| By :
Stephen Daniels
Pet owners are thinking about natural pet products almost as much as they're thinking about more whole foods for themselves. This can mean growing a kitchen garden of aloe vera, catnip, rosemary and parsley for both themselves and their companion animals; making doggie treats at home; buying herbal treatments online; or going to holistic vets and stores. Among the health benefits of using these treatments are avoiding fillers and artificial ingredients, and ensuring a more nutritious meal. The next time you reach for the rosemary while preparing dinner, think about using it as an effective herbal treatment for what might ail your furry family members as well. That's right - rosemary is not just for remembrance these days. It can also be used for your pet's bad breath. Let's take a trip through the garden of organic remedies for pets: * Ginger root calms upset tummies and can ease car sickness for dogs and puppies * Garlic helps combat worms and parasites * We know about cats and catnip! * Aloe vera is a fine natural remedy for cuts and abrasions * Eucalyptus, fennel, rosemary, rue, wormwood and yellow dock are good ingredients for a do-it-yourself flea powder Of course, it is essential to do your homework before searching the backyard for a homegrown treatment. What is safe for humans may not be safe for animals. Be sure to consult your veterinarian and follow dosing instructions. Smaller doses several times during the day, as opposed to one large daily dose, have been found to be most effective with many herbal remedies. Also, give your pets' immune system a chance to kick in by using a two-weeks-on/one-week-off schedule. Stay alert for any allergic reactions or side effects, just as you would for your child; and again, keep in touch with your vet. He or she should also be advising you whether any other medications your dog or cat may be taking will cause a bad interaction. It is also interesting to note that your pets' digestive systems are much shorter than ours, so they have a harder time digesting fresh herbs. That's why they are better administered in the form of tinctures, powders and essential oils. Whether taking a more organic path for your pet's health means making your own dog food, shopping for natural products or finding a holistic vet, a little bit of caution can ensure the health and safety of your beloved pet.
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