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Before the development of pharmaceutical laboratories, traditional medicine started by using many plants and herbs to help the body heal and naturally treat skin conditions and other ailments. And in fact, we still use herbs and plants for their medicinal properties. One of the plants better known for their medicinal applications is the burdock plant (Arctium lappa), particularly the burdock root. In fact, burdock root was valued in traditional Chinese medicine due to its ability to“detoxify” blood and promote circulation. It has also been used topically to treat conditions such as eczema.
In this guide, we’ll learn more about the burdock root, what it is it what are the claims and what has been studied and what are potential medicinal applications in dogs.
The information in this post is merely informational and it is in no way intended as a prescription or recommendation. At Dogster, we do not recommend offering any supplement or medication to your dog without your veterinarian’s prescription.
What Is Burdock Root?
Burdock, also referred to as Greater Burdock (Arctium lappa), is a plant belonging to Asteraceae family just like the aster, daisy, and sunflower. This plant is native to Europe and Northern Asia and while it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, there is very little research out there about its use in canines.
Anecdotal reports say the root is successfully used topically in dogs to help with skin issues such as swollen and red skin due to allergies the medical term for this condition is canine atopic dermatitis or canine eczema. And while there are no in vivo studies to prove this, concluded that Burdock root extract stimulates chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis, and modulates pathways that regulate cellular functions which are particularly important for the wound healing process. These properties might be linked to the anecdotal success of the use of burdock root as a treatment to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in dogs.
Burdock root is one of the ingredients listed on some of the immune support dog supplements sold online. The antioxidant compounds found in the root would be behind this claim, however like with many of the herbal medicines, the reality is that we lack sufficient studies to firmly support its effects.
This thistle-like plant is hardy and easy to grow in your garden in rich soil. How you store the root will depend on how it is prepared, which we’ll discuss further in the next section.
How Is Burdock Root Given?
Typically, the most common way to give your dog burdock root is given to a dog is in the form of commercially available supplements that consist of a combination of this root plant and other herbal medicines.
Several of the herbal blend products containing Burdock root are liquid tinctures that can be mixed with your dog’s food. The root doesn’t taste very pleasant, so a disguise will be beneficial in getting it into your dog’s system, but the liquids can be squirted into your dog’s mouth if they tolerate it. You can also find burdock root extract in a chewable tablet or powder form.
Each commercially available herbal blend containing Burdock is marked for different purposes including detoxification, allergy relief, immune supplement, joint care, and even urinary tract support.
Before choosing any of these herbal supplements, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. We do not recommend taking it upon yourself to decide whether or not any of these commercially available supplements will help your dog.
Holistic veterinarians occasionally recommend herbal medicine, they have the necessary knowledge and experience to decide if your dog will have any benefit from this herb.
The vet will give you the most appropriate preparation and recommend how much and how often to give the root to your dog, as the dose will vary depending on your dog’s weight, size, and the ailment(s) you’re treating. We advise you never to give your dog the root unless you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian for safety.
What Happens if You Miss a Dose?
Since burdock root is a natural herbal remedy for particular ailments, dose frequency is not as detrimental as other allopathic medications. If you miss a dose, it’s safe to wait until your dog’s next meal or even wait until the next day to give the dose. But again, burdock root should only be offered if your vet approves it and per their instructions.
Potential Side Effects of Burdock Root
While side effects from burdock root in canines are rare, you should still familiarize yourself with possible side effects for your dog’s safety. It’s important to monitor your dog while giving burdock root and to consult your vet if you notice any of these rare but possible signs due to adverse reactions:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- “Burr tongue” or granular stomatitis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Other Benefits Does Burdock Root Offer Dogs?
Not only does burdock root provide a natural remedy for certain ailments and conditions, but it also has vitamins and minerals that benefit humans that might also be beneficial to your dog’s health, such as vitamins C, E, B5, B6, B9, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and more.
Another interesting fact about Burdock root is that it contains inulin, a probiotic fiber that might benefit a dog’s gut microbiome.
Burdock root has also been proposed as a flavor enhancer in doga and cat food, however, the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)
What Health Conditions in Dogs Is Burdock Root Not Advisable For?
It’s important to note that burdock root may affect blood sugar levels, making it potentially dangerous, especially for dogs with diabetes. Pregnant or nursing dogs should also not use burdock root.
Where Can I Buy Burdock Root for My Dog?
After determining if this is the correct treatment for your dog or if they will have any health benefit from it, holistic veterinarians will usually prepare a tincture or might even provide you with the dry root to offer to your pup in the form of an infusion or mixed with their food. They might also recommend a commercially available product. There are many online stores where you can buy burdock root for your dog. It’s available in liquid tinctures, chewable tablets, and powder form, usually with a combination of other herbs.
Please remember that herbal medicine while natural can have dangerous and detrimental effects on your dog’s health if not properly used. We recommend that you do not buy it before consulting it with your veterinarian first to ensure it’s safe for your particular canine.
Conclusion
Burdock root has been used for different medicinal properties in traditional medicine. In canines, this root has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments, such as arthritis, UTIs, digestion, skin issues, and immune and liver support, among others. The root has also been proposed but not officially accepted as a flavor additive in dog feed, due to the lack of evidence on its safety and efficacy. This root is most commonly found as an ingredient in pet supplements containing multi-herbal blends. However, despite the many potential benefits the root has to offer, we advise you to consult your vet before giving any to your dog.
Featured Image Credit: John_T, Shutterstock
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