Border Collie Eating Lemongrass
Answered by: Kerry Hackett
Question from: Marianna O
Posted on: April 16, 2007

I have read your reply re: cat eating lemongrass, but of all the herbs in the garden lemongrass is her favourite. I have wondered if she is self-medicating and that there is something to it. She is quite an allergic dog but the lemongrass eating has only started lately.

You’ll notice the response to which you refer was entitled "Cats and Lemongrass". Cats particularly are sensitive to volitile oils and do not metabolise them well. Dogs are a different species entirely. I suspect your dog has decided she likes lemongrass for some reason; it may be the carminative effect it has on the digestive system (relieves cramping abdominal pain and flatulence). Given her interest in this herb and the allergies mentioned above, you might want to look at resources regarding a good, homemade diet. Please see the work of Richard Pitcairn, "Natural Health for Dogs and Cats", "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette de Bairacli Levy and "The Barf Diet" by Ian Billinghurst for further information and recipes. Lemongrass also has a sedative effect. As Border Collies can be very active and may become nervous when not allowed enough exercise and stimulation, this plant may be helping her to stay calm as well.

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