Safe Herbs for Dogs - An Index
Overview
There are a lot of safe herbs for dogs. Some are good to use on a regular, long-term basis as herbal tonics; others can be used as and when needed to treat a particular dog health problem.
The herbs that I find to be safe and most useful and most frequently used to treat various common dog health problems are listed below in alphabetical order, together with a brief explanation of what each herb is good for.
For more detailed information, click on each link to see the respective herb's properties and medicinal uses.
Of course, there are also some unsafe herbs for dogs. You can find a list of such herbs on this page.
For Additional Information, Click On Each Link:
Alfalfa
- Cancer prevention;
- Helps dogs with arthritis;
- Good for puppy growth.
Burdock
- Aids canine arthritis;
- Good for the liver;
- Immune booster.
Calendula
- Excellent wound healer;
- For minor cuts and burns;
- Helps skin problems.
Chamomile
- Calms hyperactive dogs;
- Helps dogs with GI problems;
- Topical use for skin problems.
Dandelion
- Nutritious;
- Diuretic;
- Good for the liver.
Echinacea
- Immune booster;
- Anti-viral & antibacterial;
- Good for pain relief.
Garlic
- Boosts liver & immunity;
- Antibacteria & anti-viral;
- Repels fleas & ticks.
(If you are concerned about safety of garlic for dogs, please note that research has shown garlic is toxic to dogs only if fed in large amounts and for an extended period of time. You can find more detailed information on this topic from my article Garlic for Dogs.)
Ginger
- Good for GI problems;
- Relieves pain & nausea;
- Improves blood circulation.
Hawthorn
- Good for older dogs;
- Excellent heart tonic;
- A powerful antioxidant.
Hemp
- Good for older dogs;
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative;
- Calming and soothing.
Lemon Balm
- Calming;
- Helps digestion;
- Eases muscle pain.
Licorice
- Relieves coughing & pain;
- Helps with Addison's disease;
- Good for skin problems.
Milk Thistle
- Excellent liver support;
- Aids dogs with pancreatitis;
- Good for leptospirosis.
Mullein
- Good for dogs with cough;
- Anti-bacterial;
- Good for infections.
Neem
- Good for dogs with skin problems;
- Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral;
- Flea and pest repellent.
Nettle
- Good for allergies;
- Helps anemic dogs;
- Rinse for skin irritations.
Parsley
- Helps dogs with bad breath;
- Helps anemic dogs;
- Helps dogs with UTIs.
Rose
- Good for skin problems;
- GI problems;
- Antibacterial.
St. John's Wort
- For depressed/anxious dogs;
- Anti-viral;
- Topical use for skin infections.
Slippery Elm
- For diarrhea/constipation;
- Treats stomach ulcers;
- Soothes painful cough.
Turmeric
- Anti-inflammatory;
- Helps fight cancer;
- Supports liver.
References
J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
C.J. Puotinen, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats (Keats Publishing, 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
