By Margie Frayne
A dog can suffer from a cold in much the same way as humans do, with infected, congested bronchial passages and a dreadful cough. Usually a viral infection, once diagnosed it can be successfully treated with natural, effective and gentle herbal remedies, which are very well accepted by the dog. Herbal remedies can be given alongside conventional medicines that the Vet has prescribed, and will speed up the healing process.
There are herbal essential oils which will go a long way to relieve a dog’s cough & cold. Please bear in mind that these oils are very strong and should be used with restraint. A dog has at least 200 olfactory receptors. They can smell scents that we are unable to, and they react to the slightest of smells. We want the dog to benefit from the treatment, not shun it, so in this case less is much better. Don’t be tempted to add an extra drop because you think it will speed up the process! These essential oils have deeply therapeutic properties. Tea tree, eucalyptus and niaouli are natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory oils, capable of reducing infections in the respiratory tract. A rubbing blend is made by adding 2 drops of oil in 1 teaspoon vodka/cane spirit then added to 6 teaspoons water. Rub this all over the chest, around the neck, and across the shoulders to the back of the ears. Alternate the essential oils for maximum benefit. Apply twice a day for 3 days. Essential oil molecules are absorbed though the skin into the blood vessels and bring about healing throughout the entire system. You will notice that these oils are not oily and will not leave a residue on the dog’s coat. Purchase essential oils from a reputable health shop or pharmacy – don’t use cheap synthetic /artificial fragrances.
A blend of all three oils, 3 drops each, mixed in the same way but added to a little more water, can be poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the dog’s bed. When the dog is resting or sleeping the volatile healing oils are breathed directly into the respiratory tract to bring about considerable healing.
The dog’s bedding and sleeping quarters should be disinfected as well. The loose bedding should be washed frequently while the dog is sick to eradicate viruses. Use hot soapy water to which 6 drops of tea tree oil is added. The mattress or pillow can be sponged down with 6 drops tea tree plus 6 drops of eucalyptus oil in a cup of water and then put in the sun to dry off. The hard surfaces of the sleeping quarters can be mopped down with the same blend.
Boost your dog’s immune system by feeding it some fresh parsley which is very high in Vit C. We know this is a valuable vitamin for fighting the common cold. Chop and add 1 teaspoon to the daily meal of your dog.
A herbal tea can be made from thyme, which has strong anti-viral properties. Put 1 teaspoon herb to 1 cup boiling water and steep. Allow to cool & strain. Red grape juice contains a powerful anti-oxidant known as resveratrol which assists the body to reduce inflammation – in this case, inflammation of the bronchial passages. A quarter cup of either remedy can be poured on the dog’s daily meal instead of milk, water or gravy, or put into the water bowl.