Echinacea for dogs and cats is used to support optimal immune system activity*. Formulated by a certified Master Herbalist using USDA certified organic herbs and USP organic glycerin, this formula will help to support healthy levels of phagocytic white blood cell activity*. These are the immune cells that destroy invaders like bacteria and viruses to support healthy immune system function.
In this formula we use the species Echinacea angustifolia because research has shown this particular species to be the stronger herb with more medicinal value for your dog or cat. Echinacea can be used at the first sign of infection, potentially as a safe alternative to antibiotics. In fact, we often recommend our clients try echinacea for a few days if their animal is showing signs of not feeling well (non life-threatening symptoms) before taking their animal to the vet for antibiotics. Generally, your animal's condition will rectify itself without all the harmful side effects of antibiotics, and if not you can always take your animal to the vet in a day or two if they don't respond.
How Should Echinacea be Used for Dogs and Cats?
Often people make the mistake of using this herb as "daily immune support". However, it is not meant to be used in this manner and if this is what you are looking for choose Astragalus Root instead. Echinacea is used primarily for prevention or treatment of acute infections because it activates the body's macrophage-mediated defense system that eliminates pathogens. If your dog or cat already has an existing infection consider our Antimicrobial Formula that contains echinacea as well as other antimicrobial herbs.
To help prevent acute infection you can use echinacea prior to a stressful event as stress can lower immune response or that may expose your dog or cat to a bacteria or virus. For instance, if you have a kennel visit coming up, or another situation during which your dog or cat will be exposed to other animals, you can start them on a regimen of this herb one week prior. This way their immune system will be functioning at optimal activity when possibly exposed to pathogens from other animals.
How Long Can I Use Echinacea For My Dog or Cat?
Echinacea is believed to reach its optimal activity after just 7 - 10 days, so using it for longer periods of time will not achieve greater benefit. Instead, use echinacea for a period of 7 to 10 days and then take a week off. If needed, start the schedule again for another 7 to 10 days.
What to Look for in a Superior Echinacea Formula
✓ Organic Herbs
Our formula contains certified USDA organic herbs. Research shows organic herbs have higher amounts of important nutrients as opposed to conventionally raised plants. Organic farming methods are also better for the environment and of course do not have the levels of residual pesticides that conventionally grown herbs can have. We also do not use wild crafted herbs in our formulas as this practice can damage wild populations of herbs and you do not necessarily know where the herbs are coming from or have been grown. Instead, we prefer to be on the safe side and only obtain herbs from USDA certified organic farms.
✓ Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients are going to be gentler on your animal's body when compared to synthetic chemical ingredients or medications. The proper natural constituents are able to provide the body with what it needs to heal and get better. This is in direct contrast to synthetic ingredients or medications that can be especially hard on the liver and kidneys. Medications are also designed to have a symptom suppressing action in line with the principles of allopathic medicine which is to create a diagnoses and then use drugs to suppress symptoms. Using this course of action can never result in true healing and is not really meant to.
✓ Alcohol-Free Tincture with ORGANIC Vegetable Glycerin for Animals
Our blend is formulated by a special process using low heat and organic vegetable glycerin. Tinctures are concentrated forms of a plant's constituents that are readily absorbed and utilized by your pet's body. Because your pet may not like the taste of alcohol, we use vegetable glycerin which gives our tinctures a sweet taste your animals will like. Vegetable glycerin is a carbohydrate but is metabolized differently than sugar and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is also an efficient menstruum which extracts valuable constituents from plants and makes them readily available to the body. In addition, we take the extra time and effort to use a low heat process that extracts many more constituents than just soaking in glycerin alone as is done by most other herbal companies. And, of course, the use of USDA organic vegetable glycerin ensures your pet avoids genetically modified ingredients and herbicides in their natural medicine.
✓ Uses only Human Grade Ingredients
Our products are manufactured using human grade ingredients. In the pet industry this is far from the rule as many companies use pet quality ingredients, those considered "not fit for human consumption".
✓ Uses Fresh, High Quality Ingredients
We purchase our ingredients from some of the most highly regarded companies in their respective fields so you and your animals are ensured the finest quality supplements. In addition, we purchase in small quantities to make sure the products we provide to you are fresh and bursting with important nutrients. This is in direct contrast to many other products on the market that can spend a year or longer sitting in non-climate controlled warehouses before they even get to you.
Active Ingredients per ml
A proprietary blend of USDA ORGANIC extracts (1:5)...250mg
Echinacea Root (Echinacea angustifolia)
Inactive Ingredients: ORGANIC vegetable Glycerin, Distilled water
About the Organic Herbs in this Formula
Echinacea Root - This herb is considered to be the primary remedy to help rid the body of microbial infections. It is an immune system booster that increases macrophage T-cell activity that protects the body against bacteria, viruses and other invading organisms.
Provide 1 ml per 25 lbs 2 - 3 times per day. May be squirted directly in the mouth, placed in a small amount of favorite food (goat milk yogurt works well) or added to meals. It is desirable to provide herbal remedies such as this away from meals for better absorption when possible.
Shake well before use.
Since this is not a medication, dosages do not have to be exact. Do the best you can to get as close to the suggested dosage below as you can for your animal’s weight.
| Pet Weight | Dosage |
|---|---|
| 0 - 5 lbs | 2 - 3 drops |
| 6 - 10 lbs | 1/4 ml |
| 11 - 15 lbs | 1/2 ml |
| 16 - 20 lbs | 3/4 ml |
| 21 - 25 lbs | 1 ml |
| 26 - 31 lbs | 1 1/4 ml (1/4 tsp) |
| 32 - 37 lbs | 1 1/2 ml |
| 38 - 43 lbs | 1 3/4 ml |
| 44 - 50 lbs | 2 ml |
| 51 - 56 lbs | 2 1/4 ml |
| 57 - 62 lbs | 2 1/2 ml (1/2 tsp) |
| 63 - 68 lbs | 2 3/4 ml |
| 69 - 75 lbs | 3 ml |
| 76 - 87 lbs | 3 1/2 ml |
| 88 - 100 lbs | 4 ml |
| 101 - 112 lbs | 4 1/2 ml |
| >112 lbs | 5 ml (1 tsp) |
For serious acute conditions - It is recommended to provide three dosages per day. When your animal is doing better you may try reducing dosages to twice daily and see how they do with that schedule. It is suggested that the full activity of echinacea is reached after 7 - 10 days, so in most cases use this remedy for that length of time. If you wish to use it for longer, take a one week break and then start again for another 7 to 10 days.
For chronic conditions - You may provide two to three times daily. Echinacea can be used to support your animal's immune system before stressful events like kennel stays so they are better able to resist infections that may be present in that environment. Start using the week before the stressful event so your dog or cat's immune system is at full strength. For chronic issues Astragalus Root may be a better alternative for long-term immune support.
Long-term use: Use for 7 - 10 days at a time then take a one week break and start again for another 7 to 10 days if necessary. For chronic issues Astragalus Root may be a better alternative for long-term immune support.
To apply directly in mouth just pull out lower lip at back of mouth and squirt in desired amount. Don't tilt head back and squirt down throat or your pet may breathe some in. Wipe off dropper before placing back in container. If your animal coughs afterwards it is a sign they are breathing some in and it may be best to place in food in the future.
How long does it usually take for this herbal remedy to work?
Well, that is a difficult question to answer because each animal and his/her situation is unique. Sometimes benefits are seen immediately within a day or two and other times it may be a couple of weeks. We would say that you should see some sort of improvement within three to four weeks. If you don’t see improvement please contact us in case we can make other suggestions - perhaps there is a more appropriate remedy etc. Remember, these are not pharmaceutical drugs that have a dramatic affect on the body. What we are trying to accomplish with our herbal remedies and other supplements is to increase the health of weak organs/systems and this can take a little time to accomplish in some cases. Also, please keep in mind that diet and lifestyle play a huge role in the health of your animal(s). If you continue to feed a poor-quality kibble diet or provide repetitive booster vaccinations or use flea/tick chemical products, these will work against what we are trying to accomplish and make it more difficult to improve the health of your dog or cat.
What if my animal is not responding as hoped?
Then you may increase the dosage by 50% and see how that works. Dosage can then be reduced at a later date. If they still do not respond as hoped then please do not just give up, instead contact us by email so we can consider your animal's condition and make further suggestions. Our goal is to succeed and we will help you to the best of our abilities.
What if I have a large dog or I am on a budget?
We understand that providing a large animal with herbal remedies and natural supplements can be a financial burden to some. We would suggest to provide what is within your budget and see how that works. For example, if you have a 100 lb dog that would require 5 mls two to three times daily, figure what is within your budget and try that. It may only be 1 ml or 2 mls two times per day. However, in our experience this is preferable to avoiding the remedy entirely.
Do these herbal remedies have any contraindications?
A contraindication suggests that a particular remedy should not be used in certain health conditions or along with certain medications. If any are present they will be indicated at the bottom of this page under Contraindications.
Can I use this herbal remedy along with my pet’s medication(s)?
Generally, the answer to this question is “yes” with some caveats. As mentioned previously, if any contraindications are present they will be indicated at the bottom of this page. In addition, keep in mind that our herbal remedies often duplicate the actions of medications. For example, our heart tonic will help to dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure mimicking the action of certain drugs used for heart failure or high blood pressure. If this is the case, then this should be discussed with your veterinarian as the dosage of the medication may need to be lowered or may even be eliminated entirely. This must be done working in coordination with your veterinarian - please do not take it upon yourself to remove your pet’s medications. If using chemotherapy drugs please discuss this with your vet as well.
What if my vet is not receptive to using natural supplements or herbal remedies?
Well, this is a fairly common occurrence unfortunately. The decision will have to be yours on how to handle this. Try discussing with your vet how important it is to you to try a more natural approach. If this doesn’t work and they are unreceptive then you have only two choices: do it their way or find a veterinarian that you can work with to better the health of your dog or cat. We know what we’d do!
We recommend you purchase enough for at least 2 - 4 weeks to get an idea if this remedy will work for your animal. Use the chart below as a guide.
Approximate Daily Servings per Container
| Container Size | 10 lbs | 25 lbs | 35 lbs | 50 lbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 oz (2 or 3 servings per day) |
60 or 40 | 30 or 20 | 22 or 15 | 15 or 10 |
| 4 oz (2 or 3 servings per day) |
120 or 80 | 60 or 40 | 45 or 30 | 30 or 20 |
Storage: If to be used over a period of a few weeks store at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Refrigerate for longer term storage.
Important: If animal's condition worsens or does not improve or any unusual symptoms occur discontinue use and consult your veterinarian. Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.