for the seed?

    Reply
  74. Al
    Al says:

    Hey Doc,
    I have two kitty’s that were attacked by a stray and a week later I trapped him and took him into the vet and we found out that he had FIV. ” it’s been 2.5 weeks now since the attacks” Is there something that you would recommend to get them started on to maybe help them not get sick with this virus? I was thinking cat’s claw and maybe some colloidal silver.. I couldn’t have stopped this and I feel bad as their dad I didn’t save them from this.. I’m praying you may have some great insight on something that will stop this from turning in the virus for my little fur babies..
    Respectfully,
    Al

    Reply
  75. Summer Smyth
    Summer Smyth says:

    Hi Dr. Doug. My 1.5 year old Aussie just developed a honking cough over the past 2-3 days. It seemed to go away the first day we noticed it but it has come back this morning with it seems like no other symptoms. She does visit the dog park almost daily and is is fully vaccinated. I was wondering what kind of goldenseal you would recommend her taking. I’ve seen lots of teas,pills,powders, and liquid drops and I’m just not sure which one will be most effective. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      First of all I recommend that you have your Aussie seen by a veterinarian to be sure there is not a serious condition. Chest Xrays may be needed. Goldenseal is effective in any form – you just have to be sure that what is on the label is what is in the bottle. In other words, be sure you’re dealing with a company you can trust. I migh suggest slippery elm bark or marshmallow for a cough like you describe.

      Reply
  76. Yvonne
    Yvonne says:

    Hi..Dr.Doug,my yourkie has enlarged heart and edema on his lungs.The vet put him on furosemide 10 ml 2 times a day then increased three times a day because he had labor breathing again and coughed ,vetmedin 1.25 mg,and benezepril 1.25 mg once a day. Since the vet increased the furosemide,I am concern about his kidney .i wonder if I can cut down the furosemide back twice a day and give him dandelion tincture free alcohol to him ,is it ok?
    I noticed sometimes he slips and almost fall down when he tries to get up from sitting down or when he walks .I wonder if he got dizzy from benezepril or from furosemide .
    Thank you Dr.Doug

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I cannot recommend any change in dose of medication without seeing the animal. It is just as likely that your pet is falling due to decreased blood flow to the brain due to the heart failure.

      Reply
  77. Chris
    Chris says:

    Dr, What would be your top recommended herbs for a dog who has liver damage resulting from exposure to Lyme disease?

    Reply
  78. Francis
    Francis says:

    Hi Dr! My little old terrier is horrible today. I recently got a liquid that contains ginkgo biloba, garlic, and hawthorn berries. Co Q 10 has also been added into his diet, as he has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure stage 6th and a heart murmur at a level 6 as well. My doctor also has him on Vetmedin, Furosemide, and Enalopril, but he started having more problems at the beginning of this summer and I thought I would try an supplement, as I am very afraid of this summer might be his last. Two days after started the supplement he’s acting lethargic, sleeping constantly, can barely move, and isn’t following me around the house like his typical self. Did I just poisons my dog? He’s also crying a great deal, very unlikely him. Please help!

    Reply
  79. Jude
    Jude says:

    My dog is on Levetiracetam (Keppra) every 12 hours, and gabapentin every 24-48. She’s recovering from brain surgery 3 weeks ago, which has relieved some of her previous symptoms, but her autoimmune issues are amping up again. I don’t know if it’s from the medications, or another issue. Is it safe to give milk thistle with these medications? A friend has suggested I try it, to help her recover from the meds, and all of the anesthesia. The neurologist also thinks she may have had a toxicity issue, in addition to a cyst on her brain, so the poor girl just needs help getting her body back in sync. I have milk thistle on hand (powdered, capsules) so thought it might help to give her some.

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Milk thistle can help the liver but it also increases the activity of the liver detox enzymes which sounds like a goo thing until you realize it may decrease the blood levels of the seizure meds.

      Reply
  80. Mirey
    Mirey says:

    Hi dr. Dough. My cocker spaniel is 12yr, she’s on raw diet for the last 4 years. She has always fight kindness issues and protein in her urine. We already give her low animal protein diet and she is on enapril 2.5mg , which help but now the protein is back. I wanted to start her on SAMe or Denamarin. What do you think?

    Reply
  81. Jenna
    Jenna says:

    Would like to know if you are familiar with marshmallow root , what dose would you give a 13 pound cat he 13 years old. recently diagnose with Stage 2 renal disease at this time I am giving
    Lactated ringers injection 125ml three times a week,he is eating a wet renal prescription diet ,along with boiled tilapia fish,2 organic shrimp,probiotics added to each small serving ,he is drinking good amount of water . I am giving Vetri science renal Essentials feline, it has a s t r a g a l u e root,powder 12mg,rehmagnnia glutinous root extract 12mg, rehmannia glutinosa root extract 12mg, nettle12mg, would marshmallows be helpful for indigestion. Thanks jenna

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I’m not sure what you mean by indigestion. Is there nausea and vomiting? Then I would give ginger. Marshmallow does sooth mucous membranes. I would use it for gastric ulcers or enteritis. Generally for a cat that size I would give 1/10 of the human dose.

      Reply
  82. Dartanian
    Dartanian says:

    I want to give Sanicle to my 16yo elderly cat to help shrink a tumor and avoid surgery if possible. I have read that WHITE Sanicle is poisonous to pets but what about BLACK Sanicle – and how do I tell which I’m getting? I’m also thinking of chuchuhuasi powder – is my cat at risk for side effects with any of these? He also takes Methimazole 2.5x2day for hyperthyroidism, will it interact with any of these? Many thanks. Dartanian

    Reply
  83. Deborah Crossman
    Deborah Crossman says:

    My 13yo, 21lb Pug dog has aggressive oral melanoma, along with sludge in her gall bladder and an issue with her liver (moderate vacuolar neuropathy consistent with glycogen, suggestive of possible hyperadrenocorticism). She is on Adequan injected monthly for her joints, and Piroxicam (switched from Meloxicam) as an NSAID anti inflammatory for her joints that has a cancer fighting tendency. She is also getting chemo with carboplatin, and the oral melanoma vaccine. I want to give her Denamarin, or Milk Thistle and SAMe, for her liver and gall bladder but am worried about contraindications with the meds. Can you tell me whether to give (and when/quantity) her either of the herbs or Denamarin right now, please? I purchased the latter already, not realizing it had an altered form of Milk Thistle. Thank you very much!

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      Your best bet is to talk to the oncologist about what supplements can be given with the current protocol. You also might benefit from finding a local holistic vet. Use the vet finder at http://www.ahvma.org to find someone close to you.

      Reply
  84. Sally
    Sally says:

    Hello ,, my little cat , one year old , has FHS , I don’t have a holistic vet nearby , so after research I’m using St Johns Wort tincture just one or two drops ,, he was taking the drops in his food initially but after a couple of days caught on to what I was up to & refused ,, since then I’ve applied the one or two drops to the back of his neck .. .. .. A few Qs ; he is just under 4 kilos is the dose appropriate for his size ? ,, Since I’m giving just one or two drops its not possible to evaporate the alcohol in same amount of hot water will that tiny amount of alcohol be a problem for him ,, Will the St Johns Wort be absorbed through his skin ? ,, Can that tiny amount cause photosensitivity ? .. .. .. Any other suggestions for the FHS gratefully received ,, ThankYou ! ,, Sally

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I guess St. John’s Wort would not be my first choice for this problem. You actually could use a dropper to add hot water to a couple of drops of any tincture. I think very little of any herbal tincture can be absorbed through the skin.

      Reply
  85. Laila Wines
    Laila Wines says:

    Thank you so much for this article! My 12 year old male Maltese “Snickers” suffers from seizures for over 3 years (he does great In between his weekly episode) and he is on Phenobarbitol. I have a Holistic vet BUT she only has one other dog with seizures so she has learned a lot from my dog and me as I research a lot… So I don’t think she knows about interactions of herbals and homeopathics… Anyways I give him lots of supplements and would like to know if you know of any interactions between “Devils claw” and Phenobarbitol? I read that cats claw is not to be given if on Pheno and I think the plant is related. That is an active ingredient in a supplement I’ve been giving him for arthritis…

    Also, I wanted to try giving Belladonna, aconitum nappellus, and cicuta virosa as I’ve read about for seizures but can you help me with regards to giving it or not with Pheno!???
    Thank you so much! I want to try anything and everything for my baby boy but am scared of doing more harm than good…

    Reply
    • Dr. Doug
      Dr. Doug says:

      I do not know if there are interactions between Devil’s claw and phenobarbital. I do not think that any homeopathics would interfere with any drugs. In people it has been found that a ketogenic diet can reduce seizures. Also, in dogs a study showed that medium-chain triglycerides can help. Both of these treatments provide ketones to the brain. A source of medium-chain triglycerides is coconut oil.

      Reply
  86. Jess
    Jess says:

    Hi Dr. Doug- thank you for this post, I am so happy to have stumbled upon it. My dog is currently on meds for CHF and her cough is getting really bad. I am hoping to find some relief for her. Would you avoid giving her ginseng/ hawthorn while she is on these medications? I really appreciate your advice.

    Reply
  87. Angela Allen
    Angela Allen says:

    Greetings Dr D. 2yo Great Pyrenees with brown tear staining. Recent vet visit ruled out any health issues; suggested MIGHT be allergies or some kind of blockage in tear ducts. She is raw fed and otherwise very healthy. Can you suggest what herb(s) might be beneficial, either topically or injested? I typically use organic dried/powdered or tinctures. You are much appreciated.
    PyrMom, Angela

    Reply
  88. Angela Brown
    Angela Brown says:

    Hi, Dr. Doug,

    How many drops of dandelion tincture (glycerin based) can I safely give to a 16-pound dog per day? He has a grade 2/3 heart murmur but has not yet been diagnosed with CHF. He is on pimobendan only. The dandelion tincture bottle says humans can take 28 to 56 drops three times a day.

    Thank you!

    Reply

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