The Power of the Dandelion

You may be familiar with the dandelion, or Taraxacum officinale, when waging war against them in an attempt to win back your garden or lawn. What you may not know is that the dandelion consists of many of the beneficial qualities often found in herbs. Packed full of Vitamin A, C, D and B complex, plus rich in iron, manganese, and phosphorus, the dandelion is the perfect supplement to your dog’s diet.

Read on to discover how they fight indigestion and chronic gas, and how its antioxidant properties bolster the immune system, preventing and fighting off infection. You will also learn the most effective way to rustle up and administer a dandelion remedy.

Too much strong medication and drugs can have a negative impact on your dog’s health in the long term. The dandelion offers a safe, natural alternative, without running the risk of causing long-term damage. 

How the Dandelion Combats Indigestion in Dogs

When your dog suffers from chronic indigestion, just like in humans, they will be in discomfort and sometimes pain. This can also lead to your dog releasing even more foul smelling gases into the air than usual. But, introduce dandelion into their diet and this problem can be significantly reduced.

The University of Maryland Medical Center emphasized the importance of potassium in healthy digestion, of which, the dandelion is plentiful in. Potassium is used as en electrolyte and is utilized by the brain to send messages to your intestines, ensuring they function swiftly and effectively. So dandelions will stimulate your dog’s appetite and act as a catalyst for their digestion, which will, in turn, reduce indigestion and prevent excessive gas. 

How the Dandelion Bolsters the Immune System in Dogs

The immune system is the central defense hub against infection, disease and a host of other ailments. So ensuring your furry companion’s immune system is running at 100% is vital to keeping your dog healthy. An article in 2000 from the Association of Clinical Scientists highlighted that antioxidants found in vitamins work in a variety of ways to improve the mechanisms, the response rate, and the effectiveness of the immune system.

You can find these antioxidants in fruit and vegetables, but you also find substantial amounts in the dandelion. This makes the dandelion the perfect supplement to your dog’s diet. It will give your dog the added boost needed to keep infection-fighting defenses at optimal levels. However, if your dog is suffering from a serious infection or ailment, it is always advisable to take your pup to the local vet for professional diagnosis and guidance.

How to Administer a Dandelion Remedy to Your Dog

A dandelion remedy is straightforward to rustle up, and most effectively administered as a tea or tincture. Because you can use the flower, roots and all, the entire dandelion can be used to create a natural dog remedy. Consult your vet before administering a dandelion remedy to confirm that the use is safe for your pooch. Your vet will also advise on the dosage.

Typically, to make a dandelion tea, infuse between 5g-30g (depending on the size of your dog) of dandelion in 8oz of hot water. Allow the liquid to steep and then strain the dandelion. Once it has cooled, add it your dog’s meals up to three times a day as needed. In regards to guidance on measurements, use approximately one third of a cup per 20 pounds of your dog’s weight.

Consult the Veterinarian About the Dandelion

Although typically thought of as a pesky weed, the dandelion is packed full of properties that make it the ideal supplement to your dog’s diet. In particular, if your canine buddy suffers from chronic indigestion, the potassium-rich quality of the dandelion makes it an effective home remedy to ease indigestion and reduce unwanted gas. 

It is a good supplement to improve the efficacy of your dog’s immune system, as it’s packed full of antioxidants and vitamins. It is the ideal alternative to strong prescription medication and drugs, which sometimes have damaging long-term effects. As with any homemade remedy, consult your vet about its use.