Juniper Berries - Herbs for Dogs and Cats

Safe for most dogs and cats when used as an
alternate medicine in moderation for short-term intervention...

In this article - Juniper Berries...

1. Juniper Berries
2. Health Benefits  
3.Cautions  
4. Side Effects  
5. Drug Interactions

1.0 Juniper Berries

• Safe for most dogs and cats when used in moderation as an ingested treatment for short-term intervention;
• Safe to use as a topical treatment for small wounds - not to be used as a long-term daily supplement or treatment.
• Juniper berry oil is safe for use as a topical antiseptic treatment for minor cuts to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
• Whole juniper berries can be ground with a mortar and pestle into a powder or you can purchase it in oil or supplement form.
• Juniper berries are harvested from the coniferous juniper which grows as a bush or medium height tree – a member of the pine family.
• Available forms - whole berries, powder, tea, tincture...

My German shepherd x Siberian Husky ‘Sarah’ likes juniper berries so much that she picks them herself – I keep an eye on her to ensure she does not consume too many!

2.0 Health Benefits

Juniper berries contain volatile oils that are antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and carminative. Juniper berry is a blood purifier that eliminates impurities from the blood via the urinary tract.

Uses – partial list...

Ingested…

• Bladder and Kidney stones;
• Cancer;
• Colic;
• Digestive health;
• Gastrointestinal infections (bacteria or yeast);
• Loss of appetite;
• Natural wormer;
• Treating snakebite.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs);

Uses (Topical)…

• Apply the oil (sparingly) directly to the skin to treat:
• Minor cuts, scrapes, wounds;
•  Joint and muscle pain.

Uses (Inhaled)…

• Treat bronchitis;
• Numb pain.

To make a Juniper Berry Tea

• Steep 20 berries for every cup of water;
• Use a tea pot or pot with a lid to preserve the volatile oils;
• Only step for 5 to 8 minutes to preserve the volatile oils;
• Use the tea sparingly…
• Small dogs and cats should have no more than 1 tbs a day;
• Medium size dogs should have no more than 1/8 cup a day;
• Large dogs should have no more than 1/3 cup a day.
• Only use until the issues clears and do not use for more than 4 weeks at a time.

3.0 Cautions...

• Juniper tea - Ingested Use:
• Is for temporary use only, to clear-up a condition
• Do not use juniper tea for more than 4 weeks at a time after which stop usage for a minimum of a week before using juniper tea again.
• Juniper Tea or Tincture - Topical Use:
• When using topically only apply to small areas – don’t use on large wounds;
• Juniper can lower blood sugar so don’t use on dogs that have diabetes;
• Juniper might affect blood pressure so don’t use on dogs with blood pressure issues;
• Stop using juniper two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery;
• Do not use for pregnant or lactating females.
• If your dog has environmental allergies, he/she may have an allergic reaction to juniper – if a reaction occurs, cease use.

4.0 Side effects…

• When used topically can in some cases cause burning, irritation, redness and swelling.
• When ingested in large doses may cause diarrhea, vomiting and increases urine flow;
• Taking large doses over time can cause damage to the kidneys and convulsions.

5.0 Drug Interactions…

• Minor interaction – diuretic drugs;
• Moderate interaction – anti-diabetes drugs.

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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld