What is Olive Leaf Powder?
Olive leaf powder is a supplement extracted from the leaves of olive trees. It is a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antioxidant; and has also proven to be effective against yeast infections. There are a number of ailments for which we recommend olive leaf powder as a treatment for cats and dogs:
- allergic dermatitis
- osteoarthritis
- yeast overgrowth
- feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
- feline immunodeficiency  virus (FIV)
How does Olive Leaf work?
Olive leaf contains the active ingredient Oleuropein which works by stimulating your pets immune system to attack foreign invaders while causing no harm to healthy microbes in the body. Which pretty much means that your dog’s body will be armed and ready to fight off any bad bacteria or virus that it comes in contact with. Olive leaf also has anti-inflammatory properties that bring down swelling and decrease pain in joints. This supplement is all natural and safe to use without any future risks or side effects your pet may experience with prescription medications.
What types of pets should use Olive Leaf?
Olive leaf is especially beneficial for dogs and cats with ear infections, skin infections and symptoms of yeast overgrowth (tear-stained eyes and itchy ears and skin). Due to the fact that olive leaf has antioxidant properties, it can be helpful in relieving irritation and inflammation caused by these infections faster than if antibiotics were used alone.
Are you planning on getting your dog their yearly cortisone shot to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms? Before doing so, keep in mind that cortisone is a steroid which only works by masking symptoms and can lead to negative effects later in life. Â Although the symptoms your dog or cat exhibits during allergy season as very similar to symptoms we may experience, it is important to realize that dog allergies are much more similar to us experiencing a cold. dogs and cats release toxins through their skin which is why their “cold” symptoms are itchy skin. Cortisone and other steroids push these toxins deep into the body to mask symptoms. Olive leaf extract boosts the immune system and has antibiotic properties, making your pet better equipped to fight off toxins.
If you have a cat or dog who seems to be stiffer and in some pain, they may be showing signs of osteoarthritis. Olive leaf’s anti-inflammatory properties are a natural and safe way to reduce soreness in the joints of arthritic dogs.
Overgrowth of yeast is an extremely common issue in today’s dogs. So common in fact that symptoms such as smelly skin, breath and ears are sometimes seen as normal “dog smell”. Olive leaf is a very potent antifungal agent that can help to rid your dog of yeast.
In humans with the HIV virus, olive leaf has been tested and showed promising evidence in killing HIV cells as well as stopping further invasion of HIV cells into the body. This evidence has led scientists to predict that olive leaf may have the same effect on feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
How do I give my dog or cat olive leaf?
Olive leaf supplement comes in a powder form and is best given daily, mixed in with your pet’s food.