When your pup seems to be feeling under the weather, you probably head straight for the veterinarian. But keeping furry family members happy and healthy doesn’t necessarily mean racking up large vet bills. Minor health problems can often be treated at home with herbal remedies.

When it comes to using herbs, less is more, says Randy Kidd, DVM, author of Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Books, 2000). “Read the product label, then adjust the dose down to the animal’s size, assuming that the dosage on the label is meant for a 150-pound human,” says Kidd. For liquid extracts given internally, the general recommendation is 1/2 teaspoon three times a day for dogs under 20 pounds, 1 teaspoon three times a day for dogs weighing between 20 and 40 pounds, and 1 tablespoon three times daily for dogs over 40 pounds.

—K.E.