How To Love Your Pet With Natural Herbal Health

Have you ever used Echinacea as a herbal supplement for yourself? It's a herbal remedy that's often used to help with immune health.

Although medical research has not been overwhelming in evidence for its benefits. But as with any supplement, often the quality and provenance makes a huge difference!

Echinacea is also used to help with animal health too.

First of all, what is Echinacea?

It's a group of flowering plants that are native to North America. They're also called coneflowers. And of the nine common types, three are often used in herbal medicine:

• Echinacea angustifolia, which has narrow petals
• Echinacea pallida, which has pale petals
• Echinacea purpurea, which has purple petals

So how can Echinacea help your pet?3 reasons your animal may use echinacea are:

• Immune health
• Anti-inflammatory
• Help with upper respiratory conditions.

Read more about why immune health is important for your animal here in my advice page

Which animals can have Echinacea?

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Horses.

How is echinacea given?
You can find it in capsule, liquid extract or as a powder.

Many leading herbal pet healthcare suppliers have echinacea supplements in their ranges. These include Hilton Herbs and Wendals Herbs.

As with any supplement don't use more than is recommended by your veterinary surgeon, and the guidelines on the product you purchase.

Are there any potential side effects?

Echinacea is considered safe and side effects are uncommon. See these:

• The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products, Veterinary Medicines Evaluation Unit
• Effects of long term administration of echinacea in addition with vaccination on general condition and liver and renal performance in dogs

But use echinacea cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets, and only with the consent of your veterinary surgeon!

Remember….
As with all therapies and treatments - use only those that your Veterinary Surgeon approves. Whilst herbal medicine is generally very safe, there maybe some reasons why it won't be suitable for your horse, dog or other animal. It may not even work properly if your animal is on other medication, so do get your Veterinary Surgeon's permission first.

Find out more about other natural animal therapies here at Taranet. Or read other articles in this Natural Pet Health Blog. Take a look at the sitemap here to explore!

About the Author

Suzanne Harris is founder of this Taranet website at www.taranet.co.uk, and also provides business coaching to horse and dog care and veterinary professionals.