Dosage is one of the crucial refinements of Chinese Herbology. Every animal is unique. The quantity of dosage, frequency and duration is relative to the specific needs, tolerances and metabolism of the animal receiving the herbal formula. Dosage settings needs to be adapted to the changing and fluctuating condition of the animal. Duration of treatment depends upon the nature of the pattern. Response varies.

Dosage Guidelines

The following should be taken into consideration when prescribing Chinese herbal formulas:

Animal Tolerances Vary

Animals that are highly sensitive to foods, herbs or drugs will respond well to smaller dosages, while animals that tolerate foods, herbs and drugs in large amounts will most likely require higher dosages. Dogs, cats and horses typically have a much faster metabolic rate than humans, so initial dosages should be moderate and increased slowly over time to achieve the desired results.

Baby animals' exposure to alcohol in the liquid extracts should be limited, and dosages significantly reduced according to weight.

Pattern Classification

Patterns which require short term, immediate treatment need to be treated with larger doses, three times a day, particularly at the beginning of the treatment.

Tonic formulas are used to nourish, strengthen and treat patterns such as low immunity. They should be given daily, over a longer period of time, with breaks to prevent the body from becoming accustomed to the herbs, rendering them less effective. We suggest administering a two day break from Chinese herbal tonics each week.

Compliance

In Chinese herbology it is recommended to take the herbs on an empty stomach, either 15 minutes before meals for extracts or an hour before with tablets. We recognize that this is not feasible with animals. To take advantage of the animal's natural desire to eat and for both convenience and effectiveness, the dosage recommendations provided assume administration two to three times daily with meals.

Please note that our other literature contains dosages based upon an empty stomach and should be increased by 20% if given with meals.

Dosage Response

Chinese herbs most commonly given to animals are not known for producing adverse side effects, either alone or when combined with other herbs. However, although adverse side effects are rare, allergic reactions can happen. If it is suspected that the animal is reacting adversely to the current dosage, stop administration for one or two days, then resume at a lower dosage. If no effects (desired or adverse) are noted at the low end of the recommended dosage range, increase gradually.

Combining Formulations

When combining two different Kan Herb formulas, total dosage should not greatly exceed the recommended dosage.

If the animal is taking other forms of medication, it is best to take Kan Herb's formulas approximately one hour before or after the other medication.

Pregnancy

Chinese herbs are not recommended during pregnancy.