You might have heard of the many benefits herbs have for dogs (and people), but did you know that herbs are especially important for ageing dogs?

Older dogs have a lot of health issues that can arise! Just a few of these include cancer, loss of appetite, liver disease, arthritis, etc. These issues can be combated with the beneficial products in herbs. There are so many herbs to choose from that we narrowed down our top 10 herbs for the ageing dog!

The Herbs

Burdock Root -

• Effective for stimulating liver function and helping the digestive

           tract stay healthy.

• Older dogs are more susceptible to liver disease, so we need to help support their liver by adding herbs like Burdock.

Ginkgo -

• Great for improving memory, which is essential for the ageing dog.
• Improves brain function and helps keep them mentally sharp.

Comfrey -

• Great for pain management as an anti-inflammatory.
• Best in small quantities.

Boswellia serrata -

• Supports the immune system's response to pain, making it more manageable.

Ginseng -

• Works great as an appetite stimulant.
• Helps the digestive system absorb nutrients properly.

Dandelion Root -

• Liver cleansing properties.
• Helps with cataracts!

Thyme -

• Calming properties.
• Contains Vitamin K, calcium for strong bones, and fibre

Garlic -

• Best in small amounts.
• Great as an antifungal to fight yeast infections, protein, zinc, and calcium.

Catnip -

• Helps stimulate appetite
• Calm nervous dogs and help them sleep.
• Contains Vitamins A & C.

Goldenseal -

• Amazing anti-inflammatory
• Used for treating ulcers and mouth sores.
• Helps fight infections.

How to Use Herbs

As always, you should have your holistic veterinarian monitor your dog while trying herbs and holistic therapies. They will be able to provide you with the proper dosing for your specific dog's weight and age.

Most herbs can be found at the store pre-packaged, at your local holistic vet, or online.

Some of the herbs can be made into tinctures or sprinkled in your dog’s food! It is best to start with a small amount, see how your dog tolerates it, then go from there.

The Conclusion

Herbs have been used for many centuries as a form of medicine for healing and preventative nature. As you can see from our list of the top 10 herbs for ageing dogs, there are many benefits to their properties. It’s important for older dogs to cleanse their organs and detox.

We hope to have given you some resources to help your ageing dog live the best life possible!

Dr. Karen Becker, DVM “Herbal Medicine for the Health of Your Pet.” Mercola.com, 25 Jan. 2015, healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/01/25/pet-herbal-medicine.aspx.

Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM. “Ginkgo.” vca_corporate, 2009, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ginkgo.

Dr. Basko, DVM “Holistic Therapies For Pets With Arthritis & Musculoskeletal Problems.” Dr. Basko, www.drbasko.com/portfolio-items/holistic-therapies-pets-arthritis-musculoskeletal-problems/.

Dr. Narda Robinson, DVM. “The Bountiful Benefits Of Boswellia.” Veterinary Practice News, 23 May 2012, www.veterinarypracticenews.com/the-bountiful-benefits-of-boswellia/.

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM. “Herbal Pet – The Basics.” Dr Doug, Apr. 2015, drdougknueven.com/?p=339.