Guide to Herbal Remedies and Your Pet

This guide is for educational purposes and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing a new herb or supplement, especially if your pet takes medication, has an existing health condition, is pregnant or nursing, or is preparing for surgery.

People have used herbs for thousands of years, and some herbs may also have a place in a veterinarian-guided wellness routine for dogs and cats. Herbal supplements are not substitutes for veterinary treatment, but carefully selected products may complement nutrition, exercise, preventive care, medication, and other parts of a pet’s overall wellness plan.

This guide explains common ways herbs are used for pets, important safety considerations, and nine herbs and plant-based ingredients that are often found in pet wellness products.

Can Dogs and Cats Use Herbal Supplements?

Some herbs can be used safely for dogs and cats, but not every herb is appropriate for every pet. Safety depends on the plant, the part of the plant used, the product’s concentration, the method of administration, the pet’s weight and health history, and any medications the pet is taking.

Products formulated specifically for pets are generally preferable to human supplements because their ingredients, concentrations, and serving guidance are designed with animals in mind. Even naturally derived ingredients can cause side effects or interact with medications, so it is important to involve your veterinarian in the decision.

How to Use Herbal Supplements for Pets

Herbal products are available in several forms, including powders, capsules, chews, oils, tinctures, shampoos, balms, and topical sprays. The right format depends on the ingredient, the intended use, and your pet’s individual needs.

1. Choose Pet-Specific Products

Do not assume that an herbal product made for people is safe for a dog or cat. Human supplements may contain concentrated ingredients, alcohol, sweeteners, essential oils, flavorings, or inactive ingredients that are inappropriate for pets.

Look for products that clearly identify every ingredient, provide serving guidance based on your pet’s weight, and include transparent information about sourcing and quality testing. Avoid giving your pet an herb based only on a recommendation from social media or an unverified online source.

2. Start With Veterinary Guidance

Ask your veterinarian whether an herb is appropriate for your pet’s age, species, health history, and current medications. This is especially important for pets with liver, kidney, heart, bleeding, endocrine, or digestive conditions.

Your veterinarian can also help determine whether your pet’s symptoms require diagnosis or treatment rather than at-home supplementation.

3. Use the Correct Amount

More is not necessarily better. Herbs contain active compounds, and excessive amounts may cause digestive upset, sedation, agitation, changes in blood pressure, or other unwanted effects.

Follow the instructions on a pet-specific product unless your veterinarian provides different guidance. Introduce only one new supplement at a time so that you can more easily identify how your pet responds.

4. Use Topical Products Carefully

Herbs may be included in balms, creams, shampoos, rinses, or sprays intended to support the skin. Topical products should be formulated for pets and applied only as directed.

Remember that dogs and cats frequently lick their skin and paws. An ingredient that is safe on human skin may not be safe for a pet to ingest while grooming. Do not apply products to open wounds, eyes, the mouth, or sensitive areas unless directed by a veterinarian.

5. Monitor Your Pet’s Response

After introducing a new herb or supplement, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, itching, swelling, unusual sleepiness, agitation, weakness, changes in coordination, or other new symptoms.

Stop using the product and contact your veterinarian if your pet has an unexpected reaction. Seek urgent veterinary care for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, severe swelling, repeated vomiting, or other serious symptoms.

9 Herbs and Plant-Based Ingredients Used for Pets

The following ingredients are commonly discussed in relation to pet wellness. Their potential uses, safety considerations, and appropriate amounts vary, so they should not be treated as interchangeable or automatically safe.

1. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is made from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree. When mixed with liquid, it creates a gel-like substance called mucilage.

Pet supplements containing slippery elm are commonly used to support the digestive tract and normal stool consistency. Its mucilage may temporarily coat and soothe tissues in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.

Because slippery elm may affect the absorption of medications or other supplements, it may need to be given at a different time of day. Ask your veterinarian how to space it from your pet’s medications.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is frequently included in topical pet products designed to moisturize and soothe dry or irritated skin. However, the aloe plant contains different components, and they do not all have the same safety profile.

The outer leaf and latex contain compounds that can be harmful when ingested by dogs and cats. Pets should not be allowed to chew aloe plants or consume unprocessed aloe leaves.

Only use aloe products that are clearly formulated for pets, and prevent your pet from licking the treated area unless the product is labeled as safe if ingested.

3. Calendula

Calendula, sometimes called pot marigold, is commonly included in pet balms, rinses, shampoos, and skin-care products.

It is generally used topically to support normal skin comfort and help moisturize dry or mildly irritated areas. Calendula should not replace veterinary care for open wounds, infections, persistent itching, hot spots, or unexplained skin changes.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a root commonly associated with digestive comfort. Pet-specific products may include ginger as part of a formula intended to support normal digestion or help pets during occasional travel-related stomach upset.

Large amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation, and ginger may not be appropriate for pets with certain bleeding conditions or those taking medications that affect clotting. Cats and small dogs may be particularly sensitive to concentrated products.

5. Goldenseal

Goldenseal contains plant compounds such as berberine and is sometimes included in traditional herbal preparations.

It should not be described or used as a substitute for antibiotics, antifungal medication, eye medication, or veterinary treatment. Eye discharge, urinary symptoms, breathing changes, wounds, and suspected infections require professional evaluation.

Goldenseal may interact with medications and may not be suitable for pregnant or nursing animals. Use it only under veterinary guidance.

6. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle contains a group of compounds collectively known as silymarin. It is frequently included in supplements intended to support normal liver function.

Veterinarians may recommend milk thistle or silymarin as part of a broader care plan for certain pets, but the appropriate product and amount depend on the animal’s condition. It should not be used to self-treat suspected liver disease or medication toxicity.

Symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or gums, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual thirst, weakness, or changes in behavior require veterinary attention.

7. Nettle

Nettle contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. Dried nettle may be found in pet supplements intended to support general wellness or normal seasonal comfort.

Fresh stinging nettle can irritate the skin and mouth, so pets should not be allowed to chew or roll in the untreated plant. Nettle may also have diuretic effects and could interact with certain medications.

Use a properly processed, pet-specific formula rather than gathering wild nettle for your pet.

8. Valerian Root

Valerian root is commonly included in calming formulas for dogs. It may support relaxation during occasional stressful situations, although individual responses vary.

Some dogs may become sleepy, while others may become more alert or excited. Cats may also respond to the scent of valerian in a way that resembles their response to catnip.

Valerian may interact with sedatives, anesthesia, and other medications that affect the nervous system. Discuss its use with your veterinarian before giving it to your pet, particularly before surgery or travel.

9. Hemp

Hemp is a plant in the Cannabis sativa family. Pet wellness products may contain different hemp-derived ingredients, including hemp seed oil, full-spectrum hemp extract, broad-spectrum hemp extract, or isolated cannabinoids such as CBD. These ingredients are not interchangeable.

Hemp seed oil is pressed from the seeds and primarily provides fatty acids and nutrients. It does not naturally contain meaningful amounts of CBD. Hemp extracts are made from other parts of the plant and may contain CBD and additional naturally occurring plant compounds.

Pet-specific hemp supplements are commonly formulated to support calm behavior, normal mobility, everyday comfort, or general wellness. Research into hemp-derived cannabinoids for pets is still developing, and results can vary depending on the formula, concentration, serving amount, and individual animal.

When evaluating a hemp product, look for:

• A formula made specifically for pets
• Clearly stated cannabinoid amounts per serving
• Weight-based serving guidance
• Independent laboratory testing
• Accessible certificates of analysis
• Testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, and microbes
• Clear information about where and how the hemp is grown

Avoid giving pets marijuana products or human cannabis products. THC can be toxic to dogs and cats, and concentrated human products may contain unsafe levels of THC or other ingredients that are not appropriate for animals.

Pet parents interested in hemp can explore pet-specific formats such as supplement chews, hemp oils, and other veterinarian-guided wellness options. Choose the format based on your pet’s needs rather than assuming one type is best for every animal.

How to Choose a Pet Supplement

A quality pet supplement should make it easy to understand exactly what you are giving your dog or cat. Before purchasing a product, review the label and the manufacturer’s quality standards.

Look for the following:

• A complete and clearly written ingredient list
• The amount of each active ingredient per serving
• Serving directions based on species and weight
• A lot number and expiration or best-by date
• Contact information for the manufacturer
• Quality testing performed on the finished product
• Realistic wellness language rather than promises to cure or treat disease

Be cautious of products that rely on vague proprietary blends, make dramatic medical claims, or do not disclose how their ingredients are tested.

When Should You Avoid Herbal Supplements?

Do not begin an herbal supplement without veterinary guidance if your pet:

• Is pregnant or nursing
• Is a very young puppy or kitten
• Has liver, kidney, heart, bleeding, or endocrine disease
• Takes prescription medication
• Is scheduled for surgery or anesthesia
• Has unexplained vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, pain, weakness, or behavioral changes
• Has previously reacted to an herb or supplement

Herbs and supplements should never be used to delay diagnosis or treatment. Contact your veterinarian when symptoms are new, severe, persistent, or worsening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all natural herbs safe for dogs and cats?

No. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Some plants are toxic to pets, and others may cause problems when given in excessive amounts or combined with medications.

Can dogs and cats take the same herbal supplements?

Not always. Cats and dogs metabolize certain plant compounds differently. A product that is appropriate for a dog may not be appropriate for a cat, even when it contains the same herb.

Can I give my pet a human herbal supplement?

Human supplements may contain concentrations or inactive ingredients that are unsuitable for pets. Use a pet-specific product unless your veterinarian recommends a particular human product and provides exact instructions.

How long do herbal supplements take to work?

The timeframe varies according to the ingredient, product, intended purpose, and individual pet. Some products are intended for occasional use, while others may require consistent use as part of a long-term wellness routine.

Can herbs interact with my pet’s medication?

Yes. Herbs may affect sedation, blood clotting, blood pressure, digestion, liver enzymes, kidney function, or medication absorption. Give your veterinarian a complete list of everything your pet receives, including chews, powders, oils, and topical products.

Is hemp the same as marijuana?

No. Hemp and marijuana are both forms of Cannabis sativa, but they are cultivated and regulated differently. Pet hemp products should contain only legally permitted trace amounts of THC, while marijuana products may contain enough THC to cause toxicity in animals.

Can herbal supplements replace veterinary medication?

No. Supplements may support general wellness, but they should not replace prescribed medication, diagnostic testing, or treatment for an illness or injury.

The Bottom Line

Herbs and plant-based ingredients may be useful additions to a thoughtfully designed pet wellness plan, but their safety and effectiveness depend on the ingredient, product quality, serving amount, and individual animal.

Slippery elm, aloe vera, calendula, ginger, goldenseal, milk thistle, nettle, valerian root, and hemp each have different traditional uses and safety considerations. Rather than choosing a product based solely on a list of potential benefits, look for transparent labeling, pet-specific formulation, independent quality testing, and guidance from a veterinarian who understands your pet’s complete health history.