When your pet succumbs to some illness caused by an infection, you would also feel down in the dumps. Just looking at your furry buddy feeling weak and down can affect your whole day. We usually turn to synthetic antibiotics to help our pet recover quickly, but there are nasty side effects that would result from long-term use of such medication.

Synthetic antibiotics tend to kill off the intestinal flora which can result in a weak immune system for your dog. The good bacteria is needed by the body to create a balanced environment, and synthetic antibiotics just tend to target them along with the bad ones. Over the years, the use of such medicines has made some strains of bacteria more resistant and potent against them. So, what"s the better alternative? Natural antibiotics have been performing well over the years, and it has provided excellent benefits to dogs. We can know more about the wonders of natural remedies for dogs below.

What are Herbal Antibiotics?

Herbal antibiotics have been around for a long time to ward off against illnesses such as flu, colds and other infections. They can be useful for both humans and animals in treating such diseases. There are a wide variety of herbs that have potent anti-bacterial properties and be proven safe for your dogs.

Herbal Antibiotics for Dogs

Natural antibiotics for dogs are quite useful for treating the beginning phases of infection. These may be available in your backyard or your kitchen. You can even grow them organically in your garden, too if you have the time. There are a lot, but we will just list down the most common herbal remedies that you could give to your pet.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a perennial plant that blooms during early spring. It was used before as an appetite stimulant, but it has more uses that have been proven to be beneficial. It is mainly used for inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal and liver problems. It has the power to fight off bacteria and prevent them from latching onto cell walls.

Calendula

Calendula or Pot Marigold is considered a member of the Sunflower family. It has a long history of use in wound healing – making it a vital component of any first aid kit. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It speeds up wound healing, relieves inflammation and prevents infection. It can also be ingested internally to treat urinary or digestive tracts.

Yarrow

Yarrow is sometimes called soldier"s woundwort or stanch weed. It"s used to speed up the healing of wounds and a pain reliever. It helps stops the bleeding and prevent infections. If taken internally, it helps with poor digestion and more popularly used to treat fevers and cold. It can be reduced to powder or be used as a tea.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This spice is not only to be applied in the kitchen but as well as a herbal treatment for your dog. It can help prevent cancer, relieve arthritic pain and even treat gastrointestinal disorders.

Thyme

Thyme is considered to be an excellent cough remedy due to its antimicrobial and expectorant properties. It has thymol, an active ingredient that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus. It also contains flavonoids which act as antioxidants.

Oregano

Oregano oil is a potent antibiotic and antioxidant. It can help soothe an upset stomach, relieve muscle pain and relieve itching. It"s not just a topping for your next dish, but it"s also a useful herbal remedy to keep around for your puppy.

Risks of Herbal Antibiotics

Before you decide to use herbal antibiotics for your dog, make sure to consult your vet to make sure that there would not be any complications or contraindications that would be harmful to your pet. Your veterinarian will carefully check the pet information to give advice on which herbs to use and which ones to avoid.