Domestic pets need supplements because they are not part of the wild food chain in nature, which would supply them everything they need. Many domestic animals now suffer the same diseases that are suffered by humans, and pets can benefits from herbal supplements to help prevent these problems.

Usually when a pet has an upset stomach, it will try to find some grass to chew on. When your carnivorous pet chews on grass, it is because he is craving the chlorophyll from the green blades. Chlorophyll is rich in nutrients and minerals. You can put some liquid chlorophyll in your pet's water dish in the winter, when there might not be any grass available to much on.

I tried an experiment with my own two dogs and chlorophyll: One had definite digestive troubles, and the other was lacking minerals, as recognized by his creaking joints. I set out there bowls of water, one with chlorophyll added, one with aloe vera added, and one just plain.

After smelling each one, the dog that had arthritis drank up the chlorophyll. The one with digestive troubles chose the aloe vera. From then on, I including taking away my dog's dog breath. The one with stiff joints seemed more limber, and the other less gaseous−both made my home life mch more pleasant.

Of course, liquid herbs are the easiest to administer to pets. You can also coat tablets or capsules in butter or some other food to get your dog to eat them. Most of the time they won't even know you have slipped them an herb! Cats are pickier eaters, so it may be wise to forget your carefully hidden pill placement and administer their herbs via a liquid or tincture.

The next table lists some common pet problems and some simple remedies you can use to help. Who knows, by feeding your dog herbs, you just might be able to teach an old dog new tricks!

Problem: Dog Breath.
Herbal Remedy: Liquid chlorophyll (Also it is a good idea to keep the kitty litter box inaccessible to dogs who take pleasure in dining on kitty 'treats.' This habbit is definitely a breath destroyer!)
Administration: In water or straight; acts as a deodorizer in the body.

Problem: Fleas
Herbal Remedy: Garlic
Administration: Add to food. Externally, eucalyptus oil sprayed on fur is a natural repellent. You can also drip a few drops directly onto the skin and rub it in. The back of the neck is most effective, and makes it harder for your pet to lick off. Nutritional yeast flakes added to pet food have been helpful. Internally, high potency garlic or garlic oil is best−this way you are getting a concentrated form over raw garlic, although raw garlic works well, too. Fleas and other pests hate the smell of garlic in the blood and will usually flee−this goes for some humans, too!

Problem: Foul Gas
Herbal Remedy: Alfalfa pills or liquid chlorophyll
Administration: Crush and sprinkle on food, or add liquid chlorophyll to water. Has a deodorizing affect and will support digestion. (Hint: Make sure it is your pet and not your roommate that is the culprit. If so, offer some alfalfa or activated charcoal to your roommate!)

Problem: Structural Problems
Herbal Remedy: Alfalfa, liquid chlorophyll, and olive oil
Administration: Crush alfalfa tablets, sprinkle on food, and mix with olive oil. Add liquid chlorophyll to drinking water.

Problem: Kidney/urinary tract problems
Herbal Remedy: Parsley
Administration: Chop fresh and add to food, or give in pill form if easier. Parsley helps clean the urinary tract, if stones are present, dercreases pets' protein intake, and supplements them with hydrangea, an herb used as a stone solvent.