Rooibos Tea for Dogs - Immune System Health, Cancer Inhibitor, Allergy Mediator

Aspalathus Linearis, common name Rooibos, also known as Red Bush or African Red Tea is an indigenous plant of South Africa - found in the Cedarburg region, north-west of Capetown. 

Rooibos is actually an herbal plant. The needle-like leaves and stems are harvested, crushed, fermented and dried. The plant has been used to make tea for hundreds of years.  Rooibos became a commercially grown crop in the 1930’s.

When the dried leaves are steeped they result in a rich red-colour tea that has numerous, proven health benefits. The USDA (US Department of Agriculture) has confirmed that red rooibus tea can reduce cancer, heart disease, slows aging as well as possessing other health benefits…I will provide an extensive list of benefits below.

Rooibus tea is just as beneficial for dogs as it is for humans. The tea is naturally caffeine free (caffeine is not good for dogs) and is low in tannin and free of oxalic acid - so unless your dog is suffering from iron deficiency (rooibos may slow down the absorption of iron) it is safe for your dog.
 
Below we will look at:

1. The nutritional value of rooibos tea;
2. The Health Benefits;
3. How to add rooibos to your dog's daily diet;
4. How combining the tea with a little cinnamon can help with your dog's oral care;
5. How to use the tea topically to treat skin disorders due to allergies.

Nutritional Value

Rooibos tea is:

• Rich in minerals - calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc;
• Rich in rare minerals - bioflavanoid and quercetin;
• Rich in vitamin C;
• Rich in alpha hydroxy acids (AHA);
• Rich in antioxidants, having about 37 types of antioxidants and packing about 50% more antioxidants than green tea!

Health Benefits

Rooibos tea offers an impressive list of health benefits: 

• Allergy fighting - the tea contains anti-allergy properties and can be real aid in treating allergies and related skin problems, asthma, etc.;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Anti-viral;
• Anxiety calming - naturally calming and relaxing the tea can help relieve anxiety and relax your dog; 
• Anti-spasmodic - as the tea is rich in anti-spasmodic agents it can help ease a sore stomach; 
• Bone health promoting - as it is rich in the bone building minerals calcium, manganese and fluoride; 
• Cancer fighting - anti-mutagenic; 
• Circulation enhancing - promotes good blood circulation and works to prevent haemorrhaging;  
• Good for skin - the AHA facilitates the healthy growth and maintenance of skin:
•  If your dog suffers from aliments of the skin such as itchiness and hotspots due to allergies the tea can really help to alleviant both discomfort and the inflammation of the skin; 

• Heart health supporting - helps prevents heart disease; 
• Immune System boosting - the antioxidents  also give the immune system a healthy boost; 
• Slows Aging - the abundant antioxidants slow down the aging process;

How To Add Rooibos to Your Dog’s Daily Diet

Once a day I add the tea to each of my dogs' meals. You can brew the tea fresh on a daily basis or brew it and store in the refrigerator for use of the span of a couple of days. 

I always add the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon to the rooibos tea. Lemon is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune-system boosting, a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemons contain bioflavonoids, calcium, citric acid, limonene, magnesium and vitamin C as well as other health promoting substances. Combined with rooibos tea the health benefits are multiplied. Lemon offers an amazing array of health benefits for your dog - you can read more here.

You can fill a bowl with rooibos tea and leave it next to your dog’s water bowl.

Your dog can choose when he/she wants to have a sip! You can leave the tea plain, or add some cinnamon (instructions and benefits noted below) or add fresh squeezed lemon and/or a drop or two of Manuka Honey, or other organic honey.

Just make sure that your dog always has fresh, plain water as well. Although I add rooibus tea to my dogs' evening meal they also have a bowl of he tea beside their water bowl.

Minimum Daily Dosage Based On Dog’s Weight

• 1-10 lbs - less than 1/4 cup, 1-3 times per day
• 10-20 lbs - 1/4 cup, 1-3 times per day
• 20-50 lbs - 1/4-1/2 cup, 1-3 times per day
• 50-100 lbs - 1/2-1 cup, 1-3 times per day
• Over 100 lbs - up to 1 cup 3 times per day

By adding a little cinnamon to the rooibos tea you increase the health benefit...

Cinnamon has quite an extensive list of beneficial properties for oral care…it is an:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Anti-microbial (fights bacteria, fungi, etc.)
• Anti-septic;
• Mild anesthetic;
• Helps dissolve food particles and aids in the digestion of food. 

 By adding a little cinnamon to the tea your dogs receives the benefits of rooibos as well as an oral rinse!

Maximum dosage of Cinnamon per Day

• Large Dogs - ½ tsp a day;
• Medium Dogs - ¼ tsp a day;
• Small Dogs - 1/8 tsp a day.

 

Use Rooibos Tea Topically to Treat Itching, Rashes and Hot Spots due to Allergies

As Roobois tea contains anti-allergy properties it is excellent for topical use in treating skin problems due to allergies. In addition the AHA fin the tea facilitates the healthy growth and maintenance of skin. Below you will find a recipe for:

1. A soothing rinse;
2. A foot soak for itchy and or irritated paws;
3. A simple salve for irritated skin.

Soothing Rinse

You will need the following:

• 2 tea bags of Rooibos Tea (also known as Red Bush Tea)
• 1 fresh lemon

Place the tea bags in hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes;

• Remove the tea bags and allow the resulting ‘tea’ to cool;
• Squeeze the lemon and add the resulting juice to the tea;
• Then use the tea as a conditioning, soothing rinse…you do not have to rinse the ‘tea’ off of your dog after application.

Foot Soak for Sore, Irritated Paws

If your dog or cat is suffering from allergies and/or resulting yeast infections of the paw (i.e. candida), or has come into contact with poisonous and/or toxic substances - giving your dog or cat a foot soak is very important to reduce discomfort, help treat the symptoms, remove harmful residue and stop your dog’s or cat’s need to lick and chew his/her paws. Toxins left on the paws can migrate into the dogs blood stream, and over time increase your dog's toxic load, compromise his/her immune system and trigger the development of cancer.

The most affective way to remove toxins (road salt, herbicides, fertilizers or pesticides) from your dog’s paws is to provide your dog with a 30 second foot soak. Depending on the size of your dog, you can do afoot soak in the bowl or basin, sink, bathtub, shower or in a small children’s pool. If you would like to see additional recipes for herbal foot soaks to alleviate sore, irritated paws you can read this article 'Natural, Herbal Remedies for Dogs, Cats with Sore, Irritated Paws'.

You will need the following:

• Rooibos Tea  - one or more bags of tea depending on the size of the tub;
• ! to 2 fresh lemons.

Place the tea bags in hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes;

• Remove the tea bags and allow the resulting ‘tea’ to cool then add to the water in the soaking tub, or you can use the tea to warm the water in the tub - just always make sure that the resulting liquid for the soak is only warm or room temperature - never hot.
• Depending on the size of the tub - take 1 to 2 fresh lemons, squeeze for the juice and then add the juice to the cooled tea;
• Now you can soak your dog's or cat's paws... 
• It is important to note that dunking/placing your dog’s or cat’s paws in the soaking solution is not as affective as soaking the paw for 30 seconds. After the soak just pat your dog’s or cat’s paws dry - do not rub them dry as rubbing can cause irritation.

Soothing Salve

You can apply the dry rooibos tea powder to the spots directly using one of these options:

• Open the tea bag and remove the tea powder, mix with a little 100% aloe vera juice or gel, apply;
• Soak the tea bag in hot water, allow to cool and place the cooled tea bag against the irritated skin;
• Soak the tea bag in hot water, allow to cool, open the tea bag and place the damp tea powder directly on the irritated skin. 

Related Articles

When a Dog is Constantly Scratching 

Fatty Acids For Dogs - Omega 3, Omega 6, Health Benefits, Best Sources, Dosage

Not having enough of and/or quality fatty acids in the right ratio can cause your dog to have: allergies, be more susceptible to allergies and suffer greater affects from allergies - i.e. skin rashes, fur loss, etc.

How To Choose A Good Dog Kibble For Your Dog Allergies in dogs are often caused by the ingredients in commercially made dog kibble.

Home Made, DIY Dog Food Recipes - Grain Free or Wholesome Grain, for the Health of Your Dog

Natural, Herbal Remedies for Dogs, Cats with Sore, Irritated Paws
 

Coconut Oil is Good For Your Dog's Health 

and can help reduce susceptibility and affects of allergies.

Fresh Food is Good For Your Dog's Health Feeding your dog quality fresh foods and reducing the amount of processed foods (i.e. dog kibble, dog cookies) reduces toxins in your dog's system, boost his/her immune system - supporting the bodies natural ability to fight allergies and self-heal.


Herbs and Spices are Good for Your Dog's Health

Foods That Dogs Should Never Eat - dangerous, toxic, lethal

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• Training;
• Behaviour Modification;
• Rehabilitation;
• Nutrition;
• Health

Whether you are experiencing dog behavior problems and would like assistance, or just want to bring your dog up to be a well-balanced canine -  I offer both a local and international service for people with one or multiple dogs. 

I work with all breeds - from small (i.e. Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, etc.), medium breeds size (including Pit Bulls) and large breed dogs...

 

International e-Consultation 

Sessions, Advice via email for National and International Clients - Dog Training, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Nutrition, Health 

In-person SessionsDog Training, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Rehabilitation – Ottawa, Ottawa Area, Outaouais, Ottawa Valley

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DOES YOUR DOG LICK YOU TOO MUCH, ROUGHLY?

I let my dogs lick my face, as long as…

A -  I have invited them to do so;

B - They are not in an overly excited state;

C -  They have not been eating anything disgusting;

D - They lick in a respectful manner and know when to stop!

It is normal, healthy expression of joy and affection for a dog to give you one or two gentle licks as a greeting, or to share affection.

Licking behavior is instinctive in puppies. Puppies lick their mother’s face as a sign of recognition and respect. A mother dog will lick her puppies to groom them. A dog will also lick another dog to indicate subservience. 

My Australian Shepherd Tasha loves to groom my Chihuahua Carmen - when Carmen needs a grooming he always goes to see Tasha!

But when a dog licks in a dominating manner (never asks if you would like to be licked but just moves in and takes completely over) or incessantly licks in an anxious manner and refuses to stop it is time to put some limits in place.

Too much licking is not normal and indicates that your dog is either dominating you or is insecure and anxious. Left unchecked this behaviour can become obsessive. It can also indicate that your dog does not know how to relax. That is not good for the dog or you.

TO TEACH YOUR DOG LIMITS AROUND GIVING ‘KISSES’

If you enjoy getting a ‘kiss’ from your dog but would like to teach your dog that it needs to stop licking after a couple of licks and that it needs to lick respectfully (gently, slowly - not hyper and fast). First make sure that you are not inviting your dog to lick you when your dog is very excited - you can end of overwhelming and stressing your dog! To learn more you can read this short article Affection and Your Dog.

One - Make sure you are calm (without excess emotion), and ready to coach with fair, firm confidence. Don't be aggressive, annoyed, frustrated, angry etc., don't raise your voice in anger. To understand more about how you can make sure you are communicating properly with your dog you can read about the Sensitivity of Dogs and Communication.

Two - Once your dog has licked once or twice you can touch your dog firmly but quickly with your fingers - at its neck or waist, you can snap your fingers and say 'enough' firmly, but not with anger. If your dog is too rough in the way he licks you can follow the same methodology and say ‘gentle’.

Three - Then tell your dog what you would like it to do instead i.e. 'go sit' etc.

Four - Follow through...if your dog goes back to lick you again - don't get angry, simply correct as per the steps above.

TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM LICKING

If you do not want your dog to lick your face, your hands etc;

If your dog always licks your skin cream off, or is insistently / obsessively licking anything else… here is the proper way to it them not to stop…

One - Make sure you are calm (without excess emotion),and ready to coach with fair, firm confidence. Don't be aggressive, annoyed, frustrated, angry etc., don't raise your voice in anger.

Two - get your dogs attention, you can touch your dog firmly but quickly with your fingers - at its neck or waist, you can snap your fingers and say 'hey' firmly, but not with anger. Never touch or talk in anger as you then lead by the wrong example!

Three - Tell your dog what you want i.e. 'no, don't touch' and then say 'leave it' I have ten dogs - different breeds, from tiny to large - they all understand this type of direction...as do the dogs I work with for my clients.

Four - Tell your dog what you would like it to do instead i.e. 'go sit' etc.

Five - Follow through...if your dog goes back to lick you again - don't get angry, simply correct as per the steps above.

And by the way - dogs use the placement of their body to takeover and own space - you can too! If you lean or walk into the space your dog occupies your dog will naturally move out of your space - providing you are calm confident...this is also an excellent way of telling your dog - in a language it understands - to give you space. This helps your dog to further understand that licking and invading your personal space is not appropriate at that time!

To understand more about how to gain your dog’s respect and provide leadership for your dog you can read about How Dogs Assign Respect and Pack Leadership.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Training;
• Behaviour Modification;
• Rehabilitation;
• Nutrition;
• Health

Whether you are experiencing dog behavior problems and would like assistance, or just want to bring your dog up to be a well-balanced canine -  I offer both a local and international service for people with one or multiple dogs. 

I work with all breeds - from small (i.e. Yorkie, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, etc.), medium breeds size (including Pit Bulls) and large breed dogs...

 

International e-Consultation 

Sessions, Advice via email for National and International Clients - Dog Training, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Nutrition, Health 

In-person SessionsDog Training, Puppy Training, Behaviour Modification, Rehabilitation – Ottawa, Ottawa Area, Outaouais, Ottawa Valley

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Notes:

Please note - this article is for information purposes and is not a substitute for an in-person Session with me. When working with dogs I use many techniques - it is important to note that this article may touch on one or several techniques but not all. I select the technique that I use for a particular dog based on my observations of the dog and an intuitive, instinctive assessment of that dog's and its human's individual requirements. For example when I am working with a dog that is hyper sensitive and very physically reactive I will not use voice or touch. I use a lot of therapeutic touch on some dogs, others require the use of herding techniques and so on. Each and every technique must be combined with:

• an understanding of the real intelligence, sensitivity and capability of dogs;
• an understanding of how to read a dog's face and a dog's overall body language;
• an understanding of the full spectrum of ways that humans communicate and dogs communicate; 
• understanding and recognition of the individual that is each dog - no two dogs are the same...taking a 'cookie cutter' approach to techniques is not the way to work with a dog;
• a complete recognition and understanding of all the elements that feed a behaviour and create an issue:
•  the vast majority of people can only identify one or two elements...which vastly inhibits the ability to resolve behavior issues;
• behaviours do not exist in isolation - there are always many elements that feed a single behaviour, there all always multiple behaviours that create a behavioral issue;
• self-restraint and discipline on the part of the human who is directing the dog;
• sensitivity, awareness, intuition, instinct and timing on the part of the human who is directing the dog;
• to understand, connect with and adapt quickly and effectively to a dog's learning requirements you must be able to employ the same tools a dog uses - acute sensitivity, awareness, instinct, intuition and timing;
• kindness, endurance, consideration, patience, persistence, perspective, the ability and know how to let the past go, the ability to set realistic expectations at any one point in time;
• the creation of structure, rules, boundaries and limitations for each situation at the macro and micro level;
• understanding of all the elements that make up an instruction and direction to a dog...there are multiple steps involved in an instruction - not just one!
• absolute honesty - if you cannot be honest with yourself you will not be able to communicate clearly with a dog.

These are just some of the techniques that I teach my clients - it is a holistic, all-encompassing approach. If you are missing any one element of the above mentioned your success rate will be affected to one degree or another in implementing the techniques offered in the article presented above.

TO CURE YOUR DOG'S MOTION SICKNESS

The only way to cure motion sickness is to face the situation head-on, do not avoid - if you avoid taking your dog in the car because of motion sickness your dog will never normalize the experience. Patience, determination, repetition is the only way to cure this condition.

  

My dog, Jordie (a German Shepherd x Alaskan Malamute) is an excellent example of how you can cure motion sickness in your dog. Like people, some dogs just acquire motion sickness. Jordie is a rescue from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Iqaluit is a northern climate where these dogs are used as sled dogs. Spay and neuter is not commonly practiced - there are many unwanted litters of puppies. When no one wants the puppies they are shot to death. Jordie and his litter mates were to be shot - the rescue group that I fostered for found someone willing to fly the puppies out the day before they were to be shot. The next day Jordie joined my pack. The entire litter were sick on the flight out of Iqaluit - they were only 10 weeks old, stressed, underfed. As a result Jordie developed a severe case of motion sickness.

On the way home after I picked Jordie up he threw-up in the car. It was August, 30^o Celsius, this poor little guy had spent his entire 10 weeks of life up north in deep cold, he had been neglected, flown on a plane and now put in a car!

The next time I took Jordie for a ride in the car he threw-up again. The third time I put Jordie in the car he started to pant, drool and foam at the mouth and then proceeded to throw-up. I realized that I would have to cure Jordie of motion sickness and an aversion to traveling.

When Jordie sensed I was getting ready to take him for a ride in the car he hid. I would go looking for him - I would find him in his hiding spot drooling, foaming, ears down. I knew that if I gave in and did not make him go through the repeated experience of riding in the car he would never be cured. So I persisted in taking Jordie with me in the car. 

As Jordie associated travel with stress I needed to show him that travel was OK...with patience and persistence Jordie became comfortable with vehicles and the symptom of his travel stress - motion sickness disappeared. I took a full year to normalize the experience for him. With time he stopped throwing-up and only drooled and foamed, eventually that stopped too.

Because dogs live in the moment it is easier to change a dog's association of a situation than it is a human's. Humans carry grudges, dogs do not. Dogs form associations with places, things, animate and inanimate objects. Dogs are very forgiving and treat each day, each experience as a new beginning if you give them the support that they require. Make the future different than the past. You must let the past go - must not anticipate that the past will and must repeat itself- let it go from your mind. Envision a new future in which you forget about what has happened before and focus instead on what you would like to happen - a nice peaceful ride in the car with your dog.

When you change your thoughts from negative to positive you relax - this allows your dog to do the same. You are leading by the right example. Your will must be stronger than your dogs, your must have greater patience and determination.

If your dog does not want to go out to the car then you will need to take control of the situation. Leadership is an active state. If you have called your dog and your dog will not come, goes to hide (your dog realizes it is being asked to go out for a ride in the car) you need to go get your dog. Reading this article 'Does Your Puppy or Dog Shut Down and Refuse to Walk' will help you understand how to get your dog back into motion! 

Don’t give-in to your dog’s resistance to go in the car. When Jordie hid, I went and got him. If you have to bring your dog over to the door and out to the car with a leash do it! But make sure your attitude and state of being is that of a true leader or you will further traumatize your dog. Reading this article 'Is Your Dog Anxious / Over Excited in the Car' will help you understand how to work with your dog to reduce car ride anxiety.

Once you have read the two articles indicated above you will have a thorough protocol on how to move forward. The following provides the balance of information you require to work this cure.

One - When ever possible, don’t feed your dog any food at least an hour prior to a going for a drive in the car;

Two - Do not put your dog in the front seat - this usually makes their motion sickness worse! Put them in the back seat or back cargo space - you can also use a crate in the car;

Three - Make sure you cover your car seat and floor with old linen sheets that you can rinse and throw in the wash - you can also under-layer the linen with towels for better absorption. Bring extra linen and extra towels - when your dog does throw-up you can change the seat cover or crate liner and put fresh linen out. Extra towels can also be used to wipe your doggies face! If your dog drools and foams at the mouth you are going to need towels to wipe that up too. Bring a large plastic bag that you can toss the dirty linen into.

Four - If you are giving your dog a natural rescue remedy make sure you read the instructions - some need to be given well in advance of he car ride (i.e. an hour prior to getting into the car).

Five - don’t be upset if your dog throws-up - adjust your expectations - this is going to take repeated trips to cure. Gradually he stopped throwing-up but he still made a mess drooling and foaming at the mouth! After a year Jordie was cured of motion sickness.

Remember patience and understanding is key! Just like people, every dog will progress at it's own pace some faster, some slower. Many people give-in and give-up too soon. 
 

Your ability to affect change in your dog is dependent on your leadership skills and your awareness of how you and communicate. As your skill grows, your ability to affect change will too!

In combination with the  methodology above you can also try using ginger to help ease your dog's nausea.

You can use a slice of fresh or dry ginger root or pills that are made of pure ginger. Dogs do like the taste of ginger so they will usually readily accept a slice. If you are using fresh or dry ginger only give a small piece as a lot is not required. Ginger is mostly harmless to your dog so it's hard to overdose. If you want to use ginger, give your puppy the ginger about 30 minutes before you are ready to go in the car. If you are using ginger in pill form the dosage is100 mg/25 lbs (every 8 hours). 

You can also make ginger cookies or ginger snaps  - one cookie would suffice for a puppy, for a larger dog one or two cookies. The nice thing about ginger is that it is all natural. The ability of the ginger to alleviate nausea and vomiting is famous, and whatever the cause, such sensations are easily dispensed with when the ginger remedies are used.

Some people say you can also give your dog black jelly beans. The flavor of black jelly beans and black licorice is derived from fennel. The more expensive versions will use real fennel, where as cheaper versions use artificial flavour. Don't use jelly beans as the amount of fennel (if it is present at all) is overpowered by the amount of sugar - concentrated amounts of sugar will increase the likelihood of nausea and vomiting. Fennel (or licorice root is its other name) is a vegetable - one that my rabbits and dogs both like, however to be affective to prevent vomiting due to nervousness, it is best combined with catnip. I would, however stick with ginger...you can use ginger on its own and it is more effective. The carminative (ability to expel gas) action enabled by fennel  is effective to relieve flatulence and is the primary reason for the use of fennel in herbal medicine. So even though the herbal remedy made from fennel is used as a remedy in treating a variety of other ailments, its main use is in dealing with flatulence and excess abdominal gas.