Herbal Recipes

Here are some simple recipes that will help certain issues that your pooch may have:

Turmeric paste can aid joint care and mobility. Fabulous for our senior pooches or pooches that have some form of inflammation, like arthritis.
Nettle tea is great for pooches who suffer with allergies as it rammed full of natural antihistamines.
Herbal frozen treats are great to play with in the summer months and can help freshen breath.

Remember to consult a professional before giving any herbs to your pooch. Also, start small and watch for adverse reactions.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of turmeric powder

1 cup of water

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup of coconut oil

Method:

Combine the turmeric powder and the water in a small saucepan over a low heat. Stir constantly until it forms a paste. Add the black pepper and coconut oil and mix well. Allow the paste to cool before storing in a glass jar in the fridge.

Give your senior dog a small amount of the paste with their food.

This recipe is as easy as making a cup of tea!!

Ingredients:

1 cup of dried nettle leaves OR 2 cups of fresh nettle leaves.

4 cups of water

Method:

If you are using fresh nettles, wash them before use to remove any dirt or debris.

Bring a small saucepan of the water to boil.

Add the nettle leaves and turn the heat to low. Let the leaves simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Strain the tea and let it cool completely before giving to your pooch. You can give 1/4 to 1/2 a cup daily depending on their size and health. I find the easiest way to administer the tea is to pop it in their drinking water or on their food.

A lot of dogs love to play with ice cubes especially in the summer months so why not make them as healthful as you can?! Here is a selection of herbs you can add to the water before you freeze them.

Parsley to freshen breath.
Mint to soothe tummies and also freshen breath.
Ginger helps with inflammation.
Chamomile can help with anxiety.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in joint mobility.
Dill can help with digestion.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE USEFUL RECIPES? WHY NOT CHECK OUT 'HOW HERBS CAN HELP YOUR POOCH' FLASHCARDS

I'D LOVE SOME MORE RECIPES!!

An amazing garden pond in a fabulous garden

Plant a Sensory Garden

A sensory garden is a specially designed outdoor space that incorporates various plants, textures, scents and sounds to stimulate a dog's senses. This type of garden is important for dogs as it provides a multitude of sensory experiences that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and boredom. For example, they can sniff and explore different scents, textures, and colors, enhancing their cognitive and sensory skills. In addition, the sound of rustling leaves or birds chirping can create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and mental well-being for our furry friends. A sensory garden offers a safe and enriching outdoor space where dogs can engage their senses and enjoy nature to the fullest.

A beautiful garden with an unusual water feature flowers

Another garden path with a different texture, bricks this time.

Choose a Location

This would probably be your garden although other spaces could work too.

Add dog safe herbs and plants.

A few examples of dog safe plants would be: chamomile for relaxation, rosemary has a distinctive smell and it has antibacterial properties, lavender can calm anxious dogs, mint, not only smells great, but also can aid digestion.

Add a water feature.

This is another form of sensory enrichment and will come in handy as the weather warms up. If you can't add a fountain or pond, consider adding a small paddling pool for the warmer months. Make sure it's in the shade so your pooch can stay cool.

Add different textures.

Try and make a pathway through your sensory garden and add different textures under foot (or under paw!). This could mean adding a few bumpy rocks, a sandpit, wood chips, or gravel.

Don't forget to add seating so you can enjoy your sensory garden with your pooch!

Make Your Own Herbal Grooming Products

Why make your own?

Well, it allows you to control the ingredients that you use. Many commercial grooming products contain chemicals and artificial fragrances that may be harsh on your dog's skin and coat. As well as that, you can make a product that is unique for your dog's needs, for example, a shampoo formulated to address your dog's skin and coat conditions . Homemade products tend to be less expensive and they are also eco-friendly as you can reuse the containers. Plus, It's GREAT fun!!

Apple cider vinegar, great as a flea repellent.

Flea and Tick Repellent

You can make an effective flea repellent spray with just a few ingredients: apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and a selection of essential oils.

Soothing Paw Balm

This paw balm is easily made with coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax and a couple of essential oils.

Herbal Dry Shampoo

For those in-between bath situations when your pooch is a bit stinky. All you need is baking soda, cornstarch and essential oils - easy!!

Herbal Ear Cleaner

Another simple cleaner using apple cider vinegar, distilled water and yet more essential oils!

A parsley and mint fresh breath spray for dogs

Doggy Fresh Breath Spray

Parsley and Mint are the heroes of this herbal recipe. Simply chop up the herbs, steep in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain, cool and you're good to go.

Herbal Coat Conditioner

Coconut oil and essential oils are the stars of this conditioner.

** ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BE TOXIC FOR DOGS IF INGESTED. ALWAYS, ALWAYS DILUTE ESSENTIAL OILS WITH A CARRIER OIL. ENSURE THAT YOU USE PURE ESSENTIAL OILS AND BE AWARE THAT NOT ALL OILS ARE SAFE FOR DOGS.**