ARE HERBS SAFE FOR MY DOG?
It is sensible to ask if it is safe to feed your dog herbs. In fact we believe it is very important to query everything we feed our dogs to ensure not just the safety but also the adequacy of nutrition and what if any benefits there are to feeding them particular ingredients.
IMPORTANT
The herbs included in Bonza are considered as non-toxic and safe.
As with all ingredients there is a possibility of an allergic reaction - as an example garlic may interact with those taking anti-coagulant drugs like warfarin or aspirin.
If your dog is pregnant/nursing we recommend not feeding while they are pregnant or nursing.
We recommend not feeding to puppies under 8 weeks of age.
Not to be used if your dog is known to be allergic/reactive to any of the ingredients listed or if your dog is taking blood thinning medication (anticoagulants) /blood modulators.
For dogs pre and post operation stop feeding 5 days prior to anaesthetic. Resume feeding post operation based on your vet's advice
Please check with your own vet or VidiVet (if you are a meal plan subscriber) if your dog is taking any medication as some herbs may interact with certain drugs.
The following is a list of potential interactions between herbs and conventional drugs:
| Herb | Conventional drug | Potential problem |
|---|---|---|
| Echinacea used longer than 8 weeks
|
Anabolic steroids, methotrexate, amiodarone, ketoconazole
|
Hepatotoxicity
|
| Feverfew
|
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
|
Inhibition of herbal effect
|
| Feverfew, garlic, ginseng, gingko, ginger
|
Warfarin sodium, aspirin
|
Altered bleeding time
|
| Ginseng
|
Phenelzine sulphate
|
Headache, tremulousness, manic episodes
|
| Ginseng
|
Oestrogens, corticosteroids
|
Additive effects
|
| St John's wort
|
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor and serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants
|
Mechanism of herbal effect uncertain. Insufficient evidence of safety with concomitant use—therefore not advised
|
| St John's wort
|
Antiretrovirals, digoxin, theophylline, cyclosporin, oral contraceptives
|
Decreased clinical effect
|
| Valerian
|
Barbiturates
|
Additive effects, excessive sedation
|
| Kyushin, licorice, plantain, uzara root, hawthorn, ginseng
|
Digoxin
|
Interference with pharmacodynamics and drug level monitoring
|
| Evening primrose oil, borage
|
Anticonvulsants
|
Lowered seizure threshold
|
| Shankapulshpi (Ayurvedic preparation)
|
Phenytoin
|
Reduced drug levels, inhibition of drug effect
|
| Kava kava
|
Benzodiazepines
|
Additive sedative effects, coma
|
| Echinacea, zinc (immunostimulants)
|
Immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids, cyclosporin)
|
Antagonistic effects
|
| Kelp
|
Thyroxine
|
Iodine content of herb may interfere with thyroid replacement
|
| Liquorice
|
Spironolactone
|
Antagonism of diuretic effect
|
| Karela, ginseng | Insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides | Altered glucose concentrations. These herbs should not be prescribed in diabetic patients |