Tips On How To Help Your Animal With Valerian

Have you heard of the herb Valerian? It's been long used in herbal medicine for people and animals. With medicine made from its root. This is a plant that's native to Europe but also grows in North America and parts of Asia.

Which Animals Is Valerian Used With?

Horses, dogs and cats are three animals which valerian's used with.

Why Use Valerian?

This is a herb that's thought to be an excellent natural sedative.

It can be a popular choice for helping pets or horses who're stressed. If you've a horse going to a show, or who doesn't like the farrier or vet, it may help reduce anxiety. Or if your pet doesn't like going to the vets. For any animal who gets stressed and fearful from fireworks. Or other loud noises, a calmer with Valerian as the only or one of the components can be useful.

There has been veterinary research to evidence whether Valerian can help. This includes:

• Effects of the valerian root extract on cardiac echocardiography indexes in the female Cats (Human and Veterinary Medicine, 2015)
• The Anxiolytic Effects of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) on the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) (2019)
• The Effect of Pet Remedy on the Behaviour of the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) (2016)

How Do You Use Valerian?

You can find many supplements designed for animals, which contain Valerian. For example, Hilton Herbs are one natural animal health retailer. Who have Valerian as a key ingredient in several calming supplements. You can also find Valerian Root as a tincture.

Dorwest Herbs is another company who sells pet calming/ relaxation supplements with Valerian.

Valerian is also used as applied zoopharmacognosy. With international expert Caroline Ingraham's online shop having valerian water for you to buy.

Whichever product you choose. Choose one that's sustainably sourced, is properly natural, preferably organic. And check how much valerian is in it! The amounts can vary significantly.

Is Valerian Safe To Use?

Generally yes. But as with any therapy or supplement, if your animal is unwell or on any existing medication. Get your veterinary surgeon's permission.

If you want to use Valerian with your horse, then be cautious. Valerian is a banned substance under FEI rules in competition horses.

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

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.

How To Help Your Dog With The Herb Slippery Elm

Is Slippery Elm something you've heard of? It's an unusual name for sure!

But this is useful herb that's often given to dogs. Usually for gastro-intestinal issues.

First of all what is slippery elm?

It's from the inner bark of the Slippery or Red Elm tree. This is a tree that's native to North America.

It's called this, because of the gel that's formed when the powdered inner bark comes in contact with water.

How can slippery elm help dogs?

Veterinary herbalists have used slippery elm for many years. It's properties are:

• Soothing - for respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal ailments
• Nutritional - it contains carbohydrates, protein and trace minerals
• Tonic - for wellbeing
• Astringent - to help dry and calm irritation

So not only can it help with overall health, it can be used to regulate. So is believed to help with both diarrhoea and constipation for example.

Can you use slippery elm with other supplements or medicine?

Not always! It can be ok as long as there's several hours between using other things. So always get your veterinary surgeon's approval to use. You could end up otherwise, either causing harm. Or neither the slippery elm or the other medicine/supplement working.

Is There Evidence That Slippery Elm Helps Dogs?

Yes, not only is there a lot of anecdotal evidence. With many veterinary surgeons recommending it.

But there's also the following research that's been completed:

Expedited Management of Canine and Feline Vomiting and Diarrhea. Observational Study in 3952 Dogs and 2248 Cats Using Sucralfate-Like Potency-Enhanced Polyanionic Phyto-Saccharide—Elm Mucilage (Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2013)

How To Use Slippery Elm With Dogs?

Choose a product that's specially formulated for dogs. This way you'll know your dog is getting the right amount. And from a reputable manufacturer or supplier, you'll get product support. This maybe useful.
Also ensure the product is traceable and from a sustainable source.

My recommendation is Dorwest Herbs. They have a great range of high quality herbal supplements, including Tree Bark Powder. Visit their website here.

You can also find slippery elm included in supplements combined with other herbs. For instance Hilton Herbs have a Gastric Support supplement for dogs, that includes amongst other herbs, slippery elm.

I hope that this information helps you to help your dog :)

Like help finding a veterinary surgeon or therapist for your animal?
Please email me at info at taranet . co. uk

Please remember that if your horse, dog or other animal is unwell. Or on any kind of medication or other supplement. Then always speak to your Veterinary Surgeon first before using any supplement or therapy. Even natural ones. To avoid any possible issues.

And do you know someone who'd find this helpful? Please share, the more we can spread awareness of the benefits of natural therapies the better! :)

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.