My K9 (Gustav) constantly dig up my garden in search for roots and now finally I know why, he is looking of a natural remedy for whatever is bothering him. Wish I learned this years ago as I always thought he is just a menace to have, getting very annoyed with him every time I discover a new hole where there once used to be the most beautiful plant. I tried everything, water bottles, his own dung and even twigs with thorns on to stop this his digging sprees but at last, nothing seemed to work. The saying “Where there is a will, there will always be a way” was true to him.

While waiting at the doctor’s rooms, I came across this very helpful article on herbs for your pets by the herb fundi, Jane Griffiths from South Africa. She has a great wealth of knowledge on how to grow and use about 80 different herbs. This blog has a reference guide to healing plants and recipes for cooking, healing, cleaning, pet care and feeling good.

http://www.janesdeliciousgarden.com/the_books/about_the_books

Our constantly grazing pets are in need of plants and grass to settle their stomachs and to heal themselves. We as loving owners can assist them by adding a home-grown medicine chest in our garden for our pets.

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Turmeric:

Is a beautiful herb for your garden as it has a lovely flower and strappy green leaves. It is easy to grow if you have proper fertile soil and water it regularly, especially during the summer season. You can buy some roots and plant them 20-25cm apart in wet soil, 6-7 cm deep. Turmeric is part of the ginger family and known for fighting diseases and is an anti-inflammatory and gives arthritic relief mixed in with other herbs. Not only is this plant ideal for you but also for your K9 chomping away on its roots.

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Catnip:

Your purring friend will find this herb irresistible as it contains Nepetalactone which affects about 30% of cat’s pheromone receptors senses. Serves as an excellent insect repelling herb and it is part of the mint family. Humans can make a warm minty tea which will help with sleep and relieve from cold symptoms. This herb is easy to grow, has a beautiful purple or white flower, tolerant of drought and enjoys some shade. It is a fast-growing plant and needs to be cut back regularly.

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African Wormwood:

It is one of our oldest indigenous medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antidepressant qualities. They use this herb to treat malaria and an infusion of the leaves can be used to treat coughs, colds and flu. If this is so excellent for humans can you imagine the benefits your pets can get from it. It is a very attractive plant with feathery grey-green leaves. It grows in full sun and is tolerant to drought. Also fast growing and needs to get cut back in the winter months.

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Parsley:

This little herb is not only for decoration and flavouring your food but is also a breath freshener, especially for our K9's. It is packed with green pigment and is high in vitamin K, C, A and iron. It has diuretic abilities which will assist in urinary tract infections. Parsley is the most used herb in the Kitchen and a biennial plant. You can keep them indoors where it is warm (sunny window) or plant them outside between other plants like roses as they enhance the roses health and aroma.

Arthritic relief for dogs:

75ml of each dried alfalfa and clover
60ml dried parsley powder
60ml turmeric powder.
Mix all the ingredients together and give dogs half a spoon mixed into their food in both the morning and evening.

Homemade Flea Powder for your K9:

5ml of each dried, rosemary, Africanwood, catnip, tansy and fennel leaves.
125ml cornflour.
Crush all the herbs together to make a powder and add it to the cornflour. Sprinkle this over your pets bedding every 2 weeks.

If you want to keep your K9's coat shining, save the oils or salted water of your tinned tuna and pour it over their food. My mom used to also cook the skins which of course is the best part of a vegetable for our dogs.

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