The Herbal Pet

24/01/2025

If you have a white dog or cat, you have probably noticed that brown, red or black stains often develop under the eyes of your pet. This happens as a result of the tears not draining properly (especially in the short snouted and/or long haired breeds) or excessive tear production (from allergies or other reasons).

Long story short means the area under the eyes is almost permanently wet. If the stain is red, the cause is most probably porphyrins. These are iron containing waste molecules which are excreted in the tears. If the stain is brown or black, it is likely a bacterial or fungal infection.

So, how do we fight this?

This is our multipronged Tearstain Formula approach:
• Cranberry and bioflavonoids contain molecules that make it difficult for the bacteria to adhere to the skin and hair.
• Calcium carbonate increases the pH of the tears, which in turn decreases staining.
• Barberry acts as a natural antibiotic and anti-fungal to help reduce infection.
• Phytosterols and ascorbic acid modulate allergic reactions.
• Marshmallow lubricates the mucous membranes around the eyes and helps to decrease excess tear production.

If you would like to try this product for your pet, find out more here: https://www.horseandpethealth.com/product/tearstain-formula-75g/.

22/01/2025

The advantage of using plants as medicine is that a plant has more than one active ingredient. For example, Siberian Ginseng (Eletherococcus senticosus), classified as an adaptogen (a substance that exerts effects on both sick and healthy individuals by ‘correcting’ any dysfunction(s) without producing unwanted side effects), has several molecules with the following adaptogenic effects:

Six compounds show various levels of activity as anti-oxidants,
four show anti-cancer action,
three show hypocholesterolemic activity (reduce cholesterol),
two show immunostimulatory effects,
one has choleretic activity (promotes bile secretion)and
one has the ability to decrease/moderate insulin levels,
one has activity as a radioprotectant (reduce the effects of radiation in healthy tissues),
one shows anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic (reduces fever) activities and
yet another has shown activity as an antibacterial agent.

I'm sure you will agree that this combination of substances together has a potent immune enhancing effect. This is why we use Siberian Ginseng in our Immune mix (for horses) and Allergy Formula and Allergy Care chews (for dogs and cats).



Ref: Marina Davydov, A.D. Krikorian, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. (Araliaceae) as an adaptogen: a closer look, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 72, Issue 3, 2000, Pages 345-393, ISSN 0378-8741.

21/01/2025

Slowly, slowly, NutriDent dental chews are making it onto shelves arund South Africa! This is who has stock at the moment:

CarniRaw
Bark & Beyond
Tracey Miller (Zim)
Opie
NoensieBytes

And these are the Pick n Pays where I know they are packed out onto the shelf correctly:
Longbeach mall
Durbanville
Constantia
Wonderboom
Paarl Mall
Hyper Durban North
Canal Walk

20/01/2025

Hot off the press!
NutriDent Dental Chews are live and available online!

A chewy treat to clean teeth packed full of vitamins. So much more than just a dental chew.

https://www.horseandpethealth.com/product/nutrident-dental-chews/

17/01/2025

This is what the NutriDent chews look like.
More info here: https://bit.ly/3Q02BJX

16/01/2025

Our brand new product, NutriDent dental chews, is slowly trickling into the marketplace. Let me tell you a bit more.

The idea behind these is to be completely different to a lot of the chews currently being sold, which are often, IMHO, glorified treats.

Two main qualities make NutriDent different:

1. The chewy, rubbery texture – this firm yet pliable texture helps scrape away plaque and tartar buildup on teeth and along the gumline. A longer chewing time is encouraged, maximising the time spent cleaning teeth and massaging gums.

2. The other advantage is that these chews actually contain the whole range of vitamins and minerals, making them more than just a dental chew.

I will send one 120g pack each of these to ten people. If you are interested, please comment below and on Monday at midday, I’ll draw ten random names and contact you for your delivery address.

12/01/2025

We strive to continually improve our products as new research comes out.

This year will be no exception! With our new doggie dental treats fresh off the press (and something exciting in the equine line also on its way).

We would also like to hear from you: what is it that you and your fur babies need?

08/01/2025

I've been asked previously what group of molecules is MOST important in animal health. And, as with most things health related, that's kind of a dangerous question. Nutrition is broad and relies on variety and freshness and good combinations.

But if I HAD to choose. If it was a question on "Do you want to be a Millionaire", I'd probably answer Omega 3 oils.

These are so often deficient in animal diets, or overpowered by the more obiquitious Omega 6 and 9. And supplementing Omega 3 has such well documented health benefits, too many to list here.

So this is the reason you will see Omega 3 as an ingredient in our Allergy Formula, Allergy Care chews, Itch mix, Omega 3 Formula, Joint Care chews AND Joint Formula. You can tell I love it, right?

06/01/2025

05/01/2025

I'm going to tell you about a few of the ingredients of Everypet Formula. (This is the product where we've tried to provide what a lot of modern pet diets are missing. Because lets face it, if pet diets were as perfect as they say they are, we wouldn't be facing the array of nutritionally related problems that we undoubtedly do.)

Chia seeds. Extremely rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which help in so many different ways - from brain function, to immune response to joint health. And, yes dogs and cats can use plant based fatty acids to make EPA and DHA.

Spirulina. Otherwise known as a superfood, this algae provides protein, amino acids and minerals in abundance. It has also been shown to modulate the allergic response.

Fructo-oligosaccharides. These molecules are prebiotics, aka food for probiotics. Its a favourite food for the 'good' bacteria so tends to increase their population over the 'bad' bacteria which cause disease. Also excellent for those dogs and cats prone to diarrhoea.

There is more to this product - but I'll keep that for another post. 🙂

And all of this vet-visit-preventing awesomeness for less than R230 for 200g. (200g lasts one large dog 40 days.)

More info here: https://bit.ly/42oGzFW

Available from selected Pick n Pays, Petshop Sciences, Absolute Pets, Cat Box Hypers, some vets and other pet stores.
Or online from Takealot, Faithful to Nature, Pet Heaven.

03/01/2025

Allergies are complicated and it would be
very irresponsible of someone to say they have a cure.
Cortisone helps, antihistamines help, but neither of
these are without side effects. Most natural remedies
are extremely inconsistent.

On the other hand, about 8 out of every 10 allergic pets
who try our Allergy Formula or Allergy Care chews,
stop itching/scratching/wheezing/sneezing within a
week or two. Naturally and without side effects.

And for the two it doesn't help, we pay you back.

Available from selected Absolute Pets stores
nationwide.

01/01/2025

To all our awesome supporters, we thank you for making another year possible for us.

Wishing everyone a fabulous New Year, and we hope to see you soon!

25/12/2024

A Merry Christmas to all and a happy holiday from all of us at The Herbal Pet and Horse.

23/12/2024

Ever had any questions about our equine range?
Ever wondered about a product for your horse but weren’t exactly sure?

Just drop us a message. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and give advice.

20/12/2024

Everypet Formula: with this product, we have tried to fill in the most common gaps in your pet's diet.
Available from Absolute Pets, some other pet stores, some Pick n Pays, some vets, Takealot or online from https://www.horseandpethealth.com/product/everypet-formula/.

20/12/2024

With the upcoming New Year’s celebration on its way it time to start preparing our fur babies that get anxious or scared.

The Herbal Pet Calming Chews offer a natural way of getting on top of these anxieties. Just start treatment at least 4 days before the big day to ensure the best results.

Available at Absolute Pets, Midfeeds, Western Shoppe and more…