Your Horse or Dog Will Love The Natural Benefits of Thyme

Thyme is a herb you are familiar with in many dishes. But did you know it's used as a herb to help dog and horse health too?

So what is thyme? It's a herb that's found in mediterranean regions, and is aromatic. This means that it's also great as aromatherapy. But thyme is also consumed as part of the diet. Thyme has several beneficial properties. Including containing Vitamin A, which is an important vitamin. Vitamin A helps with skin health, growth, bone health, vision and even fertility.

Thyme is also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

Where can you find thyme for your horse or dog?

To ensure your dog has the right amount. Buy a supplement that already contains thyme. This way you can minimise issues about sourcing and quantities. Many veterinary herbal supplements include thyme as an ingredient. Leading suppliers like Hilton Herbs sell products containing thyme for horses and dogs.

You can buy thyme as an essential oil too.

When should you use thyme with your dog or horse?

If your animal has a respiratory or a stomach issue, then thyme as an essential oil maybe helpful. You can use essential oils in a variety of ways. But it’s always important to ensure your animal is happy with the aroma, if not, then it may cause more harm than good! So a consultation with a zoopharmacognosy practitioner is advised first.

If your dog has a respiratory issue or digestive issue, then thyme could be a natural herb to help.

Canine Ear Conditions and Thyme

Veterinary research in 2019 has taken place suggesting thyme maybe useful for dogs with the ear condition otitis externa. This is "Antimicrobial activity of thyme oil, oregano oil, thymol and carvacrol against sensitive and resistant microbial isolates from dogs with otitis externa" and can be read online at https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.12794

Equine Fertility and Thyme

And yes improving fertility is another effect. The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2014 published research looking at “Effects of Dietary Thyme and Fish Oil on Semen Quality of Miniature Caspian Horse", stating it does help! Read more at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080614002494

Before you use thyme in veterinary use

As with any herb, being natural doesn't mean you should always use it. Caution with any herb is wise. Especially if your animal is on any medication. So always speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice first. You can also find veterinary surgeon's who specialise in herbal medicine. And zoopharmacognosy practitioners have trained in using essential oils for animal use. So consult these before using.