What comes to your mind when you hear the term licorice? I bet the licorice candy, isn’t it? Is your mount watering right now? Well, we aren’t here to discuss you for today, but we are here to discuss your canine friend who loves best dog training treats and who also loves the taste of the actual licorice root.
This root has been used for years as a remedy for a wide variety of illnesses, and it can also make your dog’s life a little bit easier.
What is a Licorice Root?
Licorice is a legume. It is a part of the pea family. It is mainly used due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-arthriticc, and anti-microbial properties. You must have noticed that or read that this root is being used for centuries in the treatment of various diseases. All medicinal properties of the plant are obtained from the root of the plant. They are –
- Saponins
- Flavonoids
- Glycosides
Anti- Inflammatory Benefits of Licorice
Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a natural corticosteroid which doesn’t affect the body’s natural immune system. It enhances your dog’s anti- inflammatory processes, ensuring that it is perfect herb for conventional therapies like hydrocortisone therapy.
This herb also ensures that dogs are weaned off their steroids without getting affected. This root helps the dogs with the following conditions—
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Digestive issues
- GI issues
- Urinary tract diseases
- Liver diseases
- Respiratory diseases
Studies have proven that this is a naturally high- acting anti- inflammatory root and that it has zero to very little impact on the immune system on your best training treats loving canine friend when taken in moderate amounts.
How to Make Licorice Oil?
- Finely chop licorice root and then place it in a glass jar with enough olive oil.
- Close the lid and keep it in a cupboard, away from sunlight for 30 days.
- Drain away the olive oil. Squeeze the licorice root and then store whatever you have in the fridge. This must last you for several months to come!
How to Give Your Canine Friend Licorice Root?
Dogs love the taste of licorice, making it very easy to give it to them. You can also apply licorice oil to other roots and herbs that they find the taste as icky, and they will easily eat them. While using them internally, it is best to give your canine friend a tincture because they might not be able to digest them fully. The rule is to give them—
Tincture — 12- 20 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily.
Tea – 30 to 60 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, twice daily.
A Word Of Caution!
Like any other substances which contain cortisone, licorice can cause water retention, low blood potassium, and high blood pressure. To be safe, you should only give your dog licorice for a period of two weeks at a time. If you want to give it for longer than two weeks, consult a vet first!
Also, it is not safe to give licorice to your diabetic, nursing, and pregnant dogs!
Now that you know Licorice is a great anti-inflammatory for your dog, do get your dog on a licorice diet every once in a while. Happy paws!
