Quercetin - Alternative Medicine for Dogs and Cats - Benefits, Interactions, Dosage

In this article...

1. Quercetin

2. Health Benefits

3. Cautions

4. Side Effects

5. Drug Interactions

6. Administration and Dosage

Safe for dogs and cats when taken for short-term periods
i.e. up to 12 weeks at a time with a break in-between
prior the next course of treatment

1.0 Quercetin

What is Quercetin…

Quercetin sometimes called nature’s Benadryl, is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many plants. Flavonoids (or bioflavonoids) are plant-pigments that play an essential role in attracting pollinators to plants.  Flavonoids also offer a host of beneficial properties to humans, dogs, cats and other animals. Quercetin is:

• Anti-allergenic;
• Anti-carcinogenic;
• Antifungal;
• Anti-Inflammatory;
• Anti-microbial;
• Anti-viral.

Quercitin can be found in rich concentrations in some fruits, vegetables and herbs – for example…

• Apples (fresh);
• Berries;
• Bananas;
• Broccoli;
• Cherries (dark);
• Garlic (fresh);
• Grapefruit (particularly white grapefruit) and grapefruit seed extract;
• Green tea;
• Ginkgo bilboa;
• Chamomile tea;
• Parsley;
• Summer squash;
• St. John’s Wort.  

Quercetin is Available In Supplemental Form…

• Capsules;
• Drops;
• Pills;
• Powder;

As quercetin can sometimes be difficult for the body to assimilate, taking Bromelain (pineapple derived digestive enzyme) with quercetin can add absorption;

• Bromelain also works to inhibit histamine; 
• The ratio of intake is ¼ to 1/3 the amount of bromelain to quercetin. 

2.0 Health Benefits

 A partial list...

• Anti-allergen…
• Asthma (an inflammatory disease);
• Quercetin minimizes the degree of constriction that occurs as it moderates the constriction of bronchial tubes.
• Environmental allergies
• Dust and dust mites;
• Chemical-based cleaning products;
• Insect bites;
• Insect and parasite preventatives  - chemical based;
• Grass and wild flower (weed) pollens;
• Trees and tree pollen;
• Mould , mushroom, fungus spores;
• Food Allergies;
• Quercetin’s anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties work together to turn-off histamine production and suppress or reduce inflammation and itching.
• Anti-Inflammatory;
• Atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries, (an inflammatory disease);
• Blood Conditions;
• Cataracts;
• Cancer prevention;
• Breast cancer;
• Colon cancer;
• Endometrial cancer;
• Ovarian cancer;
• Prostate cancer;
• Chronic fatigue syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• Heart conditions and heart disease;
• Inflammation;
• Prostate pain and inflammation;
• Vascular (circulation) issues;
• Viral infections.

3.0 Cautions...

• Very high doses can cause kidney damage;
• DO not give Quercetin to dog and cats with kidney disease;
• Do not give to pregnant or lactating dogs and cats.

4.0 Side Effects...

• ·    In some individuals can cause tingling in the limbs.

5.0 Drug Interactions...

• Some antibiotics;
• Cyclosporin;
• Medications changed by the liver;
• Medications moved by pumps in cells.

6.0 Administration and Dosage…

Administration…

• Quercetin can be administered for up to 12 consecutive weeks at a time;
• Only use Quercetin for as long as absolutely required – you should not keep your dog or cat on permanently on Quercetin;

Dosage…

• Dog’s or Cat’s body weight (lbs) x 1000mg;
• Divide the resulting number by 125;
• The resulting number will be the mg daily dosage required;
• Then split the daily dosage in half;
• Administer the half dosage two times a day with food.

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