Many people don’t realize the amazing benefits Chamomile for dogs contains. Chamomile is a surprisingly versatile plant that is both good for your dog’s health and mental wellbeing.
Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb. Throughout the ages, Chamomile has been used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and other ailments. It was obtained from the dried flowers of a daisy-like plant of the sunflower family called Asteraceae.
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Millions of people prefer having chamomile tea at bedtime as it has a calming effect and induces sleep.
However, it’s the combination of both chamomile and dogs that we’re going to explore more fully throughout this article.
Chamomile for dogs is used as a treatment for mild anxiety, topical skin conditions, and inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. It has a wide range of scientifically proven therapeutic uses and is one of the safest herbal pet remedies around.
Chamomile is found inside tea bags, or as loose dried flowers, over-the-counter dietary supplements, or essential oils.
Is Chamomile Safe for Dogs?
Chamomile is known as one of the safest, traditional herbal remedies by many societies worldwide, but is chamomile safe for dogs?
Chamomile has a calming effect on both people and dogs. Many dog owners use chamomile to treat dog anxiety, stress, and other illnesses naturally.
Recent findings indicate that a person can drink any amount of chamomile tea. There are no fears of side effects through drinking chamomile, but what about dogs?
In the case of chamomile and dogs, one has to be careful with the dosage. You must always consult a vet if your dog is prone to allergic reactions and has a serious medical condition.
Chamomile is often used in natural antibiotics, and we’ve got a really informative article that tells you all about it here.
Let’s look at the benefits, correct dosage, and potential side effects of chamomile for dogs:
Benefits of Chamomile for Dogs
A pet is a family member, so it can be a disturbing experience to watch your dog suffer from a health issue. Any natural remedy that you can quickly use in such a situation can feel like a blessing.
Nature bestowed chamomile with numerous health benefits. A little knowledge of the diseases and disorders that can be treated with this herb can benefit you and your dog well into the future.
Chamomile tea is applied to dogs using either a dropper, syringe, or spoon. It is advisable to consult a vet if your dog has a chronic health condition or has shown a severe allergic reaction to certain herbs.
Using Chamomile tea for Dogs Anxiety
Just like you and me, dogs also experience fear, restlessness, or anxiety. Dog anxiety is often triggered by a visit to the vet, a thunderstorm, separation, or a change of surroundings. This is where Chamomile tea for dogs anxiety can really help.
Chamomile for dogs is a natural relaxant. It’s no surprise that it’s often used as a sedative to treat anxiety and stress.
As we relax and enjoy our favorite cup of herbal tea, it’s tempting to wonder, can dogs drink chamomile tea too? The simple answer is yes, as long as the amount is moderate. Chamomile tea has no known side effects in dogs.
If your dog is pregnant however or has allergic reactions to medicinal herbs, you must consult your vet first.
Chamomile Treats Stomach Problems in Dogs
If your pooch often suffers from belly aches, gas, vomiting, and indigestion, try giving them a tablespoon of chamomile tea every couple of hours. The antispasmodic and carminative properties of this ancient herb relieve gastrointestinal conditions.
Do avoid giving chamomile tea to your canine friend on an empty stomach so that the effect remains moderate. Some vets claim that chamomile tea also works as an appetite stimulant. If your dog hasn’t been feeling hungry lately, they can surely sip a little tea!
Chamomile Relieves Skin Inflammation in Dogs
If your dog has itchy skin due to dryness or insect bites, chamomile tea can come in handy. Either use a wet tea bag directly on the spot or rinse the problem area with chamomile-infused water. Do this directly after your soggy friend’s bath.
Chamomile tea spray can also work well. The natural antioxidants and flavonoids in this herb can soothe skin inflammations. This causes the skin to renew itself by fighting harmful free radicals. Chamomile also works as a tick and flea repellent in dogs and reduces the symptoms caused by scabies.
Chamomile Aids De-Worming in Dogs
As a pet owner, you’re aware that allopathic medicine has many side effects. The de-wormers that vets usually suggest are chemical-based, chamomile is a better option as it’s 100% natural.
If your furry best friend has a serious medical condition, and the vet has advised a strict deworming schedule, don’t replace the treatment with chamomile tea. In cases like this, dogs and chamomile are not a good combination. Unlike chemical de-wormers, chamomile tea takes time in de-worming dogs because it is for moderate conditions and not severe cases.
Chamomile Treats Ear Problems in Dogs
Water infused with chamomile is often used to treat ear infections in dogs. Chamomile tea has antiseptic and analgesic properties, making it a great pain reliever. This is why they can also soothe teething pain in dogs.
Prepare chamomile tea drops. Put the drops in your dog’s ear, and then fold over the ear flap. Followed this with a gentle massage on the outside of the ear. Remember that ear infections in dogs respond better when the chamomile tea drops are warm or at room temperature.
Chamomile Soothes Eye Irritation in Dogs
Some vets who specialize in veterinary herbal medicine will often suggest chamomile for reducing swelling and infections in dog’s eyes. After brewing a cup of chamomile tea, let the tea bag cool. Then apply it as a cold compress on the eye two or three times a day.
Chamomile tea in combination with saline solution (in a ratio of 1 part tea to 3 parts saline). This works as an antimicrobial wash for conjunctivitis (pinkeye) in dogs.
How is Chamomile Given to Dogs? – Dosage
How much chamomile needs to be given to a dog depends on a couple of key factors, the dog’s weight, the condition for which the dog is being treated, and the age of the dog.
It is essential to talk to a vet if your furry friend has a history of serious ailments and allergies.
Pregnant and lactating dogs must not take this herb.
According to VCA, chamomile can be given to dogs by mouth in the form of:
- Liquid (tea or glycerine-based tincture)
- Capsule (powder)
- Oil or cream (for topical application)
- Dog treats (Biscuits, Herbed food)
If you’re unable to work out a dosage of chamomile tea for your tail-wagging pal, go for chamomile-infused supplements. They are specially formulated by veterinary specialists. Chamomile-infused supplements have correctly measured dosages and are safe to use. Make sure that you select a good brand and store the supplement in a cool dry place.
Preparing Chamomile Tea for Dogs
To prepare chamomile tea for dogs, do the following, take one cup of boiling water and brew four chamomile tea bags for 15 minutes.
If you’re using loose chamomile flowers, a tablespoon would be enough. Once the tea is brewed, strain it well and let it cool.
To treat dog anxiety, stomach problems, and teething issues, give Chamomile tea orally. The tea is best given to the dog with a syringe or a dropper. Give your four-legged friend one tablespoon every two hours until visibly better. This dosage is good for most medium to large-sized dogs.
If the chamomile tea is for a pup, then adjust the dose accordingly.
Add in a little bit of honey if your pooch has a sweet tooth!
For topical skin inflammation, wounds, and flea bites in dogs, use chamomile tea. Treat the area using a cotton ball or gauze on the infected area of the dog’s skin.
For cleaning a dog’s eye, use chamomile drops. Ensure the gauze is clean and that you move the gauze from the inside of the eye towards the outside.
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Potential Side Effects of Chamomile in Dogs
When treating your dog at home with chamomile, try not to give more than the prescribed amount. The high doses may be toxic. Be sure to measure dosage very carefully, especially when it’s a liquid.
Keep your dog under observation to notice sensitivity or reaction to the first dose of chamomile tea.
If your dog ingests chamomile in large amounts, it can cause poisoning.
In case of mild toxicity, your pooch may develop diarrhea. While in case of severe toxicity, they may exhibit symptoms of internal bleeding.
Get your dog immediately to a vet if it shows a severe toxic reaction after chamomile ingestion.
Symptoms of chamomile poisoning may include:
- Diarrhea
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Dermatitis
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Bleeding tendencies
Conclusion
Chamomile and dogs are a combination that many never think of as a possible solution to common ailments. However, chamomile is an amazing herbal medicine with many uses for our little canine buddies.
Experts in veterinary herbal medicine affirm that chamomile is safe to use for treating dog anxiety, insomnia, and other ailments. As long as you’re careful with the dosage, your pooch won’t suffer from any unpleasant side effects.
Modern research states that this herb can help with dog allergies and strengthen the heart, bladder, and uterus muscles. Chamomile for dogs is effective in treating wounds, as well as roundworm and whipworm.
You can easily grow chamomile in your garden.
Next time you make a cup of chamomile tea, maybe make a little extra so your dog can join you, and say goodbye to anxiety and stress forever!
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Disclaimer
All information in the article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian’s advice.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian's advice.
Jen is the founder of anxiouscanine.com, a leading resource for managing and treating anxiety in dogs. With over a decade of experience in working with rescue dogs, Jen holds diplomas in Understanding Canine Anxiety, Canine Holistic Health & Therapy, CBD Oil for Animals, and Zoopharmacognosy. Her expert insights help dog owners navigate the challenges of anxiety with compassionate, innovative solutions. Follow Jen’s guidance at Anxious Canine for a calmer, happier dog.