Before the development of pharmaceutical laboratories, traditional medicine began with the use of many plants and herbs to help the body heal and treat skin disorders and other illnesses naturally. And in fact, we still use herbs and plants for their medicinal properties. One of the plants that is well known for its medicinal uses is the burdock (Arctium Trumpet)especially burdock. In fact, burdock root was highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to “detoxify” the blood and promote circulation. It is also used topically to treat conditions such as eczema.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about burdock, including what it is, its claims and research, and its potential medicinal benefits in dogs.
The information in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a prescription or recommendation. Dogster does not recommend providing supplements or medications to dogs without a veterinarian’s prescription.
What is burdock?
Also called burdock, greater burdock (arctium trumpet) is a plant belonging to Asteraceae They are a family of asters, daisies, and sunflowers. This plant is native to Europe and northern Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but there is little research into its use in dogs.
Anecdotal reports suggest that this root is used topically in dogs to resolve skin problems such as swelling and redness of the skin due to allergies, medically called canine atopic dermatitis or canine eczema. It has been extremely successful. Although there are no in vivo studies to prove this, we conclude that burdock extract stimulates chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis, a pathway that regulates cellular functions that are particularly important for the wound healing process. These properties may be related to the anecdotal success of using burdock root as a treatment to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in dogs.
Burdock root is one of the ingredients listed in some immune support dog supplements sold online. Antioxidant compounds in the root may be behind this claim, but as with many herbal medicines, there is a lack of sufficient research to firmly support its effectiveness.
This thistle-like plant is hardy and easy to grow in fertile soil in your garden. How you preserve roots depends on how you prepare them. This will be explained in detail in the next section.
How is burdock given?
Usually, the most common way to give your dog burdock is in the form of a commercially available supplement that combines this root plant with other herbal medicines.
Some herbal blend products containing burdock are liquid tinctures that can be mixed into your dog’s food. Disguise is a good way to get the roots into your dog’s body, as they don’t have a very pleasant taste, but the liquid can be squirted into the dog’s mouth if they can tolerate it. Burdock root extract is also available in chewable tablets and powder.
Each commercially available herbal blend containing burdock has a different purpose listed, including detoxification, allergy relief, immune supplements, joint care, and even urinary tract support.
It is essential to consult your veterinarian before choosing any of these herbal supplements. We do not recommend determining on your own whether these commercially available supplements will help your dog.
Holistic veterinarians sometimes recommend herbal medicine. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to determine if your dog can benefit from this herb.
Your veterinarian will make the most appropriate preparation and recommend how much and how often to feed your dog the root, as the dosage will vary depending on the dog’s weight, size, and the disease being treated. To be on the safe side, we recommend never giving roots to your dog without your veterinarian’s permission.
What happens if I forget to take a dose?
Since burdock is a natural herbal remedy for specific ailments, the frequency of administration is not as harmful as other allopathic drugs. If you miss a dose, it is safe to wait until your dog’s next meal or until the next day before giving it. But again, burdock should only be given if your veterinarian allows it and if you follow their instructions.
Potential side effects of burdock
Although side effects of burdock in dogs are rare, you should be familiar with the possible side effects for your dog’s safety. It is important to monitor your dog while feeding him burdock and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following rare but possible signs of side effects:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- “burr tongue” or granular stomatitis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What other benefits does burdock have for dogs?
In addition to being a natural remedy for certain illnesses and conditions, burdock also contains vitamins C, E, B5, B6, B9, potassium, vitamin C, E, B5, B6, B9, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper etc.
Another interesting fact about burdock is that it contains inulin, a probiotic fiber that may benefit your dog’s gut microbiome.
Burdock root has also been proposed as a flavor enhancer in dog and cat food, but the European Commission, EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances Used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)
What are the health conditions in dogs for which burdock is not recommended?
It’s important to note that burdock can affect blood sugar levels and is potentially dangerous, especially for diabetic dogs. Burdock should also not be used on pregnant or lactating dogs.
Where can I buy burdock for dogs?
After determining whether this is the right treatment for your dog or whether it has any health benefits, a holistic veterinarian will usually prepare a tincture or, in some cases, an IV or IV. You may also be provided with dried roots to feed your puppy in the form of . It is mixed into their food. Commercially available products may also be recommended. There are many online stores where you can buy burdock for dogs. It is available in liquid tincture, chewable tablets, and powder form, and is usually used in combination with other herbs.
Remember that although herbal medicines are natural, they can have dangerous and harmful effects on your dog’s health if not used properly. We recommend that you do not purchase without first consulting your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your particular dog.
conclusion
Burdock has been used in traditional medicine for various medicinal properties. In dogs, this root has been used as a natural treatment for many ailments, including arthritis, urinary tract infections, digestion, skin problems, and immune and liver support. The root has also been suggested as a flavoring additive in dog feed, but is not officially recognized due to a lack of evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness. This root is most commonly found as an ingredient in pet supplements, including multi-herb blends. However, despite the root’s many potential benefits, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog.
Featured image credit: John_T, Shutterstock
