Antiseptic, astringent, antispasmodic, expelling gas, preventing sweating

Tea or tincture

Sage is a great remedy for infection or ulceration in the mouth, skin or digestive tract. Sage can also help expel gas and ease gastric cramping when used internally.

Sage can also help treat bacterial or fungal infections on the skin, including ringworm.

For treating and preventing gingivitis, make a strong sage tea or tincture and apply it to the gums. To make the tea, steep 1 tablespoon of sage in near-boiling water. Stir frequently until lukewarm. Strain the mixture. The plant material remaining can be used as a poultice for localized infections or ulcers. The tea can be given at a rate of 1 ounce per 20 pounds of animal’s body weight, 2-3 times daily. For a tincture, give 0.5-1.0mL per 30 pounds of the animal’s body weight, twice daily.

For helping expel gas and ease cramping, sage tea can be added to the drinking water or administered by mouth. Make the tea as outlined above.

For treating fungal or bacterial infections of the skin, use the tea in the form of a rinse, poultice or fomentation. Thoroughly soak the pet in cooled tea once or twice daily.

• Undiluted essential oil of sage can cause skin irritation, and should not be given internally.
• Do not use sage in pregnant or nursing animals.
• Sage may interfere with hypoglycemic or anticonvulsive therapies.

Wulff-Tilford, Mary, and Gregory L. Tilford. All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets. Irvine, CA: BowTie, 1999. Print.

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