8 Best Herbs for Your Dog

People have been using herbs to supplement their diets and improve their health for hundreds of years. In recent years some companies have emerged with herbal products to enhance the life of their pet dogs as well. Your dog is a member of the family, too, so why shouldn't he/she have all the benefits of centuries of herbal studies as well? Here are three herbs that can help your dog live a happier and healthier life.

Lavender: Lavender reduces the buildup of excessive skin oil-a perfect remedy to use on greasy and smelly dogs. Lavender inhibits the bacterial growth in the greasy coat that causes the odor. Make a lavender rinse for your dog's coat to help with skin irritations and inflammation. Lavender also heals wounds and regenerates tissue.

Echinacea: This is Mother Nature’s frontline weapon against germs and infection. It not only boosts the immune system but also is a mild antibiotic, especially in the mouth and urinary tract. It's useful against many kinds of germs, bacteria, and yeasts. In addition, it strengthens and balances the existing immune system. It's particularly effective if it's administered just as an infection or illness is getting started. It can also be used in a preventative way. Ambertech's "Tummy Trouble" and "Parvaid" both contain Echinacea.

Hawthorn: Hawthorn is especially effective in helping the heart. It opens up the blood vessels, especially near the heart and the brain, making blood flow easier. It's also able to help stabilize weak or erratic heartbeats, so if a dog has had heart troubles in the past, Hawthorn could help it recover. Hawthorn is also a diuretic, and is also high in antioxidants, helping to stop the free radicals in your dog's body and allowing more oxygen in the blood.

Chamomile- A calming herb, chamomile is beneficial for the nervous adolescent stage of your dog's growth. Made into a tea, it eases teething pain in puppies and can help older dogs sleep more peacefully at night when they are prone to pacing the house. It's a soothing digestive aid, cleanses the blood, heals skin rashes and speeds wound healing.

Calendula- A magical wound healer, calendula's antibacterial properties work better than many antibiotics. Reach for calendula to reduce inflammation and for first aid treatment. Make an infusion of the leaves to treat itching and hot spots.

Dandelion: All this time you've been digging these things out of your yard, cussing and swearing the whole time. It's a powerful supplement to your dog's diet. Dandelion root stimulates the production of bile and helps keep the liver functioning well. The leaves carry many vitamins and help keep the urinary tract working well.

Rosemary- Rosemary is wonderful for the skin---it has antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This fragrant herb also aids digestion. It makes a wonderful rinse for your dog's bath to promote hair growth and enhance rich luster and color tones in the fur.

Sage- Sage has been referred to as a "heal-all" herb since ancient times. Sage can be added to your dog's meal every day to promote health. Sage has a rich history in healing the body of many diseases.

In fact, the biggest problem that dogs often have with dandelions is not the plant itself, but from ingesting the herbicides we often use on them! Ambertech's "Hawthorn & Dandelion" extract supplement contains both of these herbs and can be used to help your dog feel its best! There are many, many other herbs that are useful in caring for your pet. Let your dog know how much you live him/her, and show that love by taking care of its health.