Natural Grapefruit Seed Extract Uses for Animals

Grapefruit seed extract, sometimes referred to as citrus seed extract or citricidal, is obtained from the pulp and seeds of the common grapefruit. Since the seeds of this fruit contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E compounds) and other naturally occurring flavonoids, the liquid extract is suspected of providing antibacterial and antiviral properties. For this reason, some holistic veterinarians use natural grapefruit seed extract to treat certain disorders in animals.

Chlamydia Psittaci

• Also known as psittacosis or parrot fever, this avian bacterial infection is caused by an intracellular parasite. Although it is primarily passed between birds, it may also be transmitted to humans who keep exotic birds as companion animals. According to author C.J. Puotinen, a combination of grapefruit seed extract and echinacea extract effectively checks chlamydia infections in parrots, cockatiels and other birds. In fact, Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., states that she has successfully treated a variety of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in birds, as well as certain viruses, with carefully calculated dosages of grapefruit seed extract.

Skin Disorders

• Grapefruit seed extract may be applied as a topical treatment for minor burns, rashes, puncture wounds, ringworm and other skin irritations generally referred to as "hot spots." However, C.J. Puotinen warns that the extract should be diluted in an equal amount of water or herbal tea, and the eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided due to the risk of severe irritation.

Feline Distemper

• Also known as feline panleukopenia, this viral infection is cause by feline parvovirus. Unfortunately, there is no cure. However, an otherwise healthy cat stands a good chance of survival if promptly treated. A natural remedy marketed under the trademark Vibactra Plus is available for use as a primary treatment or as a complementary treatment to conventional antibiotic therapy. The formula contains several herbs, including olive leaf, cloves and mustard seed, as well as grapefruit seed extract. It should be noted, however, that a study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association in 2002 stated that researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Tennessee found grapefruit seed extract alone ineffective against feline parvovirus.

Canine Kennel Cough

• Kennel cough, also called infectious tracheobronchitis and Bordetella, is a highly contagious viral infection most commonly caused by the parainfluenza virus. Shirley Moore and David Bernier of Save A Dog, a non-profit humane society and rescue organization based in Massachusetts, claim to successfully prevent and treat upper respiratory infections such as kennel cough in their rescue dogs. Instead of the liquid form, however, Moore and Bernier supplement the dogs' diets with the tablet form of grapefruit seed extract.