Animals and Medication

 Zoopharmacognosy is the use of plants, soil and other natural substances by sub-human animals, to treat ailments, prevent illness and maintain general health. In Tanzania, for example, Common chimpanzees eat Veronia amydalina leaves. This plant contains compounds effective against intestinal parasites. In Uganda, Red colobus monkeys eat charcoal, helping to neutralize dietary toxins. Some parrots also eat clays, basically for the same reason. Mother elephants lead their calves to specific trees, known for their medicinal properties. Scientists think zoopharmacognosy is produced by combinations of instinct (pre-programmed behaviour transmitted in the genes) and learning (behavioural change, produced by the  individual experiences of animals). Fairly obviously, the contributions of instinct and learning will vary greatly from animal to animal. They may also be different in varied local populations of the same species (https://myanimalmatters.co.uk/zoopharmacognosy-how-animals-use-plants-as-medicine/). It's argued that exploiting this wild animal 'know how', could benefit companion animals and livestock. We may be able to identify factors, that would help improve health and recovery in 'our' animals.