As fellow animal lovers, we at Christopher's Herb Shop know as well as anyone how much you love and care for your pets. Like humans, these furry members of our families can be susceptible to health issues such as joint pain, allergies, anxiety, and more. In this blog post, we'll go over which herbal supplements are safe for dogs and cats, as well as highlight several pet-friendly products.

Which Herbs are Safe for Pets?

Many herbs are safe for pets when taken in proper amounts, but there are also a lot of common plants and herbs that are toxic to cats and dogs.

In general, it is safe to give pets basil, burdock root, calendula, catnip, cat's claw, chaparral, cilantro, cinnamon, dandelion root, echinacea, fennel, hawthorn, hibiscus, Irish moss, jasmine, lemon balm, licorice root, mulberry, nettle, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric, valerian, witch hazel (topically), and willow herb.

It is important to note that in most cases, pets should only be taking at maximum around a quarter to an eighth (depending on their size) of the dose you would give a human.

Be sure to avoid aloe vera, borage, black walnut, caraway, chamomile, clematis, eucalyptus, garlic, grapefruit, hops, horse chestnut, hydrangea, lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lily of the valley, lobelia, marjoram, mint, nutmeg, onion, oregano, parsley, shatavari, sorrel, St. John's wort, tarragon, yarrow, yew, and yucca, among others, as they may be toxic to your dog.

Oregon Grape is safe for dogs in small amounts, but is toxic for cats.

For a more comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants, visit the ASPCA website. 

In general, we recommend avoiding formulas made for humans, and instead sticking to single herbs you know are safe or products made specifically for pets. This way, there is less risk of running into toxic ingredients or dosage issues.

When in doubt, and especially when your pet has preexisting health conditions or takes medications, consult with a veterinarian on which supplements are safe and in what doses.

Herbs for Common Ailments

Joint Pain

One of the most common health issues for dogs and cats, especially as they age, is joint pain. One of the best pet-safe supplements for dogs and cats is tumeric root. Just like it does in humans, the root works by reducing inflammation and pain in the body through its ability to reduce the production of inflammatory enzymes and proteins. Turmeric's ability to reduce pain and inflammation is well documented, and it is one of the most widely-studied supplements today. Luckily, turmeric root is just as safe and beneficial for our furry friends, as long as it is given in the correct amounts. It is generally recommended to give your pet 15-20mg per pound of body weight. For cats and small dogs, 1/8-1/4 of a teaspoon is enough.

Another great natural supplement for pet joint health is MSM. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) helps ease joint pain due to its strong anti-inflammatory effect and its ability to promote healthy cartilage synthesis, which can help reduce symptoms of issues like arthritis. Many pet joint supplements contain some MSM, but you can also sprinkle MSM powder into your dog's food. It is recommended that dogs should take 500mg for every 10 pounds of body weight. For cats and small dogs, doses can range from 50-500mg per day.

Allergies

 Allergies are a common problem for our pets, manifesting as itchy paws, watery, red eyes, excessive sneezing, and irritated skin. Luckily, there are several ways we can help ease our pets' allergies naturally.

It is important to note that one of the most common causes of allergies in pets is their diet. We recommend meeting with a veterinarian to discuss your pet's diet and any possible allergens. Oftentimes, feeding your pet a clean, unprocessed diet will help tremendously with allergy, skin, and coat issues.

In combination with a healthy diet, there are also herbal supplements that can help ease your dog or cat's symptoms. One of our favorites is nettle leaf. Nettle reduces the body's production of histamines, the immune response chemicals that are responsible for symptoms like itching, redness, and irritation. Nettle is widely used for humans in improving allergy symptoms and is effective for dogs and cats as well. For cats and dogs under 25 lbs, you only need to add about 1/8 teaspoon of dried nettle leaf to their food, and for larger dogs, 1/2-3/4 of a teaspoon is recommended.

Another great allergy-reducing supplement for your pets is burdock root. Burdock has long been used as a blood purifier and antioxidant, and has been shown to have anti-allergy effects. For dogs and cats, burdock can be a great supplement, but should only be given in small amounts. The easiest way to add this to your pet's diet is to make a simple tea by boiling dried burdock root or in water for 20 minutes or by steeping a burdock root tea bag. You can then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of tea per 10 pounds of your pets body weight over their food 2-3 times per week.

Anxiety

Anxiety issues in pets are common, and often arise during events that your pets find disorienting, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, parties, vet visits, moving house, or being left alone, and the anxiety can range from mild to severe. Luckily there are natural options for easing stress in our pets and improving their quality of life.

One of our favorite products is Bach's Rescue Remedy® Pet. This homeopathic remedy contains rock rose, impatiens, clematis, star of Bethlehem, and cherry plum in a base of pure vegetable glycerin and water. Each flower is chosen for its ability to ease fear and calm the mind. To use, add 1-3 drops to your pet's food or a treat. It is best used in anticipation of a stressful event rather than waiting for the stress response to start.

Another wonderful solution for anxiety in pets is CBD oil. CBD can help soothe anxiety in both humans and animals by reducing inflammation of the brain and nerves. Several CBD companies offer oils made specifically for pets, often in flavors they will love such as chicken, beef, or fish. Our favorite is HempLucid's Full-Spectrum CBD Oil For Dogs & Pets. It's THC-free and comes with a guide for dosage depending on your pet's weight. HempLucid recommends using the dropper directly into your dog or cat's mouth, preferably under the tongue, but if you are unable to do this, mixing the oil into their food will still be beneficial.

Liver Dysfunction

Liver issues are especially common in elderly cats. There are many ways we can help to improve the liver health of our pets naturally, from getting them to consume more fluids to cleansing herbs and supplements.

Cats are susceptible to liver diseases in part due to their low intake of fluids. Some vets recommend switching to wet food or adding water to your cat's kibble in order to discourage dehydration. Always make sure they have access to clean, fresh water. Some cats have been known to prefer running water, so getting a small cat fountain may help encourage them to drink. No matter which way works best for you and your cat, make sure they are getting enough water and staying hydrated in order to prevent liver problems.

We have already talked about two herbs that are wonderful for removing toxins from the liver: nettle leaf and burdock root. Nettle is naturally high in antioxidants and other ingredients that help remove toxins from the liver. It also encourages the liver to secrete bile, which helps with overall liver function. Burdock, on the other hand, is a powerful blood cleanser and is extremely effective at removing toxins from several parts of the body, including the liver. As said before, a little of these goes a long way. Cats and small dogs only need 1/8 teaspoon of nettle leaf or a teaspoon of burdock root tea, while larger dogs can have up to 3/4 teaspoon of nettle leaf or a teaspoon of burdock tea for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Two other products that not only assist the liver but also aid in overall health are the Complete Canine Minerals and Complete Feline Minerals. These multi-mineral supplements are perfect for your dog or cat, and can assist in many areas of their health, including settling the nervous system, providing energy, supporting microbiome, promoting dental health, and detoxification.

More Resources

• Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD
• The Veterinarian's Guide to Natural Remedies for Dogs by Martin Zucker
• The Veterinarian's Guide to Natural Remedies for Cats by Martin Zucker
• The Allergy Solution for Dogs by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

In conclusion, there is so much we can do to help our furry family members thrive and live long, happy, and healthy lives. Whether from anxiety, allergies, or joint pain, we know how hard it is to see a beloved pet suffer. Thankfully, due to herbs like nettle and burdock or products like multi-minerals or CBD, you have the tools needed to make a positive impact on their health, naturally.