Herbs for My Dog (and cat)– Oats
Oat (Avena sativa) is considered both a grain and an herb, depending on how it’s used and in what context.
There are a few different ways that I like to use oats for them. For our dog, I like to buy shampoos with oats listed as a main ingredient. When topically applied oats good for itchy inflamed skin.
Usually after an oat containing shampoo, any case of the itches are resolved. We also cook him a small bowl of oats with bone broth if he is showing signs of tummy upset. Finally, we give put a few drops of alcohol-free oat seed tincture in their water or food.
Oat seeds are also known as milky oat tops. They are a nervine herb which means that they are gently restorative for burnout, stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Both of my animals are rescues and recovering from traumatic experiences.
So for their mental/emotional health milky oat tops, catmint, flower essences, and a species appropriate diet are highly supportive in their recovery.
