Teas, Infusions and Decoctions

• Prepare medicinal teas by boiling 1 tablespoon of a dried herb in a pint of water. Remove the mixture from the heat and steep the leaves in the warm water for several hours. Prepare infusions by pouring boiling water over the leaves and steeping them for 15 minutes. Decoctions are similar to tea, however, they are prepared using bark, roots or berries. All are strained before using.
  
  

Administering Medicinal Teas

• According to MountainRoseHerbs.com, the typical medicinal tea doses are a 1/2 teaspoon for dogs under 20 pounds, 1 teaspoon for dogs 20 to 40 pounds, and 1 tablespoon for dogs over 40 pounds, administered three times daily. Organic Pet Digest indicates that infusions are administered warm, while decoctions are cooled before administering.
  
  

Efficacy of Medicinal Teas

• According to the Raymond Avenue Veterinary Hospital site, "some herbs may prevent or lessen the potential for development of some diseases." VetInfo.com says herbs are highly beneficial but warns that dogs should never be given human formulations. In addition, VetInfo.com says herbal medicines work slowly, making them unsuitable for acute diseases.
  
  

Commonly Used Herbs

• Some herbs commonly used to treat dogs include chamomile and valerian for soothing purposes and echinacea as an immunity booster. Goldenseal is sometimes used to treat periodontal disease and slippery elm helps digestive disorders and diarrhea. Consult a veterinarian before starting an alternative therapy.