Create a DIY Herb Garden for Herbal Healing and a Healthier Dog

As a Pawsome pet parent, you're always on the lookout for the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. With the growing trend towards natural and holistic pet care, herbs and plants offer a safe and effective way to support your dog's well-being. Just as with humans, herbs can provide a wide range of benefits for dogs, from boosting their immune system to acting as natural first-aid remedies.

 

In this blog, we'll explore some of the best herbs for canine health, tips on growing them at home and how to safely use these powerful plants for your dog.

 

The Best Herbs for Canine Health

Herbs have been used for centuries to treat various health issues in humans and animals. Below are some of the top herbs that can safely support your dog's health:

Chamomile

• Benefits: Chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for dogs experiencing anxiety or digestive issues. It can also be used as a mild pain reliever for conditions like arthritis or joint discomfort.

Calendula

• Benefits: Calendula is a powerful skin healer, ideal for treating wounds, cuts, or skin irritations in dogs. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help speed up recovery and soothe irritation.

Lavender

• Benefits: Lavender’s calming scent makes it an excellent option for stress relief. It’s often used in aromatherapy or added to grooming products to reduce anxiety during stressful situations, such as vet visits or thunderstorms.

Milk Thistle

• Benefits: Milk thistle is commonly used for detoxification and liver support, particularly in dogs exposed to toxins or medications that strain the liver.

Turmeric

• Benefits: Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and is especially beneficial for older dogs suffering from arthritis or joint pain. It also supports the immune system and aids digestion.

Growing Tips

Because we are based in South Queensland, we’re sharing how herbs such as chamomile, calendula, lavender, milk thistle, and turmeric can thrive in our climate but with proper care, we’re sure they can thrive in your garden or herb box too. 

Top tips

Chamomile

• Best Planting Season: Autumn and early winter.
• Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade during hot afternoons.
• Soil & Watering: Well-drained, sandy soil. Keep moderately moist.
• Care Tips: Avoid heavy clay soils; mulch around plants for moisture retention.
• Harvesting: Pick the flowers once fully open, ideally in the early morning. 

Calendula

• Best Planting Season: Late summer or early autumn.
• Sunlight: Full sun, with afternoon shade in hotter months.
• Soil & Watering: Well-drained soil; water when the top inch is dry.
• Care Tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage blooms.
• Harvesting: Pick flowers as soon as they bloom; use fresh or dried.

Lavender

• Best Planting Season: Spring or autumn.
• Sunlight: Full sun, needing 6-8 hours daily.
• Soil & Watering: Well-drained, slightly alkaline soil; avoid overwatering.
• Care Tips: Prune lightly after flowering; mulch with pebbles for drainage.
• Harvesting: Pick flower spikes as buds begin to open for optimal scent and oil content.

Milk Thistle

• Best Planting Season: Late summer or early autumn.
• Sunlight: Full sun, tolerating partial shade.
• Soil & Watering: Well-drained soil; drought-resistant once established.
• Care Tips: Hardy plant, low maintenance, tolerates poor soils.
• Harvesting: Collect seeds when flowers dry and turn brown.

Turmeric

• Best Planting Season: Spring, after the last frost.
• Sunlight: Partial to full sun, with some afternoon shade.
• Soil and Watering: Rich, loamy soil; keep consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Care Tips: Thrives in high humidity; add compost to improve soil.
• Harvesting: Ready for harvest 8-10 months after planting, once leaves turn yellow and dry out.

General Growing Tips

• Mulching: Use organic mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, especially in warmer months.
• Watering: Water early in the morning to prevent evaporation. Avoid overwatering, as many herbs prefer well-drained soil.
• Pest Control: Watch for pests like aphids or whiteflies during warmer months. A natural water and neem oil spray can help control infestations.

Herbal Dosages for a 10 kg Dog

When using herbs for dogs, the right dosage is crucial. Here's a guide on how to safely administer the herbs mentioned:

Chamomile

• Form: Dried herb or tea.
• Dosage:

• Dried herb: 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoons mixed into food.

• Chamomile tea: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) once or twice daily.

Calendula

• Form: Dried herb or topical ointment.
• Dosage:

• Dried herb: 0.5 to 1 teaspoon mixed into food.

• Topical: Apply directly to wounds as needed.

Lavender

• Form: Essential oil or fresh herb (Note: Dilute lavender essential oil for dogs).
• Dosage:
• Essential oil: 1 drop diluted in 10 ml carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil), applied topically or diffused.
• Fresh herb: 1 small pinch of dried lavender flowers (no more than 1/8 teaspoon).

Milk Thistle

• Form: Powdered or tincture.
• Dosage:

• Powder: 1/4 teaspoon per day.

• Tincture: 1 drop per kg of body weight (10 drops for a 10 kg dog).

Turmeric

• Form: Powdered root or paste.
• Dosage:

• Powdered turmeric: 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon with black pepper (which enhances absorption) mixed into food, once or twice daily. Fat aids absorption which is why it is best to give with food.

• Golden paste (turmeric, coconut oil, black pepper): Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase to 1/2 teaspoon daily.

General Guidelines:

• Start Slowly: Introduce herbs gradually and observe for reactions.
• Frequency: Administer once or twice daily.
• Consult a Vet: Especially for medicinal purposes or if your dog is taking medication, consult a holistic vet to tailor the dosage to your dog's needs.

By incorporating these natural herbal solutions into your dog's routine, you're harnessing the power of nature to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving. Happy growing and caring from the Pawsome Naturals team!