Giving the discerning dog owner the "upper paw" on the best products, nutrition and training tips.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Nutrition: The Health Benefits of Roses

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, roses are a central theme.  Aside from being beautiful to look at and smell, roses can offer a variety of health benefits for your dog.  So let's explore the various forms of roses and their corresponding benefits.


Rose Tea:
Rose tea is one of the simplest ways to incorporate the benefits of roses into your dog's life.  Rose tea is usually made from rose buds and/or petals and is known to help with many skin-related ailments.  The tea can provide relief from dry, itchy skin to soothing bug bites, minor cuts and abrasions.  By simply brewing rose tea and spraying on the affected area, your dog can be begin to feel relief from the irritation.  

Rose petal tea specifically can also help in treating upset stomachs and diarrhea.  By adding a little rose tea over your dog's kibble, you can begin to alleviate those rumbly tummies.  A good rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of tea per 20 lbs of body weight.



Rose Hips and Rose Hip Seed Oil:
Rose Hips are the fruit of the rose plant and develop on rose bushes after the petal has dropped from the flower.  They are added to a number of human foods ranging from jams, bread, and wine.  They are also great to incorporate into your dog's diet because they are full of Vitamin C, as well as, essential fatty acids and antioxidants.  A good amount to include in your dog's food is 1/2 to a full teaspoon of finely ground rose hips per 1 cup of food.  

Note:  Dried rose hips are concentrated and powerful.  Too much could upset your pup's stomach and result in diarrhea, so be sure to use exact measurements.

Rose Hip Seed Oil is equally powerful and comes from the seeds of rose hips.  The oil is potent and is used in many cosmetic and anti-wrinkle products due to its amazing healing properties for the skin.  Dogs with dermatitis and scars have been known to benefit immensely from the application of rose hip seed oil.  It is also great for improving dry and damaged coats, serving as an great conditioner.  To use in your dog's beauty regimen, just work a generous amount through your dog's wet coat after bathing and use as a leave-in conditioner.  If your dog does not require a significant leave-in treatment, dilute the oil in a spray bottle and spritz after a light amount after bath time.


Rose Essential Oil and Rose Flower Essence:
Rose essential oils and flower essences can provide therapeutic and stabilizing influences for your dog's emotional health.  Roses and their fragrances are believed by many to soothe and help dogs with anxiety and potentially fearful situations.  By applying just a dab of rose oil to your dog's collar you can begin to bring out about a calming affect.  If rose oil is not in your repertoire, then incorporate rose flower essence by massaging into your dog's paw pads or tummy.

Tip:  The fragrance of roses is also an insect turn-off.  Many ticks and fleas are strongly repelled by the rose



We hope this post has inspired you to incorporate the nutritional and healing powers of roses into your dog's routine.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, 

A & A


Disclaimer:  Remember before introducing any new products or homeopathic remedies into your dog's routine, be sure to consult your veterinarian

No comments:

Post a Comment