But before doing so, one has to understand and know the composition, nature, uses and application of different herbs.

If unsure, do not take the risk of guessing or experimenting. Ask the help of a holistic veterinarian. (The suggestions in this article do not intend to replace the diagnosis and prescription of a licensed veterinarian.)

Pets like cats and dogs have different anatomy and as such, they cannot be likened to humans. Moreover, dosages vary from one animal to another.

Animals do not digest fresh herbs as easily as humans do. Instead, prepare a tea or tincture from herb which works better.

Doses must be compatible to the size and weight of your pet. Giving several small doses throughout the day instead of one full amount once a day will hasten the effect of the herb in your pet’s system and boost the immune system.

Like in humans, do not give herbs to pets continuously for a long time. The animal’s body will build immunity and will then develop resistance to the herb, thus it becomes useless.

An interval of "two weeks on, one week off" will give the herb time to take effect. Take note, anything bad for humans will also be bad for these creatures.

In other countries, herbal medicine is widely being used as an alternative to orthodox cure. It is from the herbal extracts and mixtures where modern medicine has been derived, scientists believe.

Even veterinarians are now looking into using plants to help in the cure and relief of animal ailments. The vets, like our dieticians, tell that a good diet for your pet will give them a longer and healthier life.

You can consult your animal doctor or make your own readings and observations to determine what a really good diet is.

If planning to change your pet’s diet, vets advise to do it gradually. The animal’s anatomy is not as strong and complete as that of a human, so it may not readily accept and adapt to the sudden change.

Besides fresh and natural food, pet needs sunlight for good health. Sunlight aids the animal’s body to convert the food it receives into what is needed by the system.

Use herbs for your pets if they are itching due to irritations caused by strong shampoo or flea collar containing harsh chemicals.

Change the shampoo to one that contains natural ingredients such as aloe (sabila) and look for a better replacement for the flea collar.

Fleabites is a common cause of itching. A teaspoon of brewer’s yeast (used to make beer) or one tablet a day taken orally can be a deterrent.

However, some animals may be allergic to brewer’s yeast and may develop dry patches, which are as itchy as fleabites. If this skin problem develops, stop using the brewer’s yeast and apply tea tree oil (available in pharmacies and drugstores) on the affected skin areas.

This helps heal the dry patch and prevents the dog from digging or licking because of its bitter taste. Do not apply the oil near the eyes or genitals. Aloe Vera or sabila sap can also be rubbed on the dry patch.

A slice of raw cucumber held on the affected area before rubbing the aloe will cool the dry, hot and irritated patch.

An herbal dip can be made with 2 cups packed peppermint leaves, 2 cups packed rosemary leaves, 1 quart boiling water and 4 quarts warm water.

Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and dilute it with warm water. Saturate the dog’s fur with the solution and air dry. Do that at the first sign of flea attack and repeat every three days until the fleas go away.

To get rid of fleas in curtains, seats covers, carpets and upholstery made of hairy materials, etc., sprinkle heavily with borax and rub it on all surfaces. Let the borax stay for an hour or so and then vacuum or dust it off. This is non-toxic and safe and must be repeated once a week till the fleas are eliminated.

Fresh aloe is also useful for cuts and scrapes. Aloe is a natural antiseptic and will keep the wound moist until it can heal.

For abscesses, draw the pus by puncturing a hole. Mix an equal amount of betadine solution and water until it looks like tea. With a dropper, squirt the solution into the punctured abscess. Do this several times a day. Clip the hair or fur around the abscess and do not cover with bandage or the pus will not drain. Besides, the wound should heal from the inside out.

If the abscess is quite deep, oral antibiotics can be given or ask the help of professionals like the veterinarian specially if the wound does not heal. Chamomile is an antibiotic herb for wounds to prevent infection.

Pets also get carsick during trips. If this is the case, give it a few drops of ginger root extract a few minutes before the trip to settle its stomach. Repeat the procedure halfway if the trip goes longer.

Flatulence or "kabag" also occurs in animals mainly because of a bad diet. One remedy is by putting a tablespoon of plain yogurt to its food once a day or one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar on the food once a day.

If one method fails, try the other and if the second does not take effect either, then perhaps the animal’s diet should be changed.

To keep biting insects away from your pet and to build its immune system, give it a capsule of garlic oil to its food once a week.

Like humans, pets can be dehydrated because of sickness, injury or stress and fatigue during shipment and transfer. Electrolyte solution in place of water for the first 24 hours after the shipment is advisable especially for amphibians, reptiles and all types of birds.

There are powdered electrolyte solutions available in pet stores and vet clinics or stores. Pedialyte is also a good rehydrator and is available in groceries, super marts and drugstores; Gatorade can replace Pedialyte but must be diluted with water because the former has high sugar content and is bad for pets.

Orphaned animals that need their mother’s milk may have goat’s milk as the second best. Goat’s milk is also good for colicky and lactose intolerant animals (and humans, too!) because it soothes the stomach.

Cod liver oil mixed with pet food once or twice a week will improve the animal’s coat and provide needed nutrients.

If you want your pets to slow down its aging process, restore hormonal balance, regulate digestion and calm symptoms of allergy, give ¼ teaspoon of bee pollen for every 15 lb animal 2 or 3 times weekly. Provide the bee pollen daily during time of stress or illness.

Vitamin C (ascorbic or citric acid) can be given to puppies of large breeds of dogs daily for 3 months. Give 1000 to 2000 mg for every 15 lbs. of the animal’s weight. This helps prevent hip dysplacia. Pets with arthritis need 5001000 mg daily; and another 500 mg for urinary tract infection can be prevented.