Echinacea for Infection in a Dog

Alternative remedies are for dogs, too.

Dogs with infections can be treated with alternative remedies, too. Herbal supplements, such as echinacea have been shown to be effective for dogs as well as humans in treating infections.

Benefits

Purple coneflower, aka echinacea

Echinacea, or Purple coneflower, has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost the body's immune system. Clinical studies have shown that the herb fights infection well.

Dogs and cats, as well as humans can use echinacea to fight infections, but the amounts given need to be adjusted.

Considerations

Simple infections from cuts and scrapes or urinary tract infections in dogs can be treated with echinacea with great results.

Any serious infection, like a respiratory infection, should be treated by a veterinarian.

Procedure

To give echinacea to your dog, you should break or cut open echinacea capsules and add to the dog's wet food. The dog will eat it and will probably not even notice. If using liquid echinacea extract, add it to the dog's drinking water.

Treatment

Remember that animals are smaller than most humans, so they require smaller amounts of medicines and herbs. And not all dogs are the same size. So consider the size of your dog and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Warning

Be sure to watch for any signs of allergy while giving the herb to your dog. Any substance or food can cause an allergic reaction, so be observant when you begin treating with anything new. Allergies can not only mask the signs of infection, but they might even be life threatening.

If your dog has been prescribed medication, be sure to check with your veterinarian to be sure there won't be any harmful interactions with the herb. Also, tell your vet about treating with echinacea if your dog needs any other treatment.

References

• PubMed: Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections
• Medicinal Herb Info: Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections
• Good Dog Care: Natural Cures for UTI in Dogs
• Vet Info Site: What You Need to Know about Kennel Cough