Spring is famous for planting new plants in the garden and getting it ready for summer. And while you’re at it, why not plant some herbs for household use, many of which are also good for our pets? Animaltalk spoke to Ruan Bosman, owner of Brakpan Garden and Pet Centre, for some tips on what herbs to plant now*.
Basil
Basil is filled with a variety of essential minerals and vitamins with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Benefits
- It may help boost your dog’s mood.
- Immune-boosting beta-carotene in basil helps to prevent diseases.
- Increases insulin function, which helps modulate blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs.
How to administer Feed your dog small amounts of dry or fresh basil regularly with meals.
Parsley
Parsley is filled with antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals to improve your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.
Benefits
- Natural source of vitamin K that helps promote liver health and maintain a healthy blood clotting system.
- Enhances organ function.
- Flushes toxins.
How to administer Small amounts of fresh parsley is best, but dry parsley is also effective.
Sage
Sage has many health benefits and is one of those herbs that you want to have in your garden.
Benefits
- Can be used for its antiseptic qualities.
- It is loaded with vitamins A, K and E.
- It is great for your dog’s skin and eye health and builds his immune system.
- You can make a topical skin rub to use when your dog has itchy skin.
How to administer Dry some sage leaves in a dehydrator and mix a little bit in his food. Or boil a handful of sage leaves in water and mix it with a third of a cup of medicinal Epsom salts. Allow the mixture to cool down and then pour it into a spray bottle. If your dog has an itchy, red patch or an allergic reaction, spray some of the mixture on his skin. Its cooling, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial qualities may help.
Tip: Speak to your vet about your dog’s skin condition for the best advice.
Rosemary
The high fibre content of rosemary can help improve your dog’s digestive health. It contains essential vitamins and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to fight off certain diseases.
Benefits
- Can help to improve your dog’s mood.
- Can help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- It is an antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals, which often cause cellular damage that sometimes leads to cancer.
How to administer Fresh or dry rosemary can be added to your dog’s food in small amounts.
Chamomile
The flowering tops of the chamomile plant should be used; the plant is recognised for its calming effects.
Benefits
- Can help to calm your dog.
- It is anti-inflammatory.
- It can help to ease gastrointestinal issues like stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Help with itchy, inflamed skin from an insect bite or sting.
How to administer Make a tea from the flowering tops and let it cool down before you give it to your dog. Or let the tea bag cool down and then use that as a compress on an insect bite or sting.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a great plant to have in your garden. It is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Benefits
- Relieves skin irritation and rashes.
- Enhances the healing process.
How to administer Rub a thin layer of aloe vera directly onto your dog’s skin to heal and soothe wounds. Ensure that you use the inner leaf juice in the middle of the plant. Do not use the rind or yellow parts of the plant.
*These herbs are ideal for planting in Gauteng in spring. Find out in which season they are best planted in your area.
