Antimicrobial, expelling gas, antispasmodic, cough suppression, expectorant, astringent, worm expulsion

Tea or tincture

Thyme contains volatile oils that are good antiseptics for the mouth and throat, making them effective against gingivitis.

Thyme helps bronchial spasms related to asthma, and is effective against dry coughs secondary to fungal or bacterial infection.

Thyme can help treat irritable bowel and colitis, and is also very effective at expelling hookworms.

As a rinse, thyme can help treat fungal or bacterial infections of the skin.

To treat cough, use a glycerin tincture or alcohol tincture sweetened with honey at a dose of 1/4 teaspoon for each 30 pounds of an animal’s body weight, up to twice daily. A cooled tea also works, at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of animal’s body weight, or 1/4 teaspoon for cats. Give the tea directly into the mouth.

For preventing or treating gingivitis, swab the tincture or a strong tea directly onto the gum lines.

For digestive issues or worms, give 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh herb per pound of food fed to dogs, or a sprinkling of herb for cats.

For skin problems, make the thyme tea as outlined above and use it as a skin rinse.

• Thyme should be used with moderation in pregnant animals.
• Do not use essential oil of thyme in or on your animal.

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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