Just like humans, pets need a nutritious diet, plenty of fresh water, regular exercise, comfortable shelter, clean air, companionship, and regular health care. Healthy dogs, cats, and other warm-blooded pets are active with sparkling eyes. Since they can't tell us that something is wrong, pet owners must watch for anything out of the ordinary.

Symptoms to watch for include everything from lack of energy, cloudy eyes, and dull coat, to persistent scratching, diarrhea, and coughing. Diagnosis usually requires a trip to the local veterinarian for tests and examination.

Everyday problems can be treated with herbs. Pets should be given small doses – just like with babies and small children.

Minor cuts and wounds benefit from applications of calendula, goldenseal, myrrh, or comfrey salve. Dehydration calls for immediate attention - force feed chamomile or comfrey tea with an eye dropper if necessary. Diarrhea calls for a 24 hour liquid diet - give water and broth with a little activated charcoal sprinkled on top. Skin problems may benefit from a zinc supplement, vitamin E oil application, or a daily dose of cod liver oil. Ear mites may be removed with a cotton ball dipped in witch hazel and tea tree oil. Another ear mite remedy calls for half a cup of olive oil and one ounce of ground rosemary. Mix and let sit in warm place for three days. Shake daily. Strain and add 400 IU of Vitamin E. Put half a dropper full in each ear and massage gently for a few minutes. Then let the pet shake its head. Repeat every week to kill any mites that have hatched. Eye infections can benefit from applications of cod liver oil and eyebright tea.

Fleas, ticks, and mites hate garlic. Sprinkle on pet food and rub into fur. Fresh or dried pennyroyal may be sprinkled in pet's bed to deter fleas. (Pennyroyal essential oil is too strong to be used around pets and is not recommended). Cedar chips are also known to repel fleas.

Bad breath may be treated with parsley. Snip fresh parsley into pet's food. Gas calls for alfalfa, ginger powder, or fennel seeds. Worms may be treated with garlic, cloves, mullein, myrrh, Echinacea, or black walnut hulls. For mange use tea tree oil in the bath and rub olive oil and tea tree oil on infected areas.

Many pet foods lack the necessary ingredients to sustain life - if the same amount that goes in comes out, then the pet just as well be eating saw dust. If at all possible buy something besides the cheapest brand. Buy the best pet food that you can afford then stick to it (especially with puppies and kittens).

Pets, just like humans, need fresh food in their diet. Fresh meat and vegetables contain essential enzymes not found in processed pet food. A healthy diet includes quality dry pet food and some meat and veggies or grains every day. (Cats need even more meat than dogs.) Supplements like wheat germ oil, brewer's yeast, and bran may be sprinkled on food.

*Always consult with your veterinarian before using any herbal remedy.