Cat whiskers

What is cat's whiskers?

Cat's beard (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a tropical plant from the labiate family that is mainly found in Southeast Asia and Australia. It has been used there for centuries as a medicinal herb, especially for treating kidney and bladder problems. The leaves and flowers contain various ingredients that have a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Cat's whiskers are also said to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and strengthen the immune system.

How can cat's whiskers help dogs?

Cat's whiskers can also be useful for dogs suffering from urinary tract infections, kidney stones or bladder stones. The diuretic effect promotes the elimination of bacteria and crystals, which relieves inflammation and accelerates healing. In addition, cat's whiskers can help regulate the metabolism and support fat burning in dogs with diabetes or obesity. Cat's beard can also be used as a preventative measure to promote kidney and bladder health and reduce the risk of disease.

How is cat's beard used?

Cat's beard can be administered as a tea or tincture. To make a tea, pour 250 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried leaves or flowers and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. You can then strain the tea and offer it to your dog lukewarm. The recommended dosage is 1 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two to three doses. For a tincture, you can prepare 20 g of fresh or dried plant parts with 100 ml of alcohol (40 %) in a screw-top jar and leave to infuse in a dark place for two weeks. Then you can strain the tincture and give it to your dog with a pipette or spoon. The recommended dosage is 0.2 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two to three doses.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cat's whiskers?

Cat's beard has many benefits for your dog's health when used correctly. It can improve kidney and bladder function, stimulate the metabolism and strengthen the immune system. It is also relatively cheap and easy to obtain, as it is available in many online stores or pharmacies. It also has a mild flavor that is acceptable to most dogs.

However, cat whiskers also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of. It can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some dogs, such as diarrhea or vomiting. It can also lead to overdosing if given for too long or at too high a dose. This can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or kidney damage. You should therefore always adhere to the recommended dosage and provide your dog with fresh water regularly. You should also not give cat's beard without consulting your vet if your dog is pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medication.