St. John's wort extract

What is St. John's wort extract?

St. John's wort extract is a concentrate made from the ingredients of the St. John's wort plant (Hypericum perforatum). The plant is a medicinal herb and has been used in folk medicine for centuries. It grows mainly in Europe, Asia and North Africa and flowers from June to September. The yellow flowers and green leaves contain various active ingredients such as hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids and tannins. These have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and calming effects.

What does St. John's wort extract do for dogs?

St. John's wort extract can have various benefits for dogs, especially in relation to the nervous system. Here are some of the most important effects:

• Calming: St. John's wort extract can help dogs with anxiety, stress or nervous behavior by promoting the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These ensure a better mood and a greater sense of well-being. St. John's wort extract can therefore be used for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, travel anxiety, noise sensitivity or aggression.
• Pain relief: St. John's wort extract has an anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore provide relief for dogs with joint or muscle pain. It inhibits the formation of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain and inflammation. St. John's wort extract can therefore help dogs with osteoarthritis, rheumatism or injuries.
• Strengthening the immune system: St. John's wort extract supports the immune system and can therefore contribute to your dog's general health. It has an antioxidant effect and protects the cells from free radicals that can lead to cell damage. It also has an antibacterial effect and can therefore prevent or fight infections.

How do I dose St. John's wort extract for my dog?

The dosage of St. John's wort extract depends on the size and weight of your dog. In general, you can assume 2 to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight for dry extracts. For liquid extracts, the dosage should be correspondingly lower. If you are unsure, please always consult your vet before giving your dog St. John's wort extract.

How do I use St. John's wort extract for my dog?

St. John's wort extract is available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, drops or powder. You can give your dog St. John's wort extract directly into his mouth or mix it into his food. Make sure your dog drinks enough water to facilitate absorption.

What are the side effects of St. John's wort extract for dogs?

St. John's wort extract is generally well tolerated by dogs when used in the correct dosage. However, there can also be side effects that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common:

• Photosensitivity: St. John's wort extract can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. This can lead to sunburn, rashes or skin inflammation. You should therefore protect your dog from direct sunlight when giving him St. John's wort extract.
• Interactions: St. John's wort extract can influence the effect of other medications by accelerating or slowing down their breakdown in the body. This can lead to over- or underdosing. You should therefore inform your vet if your dog is given St. John's wort extract together with other medications, especially those that affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system or blood clotting.
• Gastrointestinal complaints: St. John's wort extract can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some dogs, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite. You should therefore increase the dosage slowly and pay attention to your dog's reaction. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you should discontinue use and contact your vet.