Herbs for dogs: Milk Thistle, Peppermint, Lavendar?
by Christy Caplan
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June 22, 2014 
Don’t shy away from using herbs -embrace them.
“Healing with Flower Essences” in a recent issue of The Whole Dog Journal talks about the Bach Flower Essences (remedies) which I’ve used for emergencies and stress with all three of my dogs. Flower essences and herbs can be very powerful whether you use them for your own issues or give them to companion animals.
Another early experience with herbs was when years ago, my dog Sandola was diagnosed with hepatitis and our vet, Dr. Yung used Denamarin (made with milk thistle) which helped a lot.
The picture I’ve included in this story looks at the herbs I use for a variety of health and behavior issues. Our holistic vet, Dr. Becky Jester prepares herbs for Bruiser, who has irritable bowel disease. Dr. Jester’s company is Natural Healing Veterinary Acupuncture.
You should consult with a holistic vet if interested in treating your dogs or cats — Dr. Jester uses the following herbs for Bruiser. He receives a mixture of:
Meadowsweet; Asharaganda; Milk Thistle; Linden and Sweet Annie.
I asked Dr. Jester some questions about herbs:
- Why herbs? What are the 2-3 most popular herbs?
Herbs have multiple constituents (components) that generally work synergistically with the body rather than trying to suppress it (as conventional medicine does). Marshmallow root is helpful in soothing stomach and intestinal irritation, psyllium is useful for constipation and chamomile is a gentle herb used for intestinal spasms (think diarrhea) and has a mild calming effect.
- Favorite herb for Tucker (her dog!)?
- What should people know about herbs that they don’t already know?
- Safe herb for July 4th?
So with July 4 around the corner, consider Rescue Remedy for sure (and a Thundershirt!) as it works great with stress and if the situation is really bad, consult your vet.
You can find more about me and my three hounds at: www.mylifewithdogspdx.com.
*Another great resource is, “Herbs for Pets” written by Gregory L.Tiford and Mary L. Wulff.
When my old dog had cancer, we gave him lots of turmeric- it was too late at that point, but I’m glad you’re being proactive by giving your senior a holistic-vet approved mixture. How wonderful that you have a great vet to ask questions!
I’ve read SO many great things about Tumeric. I’d really like to hear more about your experience with it. I do feel very fortunate I can bounce things off of Dr. Jester… it helps a lot.
I’ve never considered herbs for my pets before. Something to think about. Thanks for the information.
Thanks! Definitely something to consider!
My older dog has IBD as well. He’s doing pretty well on his medication, but there are some days that he needs something extra. I’ll have to explore this option further!
My younger dog has anxiety, so he could benefit as well.
Thanks so much! These herbs have done wonders for both my dogs, the one with anxiety has really benefited. A holistic vet could help provide some guidance.
Great article! I have been a huge proponent of holistic healing with my Huskies, and Milk Thistle was a main one I gave my Epi-dog (canine epileptic) to help cleanse his liver from the effects of the anti-epileptic medication, Phenobarbital. Will be sharing this article on my FiveSibes Facebook page.
Thanks! I’ll share this with a friend that also has a dog with epilepsy – that’s a great tip.
I never really considered herbs for my pet either. Even though I like to use them myself. I really like the Milk Thistle as Mary is getting older this might be just what I am look for. I will definitely be sharing this article so I can save for future reference. Thanks for sharing this information.
Thank you! Definitely look into Milk Thistle — it’s so interesting to read all these comments since so many folks are using that for a lot of chronic issues. My holistic vet is a big fan. She uses that in almost every tincture she mixes up for our dogs.
I learned about the Bach Flower Essences during the Natural Canine Health Symposium and have been very interested in discovering more about them.
I’m a big fan of flowers essences and since you can use them yourself, you can try a few out before using them with your pack.
Am going read more as I love using herbs on my self so would love to try with Layla
Look into flower essences as those are great for humans too!
I gave Mr. N some Rescue Remedy and put his Anxiety Wrap on after some very close fireworks last night and he calmed down after a bit.
Love that you use Rescue Remedy – I also add that to water when guests come over and think it helps a ton.
We use Millkthistle a lot to support the liver when Ty is on chemo and Eve is on medication.
Thanks! I’m also a big fan of Milk Thistle and that’s come up twice now in comments which I find really interesting. I’m a big believer in that herb and our holistic vet uses it often…
Thank you for sharing this informative posts. I don’t have dogs at the moment, but this was an interesting article!
Thank you!
Milk Thistle is wonderful – we’ve used it on our Tzu that had liver issues; and we’ve had our seniors on turmeric and manuka raw honey mix and they loved it – very beneficial!
Hi there: Agreed – My dog Sanola had chronic hepatitis and we gave her Denamarin which is basically a Milk Thistle based supplement and it helped manage that. I didn’t know about Manuka Raw Honey Mix, would love to know more about that…
I’ve heard about herbs and oils for pets, but we haven’t really tried it. I will look more into this.
Thanks! You should definitely research this if you’re interested as there are a lot of options available.
I love natural remedies! These sound like great ones for stress. I agree that you really need to consult a holistic veterinarian to make sure you are using them right. Cats are especially sensitive to a lot of things.
Thanks so much! As a CVT, I absolutely recommend contacting a holistic vet as the herbs can be very powerful but you need to know which to use and initial consultations are super important. Cats especially to your point have a whole set of sensitivities… agreed.
We’re firm believers in holistic healing – it can really help to support our older pets.
Thanks! Over the years I’ve learned that holistic healing can make a big difference!
I know herbs can be helpful for pets. It’s always best to check with your vet before adding any herbs to your pet’s regimen as they can interact with other medications (and even other herbs). Thanks for the great info!
Completely agree – there are many contraindications for all hers and drugs. For example, before Shermie had his dental I held back his anxiety herbs for days and my regular vet knows all the herbs the holistic vet has him on. We didn’t want him to be too sedate before going in. Thank you!
Just discovered this blog – I’m recently discovering the benefits from Essential Oils for my own pets – great timing. A new like and please check out my business : askjodi.wordpress.com, or FB #ClockTimelessPets or AskJodi
Thanks and nice to meet you! I’ll absolutely check out your blog. I’d like more information about essential oils as those I’ve heard are a valuable tool as well.
I am very interested in the power of herbs and probiotics etc. My human daughters use them. Kilo is very healthy so far but very anxious. I plan to look into natural calming solutions further.
Thanks! I’m a huge advocate for probiotics and take them myself. Ask you vet – there is one I’ve used called Forta Flora you can get at your vet’s office, I’m pretty sure Purina makes it.
Great information thanks! Something to think about with Taffy since she has IBD too. Mom knows about the milk thistle, she takes it and knows dogs that take it also. Love Dolly
Thanks! WOW. Milk thistle has come up in so many comments – I cannot wait to share all the ways folks are using it with my vet.
Love, love love herbs. They are underrated. We have also used rescue remedy (bach flower remedy) for Henry to help calm him during storms.
I’ve heard from Jackson Galaxy and other cat behaviorists about how good herbs can be for cats.
Absolutely — cats are so unique and I know our holistic vet has many cats as clients for Acupuncture and herbs.
Fantastic article. Guidance from a holistic vet is important.
Thank you! It’s great to have a holistic vet and a general vet working on a case together… the guidance from both our vets on cases has been extremely valuable!
Oh wow, this was very interesting!! Thanks!
Thanks so much!
Great information! I don’t have a lot of experience with herbs.
Thanks! If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate!
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