This is always difficult, but every blog seems to need one. My top ten herbs for dogs, unlike my top ten for humans, is pretty static – these are the alltime necessities, the must-have, can’t-live-without tinctures, fresh and dried plants, powders and extracts I use all the time, most of the time.
I’m going to do full monographs on all of them, so this is just the short version, a few points on each.. What I keep on hand and recommend as a core group for natural support. Runners up at bottom, too – ten is really hard to narrow down to. 🙂
Besides, it’s actually palatable, and we can’t underestimate the value of THAT when dealing with a nauseated, inappetent toy dog, for example. I use it with gratitude and discretion, but always with result. I just use the powder; dissolved in warm pure water, sometimes with honey if needed/tolerated (not with diabetes and cancer) and often, in glycerite form. Poulticed with straight water or a little Oregon Grape externally (Echinacea, Goldenseal, as available and appropriate). Indispensable.
Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum): see gigantic monograph – I love this plant and all it’s gifts. Used for all kinds of liver issues, to support recovery from illness, vaccination, to strengthen the liver when taking phenobarbitol or any number of allopathic veterinary drug; for cancer, hepatitis, kidney disease and just as a preventive/healing gift for your dog – milk thistle is a wonder plant for canines. I use powdered standardized extract or alcohol tincture, if the liver is not severely damaged.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbrens): Many dog lovers are aware of the great value Devil’s Claw has as an anti-inflammatory agent , in osteoarthritis.But it’s uses go beyond this to include all types of muscle pain, digestive upset – although it should not be used with ulcer, it is a bitter tonic and can help dyspepsia and inappetence related to GI upset or chronic pain. Not THE most versatile herb; just about the best at what it does. It helps your dog feel better without NSAIDs. It works, and it’s safe. Some drug contraindications apply ( cardiac medication and antiarrythmics in particular, but also anticoagulants; check with your vet if your dog is on any of these.
Cleaver’s (Galium Aparine): A superb tonic for the lymphatic system, or what used to be called a blood-cleanser and more recently, an alterative. Anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and astringent, Cleaver’s is a go-to herb with any condition of infection, cysts, swellings, inflammation of the urinary or gastric tracts (often with mallow). Can be helpful for chronic skin conditions where dietary adjustment has not helped; often with milk thistle in these cases. I use tincture, and often in combination with other herbs – calendula if used for the skin, for example.
Nettle (Urtica dioica) This one is just begging for a full monograph; I’ve been using the seed a lot of late with the many cases of renal disease I work with, and to excellent effect. Nettle is a superb healer for the kidney; it is anti inflammatory, nutritive, diuretic, hemostatic and astringent. I use it for allergies, urinary tract inflammation and kidney disease(the seed) prostatic hypertrophy, osteoarthritis, topically for hot spots, and as a slow-healing helper for dogs who are exhausted from overwork, long kenneling or abuse (with rose and appropriate Flower Essences). Greg Tilford uses nettle as an alternative to eyebright for conjunctivitis: I have not done this myself but have used the infusion (often with calendula) for dogs with generalized itchiness from food allergy or fleabite. Another indispensable, for sure.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) I have to say, I’m in love with marshmallow for myself and my friends as well as for dogs; it’s an underused and allround wonderful addition to the herbalist’s repertoire – I should say, veterinary herbalist because really, every herbalist knows about and loves mallow. It simply hasn’t been used popularly in canine circles and that’s a shame – marshmallow is safe, cooling, beautifully demulcent and works on two systems that dogs so often suffer with; gastric and urinary. It’s great for gastritis and ulcer, for issues related to chemotherapy, for bladder and kidney infections, it isn’t horrible tasting and a little seems to go a long way with many dogs. Use a cold infusion, finely chopped root and/or leaf and let stand at least four hours. Can be used topically of course, can ease respiratory problems such as kennel cough, and also has some antimicrobial properties. Very safe, but might impair absorption of drugs if taken at the same time, so use a n hour or so apart from any meds your dog takes…. and try it yourself – I hate the taste, but I’ve been thankful for many a UTI nipped in the bud with the help of marshmallow.
Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) Demulcent, expectorant, mild diuretic, cooling and bitter; all parts of the majestic mullein offer different medicines; Most dog lovers know the use of anti-microbial flowers infused in oil for ear infections and mites; lately I’ve been using glycerite in the ear and I’m thinking it’s even more effective, but the oil is awesome too. Leaves are used for respiratory conditions, to increase mucus production, reduce inflammation and ease spasmodic coughing (think: kennel cough). Mullein is really a multi-tasker, the poultices (leaf, mainly) are wonderful for insect stings and bites, well mashed up with water please! and the tincture can raise urinary ph when it is running too low (alkalinize). I have several large plants in my garden (as I do nettles, and this year I’m growing marshmallow from seed along with about a dozen others) and have to say, mullein is a plant I use time and again, especially for little wounds and ear issues in dogs.
Plantain (Plantago Major) Plantain again has many uses, but for me I would say with dogs, it’s primarily topical. So far – lately I’ve been reading a great deal about it’s usefulness in helping to heal leaky gut, and plan to use it internally more as well. Plantain is widespread and safe, it’s a cold, sweet, heat-clearing plant making it helpful for all kinds of inflammations; I’ve mixed it with mullein for kennel cough to good effect; and made many a salve for humans as well. I like the ease and accessibility of plantain, I mean – it’s everywhere. You can chew up a leaf and make a spit poultice for a nasty deerfly bite right there in the field. Internally it can be considered an alternative to slippery elm. Best used fresh, this one. Infuse in oil over the summer and make slave to last through the colder months. I’m just fond of the humble and helpful little plant. 🙂
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Another humble, common, everyday plant with a whole host of uses. I LOVE dandelions…their warm sunny fuzzy flower faces, their cheerful attitude – and their medicine. Like mullein, all parts of the plant have specific actions and uses; major affinity is for the liver and gallbladder, but there’s more to dandelion than this. Diuretic, bitter/tonic, cholagogue, anti inflammatory and somewhat laxative, it should not be used with acute gallbladder issues and it should also not be used while a dog is receiving certain antibiotics. I’ll cover more on this in the monograph. I tend to use root and leaf together, and mostly with liver, kidney and heart disease, for canines.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia Aquifolium) It was a tough decision – barberry, oregon grape, goldenseal… in the end I selected Oregon Grape because it is not an endangered species, and because it is so very effective in treating bacterial diarrhea. It’s good for giardia, too- and topically, excellent for infections of all description. Safe at recommended dosages but it does contain berberine – which makes it effective (in part) and also means caution needs to be taken in usage. Cholagogue, alterative, bitter tonic – Shouldn’t be used in pregnant animals or with acute liver disease.
Runners up would have to include calendula, burdock, chamomile, skullcap, uva ursi, vervain, couchgrass, gravelroot, raspberry leaf, bilberry, blackberry root, echinacea, cornsilk, elder, astragalus , horsetail, gotu kola, and yarrow.
That’s too many, isn’t it. <g>
Resources
Herbs for Pets,, Mary L. Wolf-Tilford and Gregory Tilford
Veterinary Herbal Medicine, Susan Wynn and Barbara Fougere
Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and Tradition, Susan Wynn and Steve Marsden
This was a great little intro to some really great herbs. I had no idea slippery elm is endangered, that is so very unfortunate.
Thank you – yes, and goldenseal too – many we used to use freely, are sadly endangered. I still use slippery elm, but much less than I once did. there are other herbs with lovely demulcent properties and sometimes, more appropriate energetics for the individual. Glad you enjoyed the post, too. 🙂
Thanks, very useful to have this.
I was so happy to read about how Nettle is good for kidney disease. Is it only the seed that can or needs to be purchased and how much should be given to a 33kg dog please?
I use slippery elm and marshmallow root powder and mix half each in a paste to give both my dogs each day. It helps greatly with their individual digestive problems.
Cat how much ground hawthorn berry would you give? I have recently adopted a 13yo 30lb dog with a slight heart murmur so would like to add it to the herbs I give her. Btw I mix equal amounts dried ground alfalfa/basil/oregano/spirulina/nettles and a touch of ginger and turmeric and give a 1/4 tsp daily as a supplement/antioxidant per either Tilford or Kidd don’t remember which one and sometimes I use different herbs. When necessary I use other herbs medicinally. I love herbs and use them myself for any ailments I have.
Hi can I get a response to my May 29 questionregarding amount of ground hawthorn berry to use? Thank you
Hi anneh – sorry about the delay, I get swamped somedays. the range for dried hawthorn berry powder is from 25 – 300 mgs per kg daily, preferably divided into three doses. With hawthorn berry I prefer to use tincture and I use – personally – about 1 ml per 10 kgs BW, daily….again so much is individual, I might use more if hawthorn is all I’m using or less if employing other herbs. I would divide that dose again into threex daily. Does your dog have heart disease?
thanks for response 🙂 She has a heart murmur but holistic vet said it is not a bad one. However I notice occasionally she will cough a little plus when the regular vet cleaned her teeth they said her heart slowed down twice and she should not have anesthesia again unless emergency. I have Hawthorn powder from MT Rose and have been putting a 1/4 tsp on her food once a day (she is 30lbs). I could tincture it but not sure how to do low alcohol for a tincture. She also gets 30mg CoQ10/200 IU E/1,000mg fish oil daily. Also adding a little raw beef heart daily to her raw diet.
I’ve read that Hawthorne can actually put an asymptomatic dog (not showing signs) of heart failure INTO heart failure so I decided NOT to use it for severe heart disease.
Anais, I’ve been using this herb with dogs and humans for thirty years, as have my many colleagues – could you cite a source on that? In cases of active heart disease I use with caution if the dog is on medication, but I have not found any research that indicates what you are saying is a concern. I like to keep on top of new findings so I’d appreciate if you could share?
Thanks for the wonderful information…I felt like I was in the kitchen of an heb gather from old as I read! 🙂
I have a senior pet and will be trying at least five of your recommendations rght off the bat.
Thanks again.
Now that’s a compliment! So glad you enjoyed the article – it was very generalized, but I hope provides a starting point for people to use more natural support with dogs. Let me know how you make out in your own herbal adventures. 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Can you recommend a good place to get some of these herbs online? Would Amazon be a viable option in I did the research? Thank you.:)
Oh yes, Jules, please check out http://www.mountainroseherbs.com for starters. 🙂 I can send you some others if you don’t find what you’re looking for there – but chances are, you will. 🙂
Thankyou so much Catlane! I’m really looking forward to exploring. In addition to my lovely dogs…I am also going to be taking some combos myself and giving some different combos to friends and family…will most def be keeping in touch with you! 🙂 (thanks again!)
Sorry…I meant IF I did the research, not in…oops.
Thank you for this great article on herbals for dogs, I teach pet first aid and try to include holistic remedies as a part of the class. I will direct my students to your informative post.
Maryellen
Creekside Critter Care
Auburn, WA
Is it ok to give a herbal alcohol tincture to a dog? I wanted to give my dog agnus castus as she has been having vaginal prolapse on and off for the last five months. The vet says it is caused by hormones and wants to spay her. have you ever used agnus castus? Thanks
Hi I was wondering any suggestions for herbs for puppies with grass allergies??? 31kg staffy???
I’m looking for a natural remedy for my dogs constant ear infections. The vet tells me it comes with the breed. ( golden doodle) We have to take him once a month for them to pluck the hair from deep in the ears to create a dryer area so the moisture won’t build up. It’s horrible. His ears smell of yeast when the infections start, so I’m looking for a product that kills yeast.Having worked in a natural food store, I know some herbs that work in humans but don’t know If it’s safe for our Charlie. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Tina,
So sorry to hear this! Have you had a chance to read through my yeast article? Starting with diet is often key, and I can always help more with a consultation.But look at the article and consider making some food changes. I hope to get a Page added soon on management of ear infections, all fee info and comprehensive. Good luck, if you have more questions you can ask here or on the group. Article:
and the group:
My wife and I have a 5 year old Maremma sheep dog named Chaucer. He’s both an outside/inside dog. For some time now he periodically about every 10 days stops eating completely for a day or two. Generally has some loose stools accompanying this. Then he starts being hungry again and seems better for a while. He has spent way too much time cleaning himself back there as well. His usual diet has been dry dog food – various expensive brands we’ve tried. Going from various on line suggestions I have tried cooking brown rice and feeding that for a few days. This does seem to help with the stools, but I’ve noticed the rice is not digesting very well. We had two cats for the first 4 years of his life both we got as kittens and both came to us with feline calicivirus which we have heard can be transmitted to dogs. I have been thinking of giving him some oregon grape root to see if it would help. I have long been using herbals for my wife and myself (Stephen Harrod Buhner is the herbalist I use for most of my info) But I have never explored using them for dogs. I’m sorry for such a long comment, but when I found your webpage I immediately sensed that you were coming from a deeply informed state of being if you will. I would truly be grateful if you could give me a starting point to begin from. Our animals are beloved members of the family and I think your feeling they are angelic beings is absolutely spot on. Blessing to you – stay safe and well yourself in these most interesting times. In Love and Light, Magnus
Hi Magnus, and thank you for the kind words..herbalism is indeed a lifelong passion of mine and so are non-human animals…so it’s great to be able to do both, professionally. It’s hard to say without a fuller history, what might be going on with Chaucer, and it’s not unusual that some additional fiber helps firm the stool. Have you had a chance to look over my services? Since many factors can influence bowel distress, I’d really need a more detailed history to work up recommendations. If that’s not something you’re open to right now, my FB group has information on File and my admin team are all pretty savvy too. But it truly is hard to comment without more info. Oregon grape might not be something I went to first, but probiotics, a gut tonic like calendula, maybe some dandelion root/burdock, to start off with (generic advice only).
Not sure that helps a lot! But I’m here if you need more input.
What can I give my diabetic dog to offset soooo much insulin!
Hi Mary – the key to helping a diabetic dog always starts with diet. I can help greatly with this if you are interested? Send me an email at catlane@thepossiblecanine.com and we can chat.