Chamomile is known for its calming effect and healing properties for different kinds of pain.
If you happen to be taking chamomile tea while your dog is watching, you might wonder if your dog can safely have chamomile.
Can dogs have chamomile?
Yes.
Dogs can consume chamomile as long as it’s dosed appropriately.
Chamomile is essential for dogs as it can help treat mild anxiety, inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and eye and ear infections.
This article will discuss everything about chamomile and dogs.
It will also explain how you can safely offer your pup chamomile.
Is chamomile safe for dogs?
Yes.
Chamomile, in moderation, is safe for dogs to consume as long as you contact your vet first.
It’s loaded with essential nutrients that can benefit your dog’s normal functioning.
Some of the chamomile benefits include:
Eye infection remedy
Chamomile is one of the most accessible remedies for eye infections as it has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your dog’s eyes.
If your dog has a swelling or inflammation around its eyes, brew a cup of tea with a chamomile tea bag, then allow it to cool.
Use the tea bag as a compress on the eye two to three times a day to help reduce the swelling.
However, you should consult your vet first before trying the chamomile remedy.
Some diseases and eye infections in dogs may share similar symptoms, and it can be challenging to establish the type of infection or its severity.
Soothe skin inflammation or itchiness
If your dog experiences itchy, inflamed skin, including flea bites, fungal infections, contact allergies, or minor bacterial infections, chamomile tea can be a calming, healing, antimicrobial skin rinse.
You can generously apply your dog’s coat and skin with a pot of cooled chamomile tea and allow it to drip dry.
If your dog has inflamed spots, use a cooled tea bag as a compress on the sore area to bring relief.
However, you should consult a vet first to identify the root cause of the inflammation, as some itchiness can be a symptom of food allergies or other issues.
Aid GI problems
Chamomile can be used to calm your dog’s digestive system by relieving spasms and gas as it is an antispasmodic herb.
Always consult your vet before using chamomile for this purpose, as GI distress could indicate severe issues in your pup.
Treat mild anxiety
As with humans, chamomile’s anti-anxiety effects may work the same for fidos.
Chamomile is considered a herbal sedative that can help alleviate stress, mild anxiety, and insomnia in dogs.
However, the calming effect of chamomile on reducing anxiety is mild and should be combined with other herbs like valerian for maximum effect.
Treat ear infection
To prevent ear infections, you can wipe your pup’s ears with a cotton ball dipped in cold chamomile tea.
If your dog is prone to ear infections, you can try this remedy once or twice weekly.
How to offer your dog chamomile
There are several ways you can offer your dog chamomile.
You can give your dog tea, powder, or a capsule.
You can also mix freshly ground chamomile with your dog’s food.
The amount or form to give your dog depends on the size of your dog, his overall health, and the symptom you are treating.
However, there are certain precautions you need to take.
- Offer in moderation – If you’re giving your dog chamomile for the first time, ensure you offer him in moderation, especially if he experiences allergic reactions to other foods or substances
- Monitor your dog – Monitor your dog closely if you’re giving him chamomile capsules. Your dog may experience vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Chamomile capsules may also pose a choking hazard for your dog. If you notice any unusual reactions, contact your vet immediately
- Look out for side effects – Overuse of chamomile can lead to long-term adverse side effects for your dog. In some cases, your fido may also be allergic to chamomile and can present symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling of the face or head
Is chamomile bad for dogs?
The benefits of chamomile for dogs are endless, as it’s considered one of the safest and most versatile herbs to give your dog.
It’s packed with healing properties that can treat several dog ailments and infections, including itching and gastrointestinal issues.
While chamomile has mild effects and is safe to administer even for beginners, it’s best to consult your vet before buying.
Depending on the brand or type, some chamomile products may be more potent than others, so you should seek professional help.
However, you can offer your dog chamomile in mild doses as a heart tonic to help protect the tissues around the heart.
If your dog has functional deficiencies of the heart, combine chamomile with hawthorn extract as a daily tonic.
Chamomile can also be a non-toxic method to expel worms in your dog.
Although mild, it is relatively safer and can be used over extended periods.
You can mix it with herbs such as wormwood to help minimize the effects of parasites in your dog’s intestinal mucosa.
Avoid overuse of chamomile extracts, especially tinctures, on pregnant dogs.
Large amounts of chamomile during pregnancy may increase fetus reabsorption and inhibit fetus growth.
Is chamomile tea good for dogs?
While chamomile tea can be safe for your dog in moderation, it’s best to use dog-friendly chamomile supplements instead.
Some chamomile teas may include other plant extracts that may harm dogs.
While we can get away with a few cups of chamomile tea without any unpleasant side effects, it may not be the same for our furry friends.
Dogs only require chamomile in moderation for maximum benefits.
Can dogs have chamomile tea with honey?
Chamomile tea with honey in moderation can be an excellent remedy for mild stomach upset and skin irritation.
It can soothe your dog’s stomach by relieving cramps and muscle spasms.
However, large amounts of honey can lead to obesity in dogs, especially if they don’t exercise regularly.
Avoid giving chamomile tea with honey to puppies under one year of age as they are still developing their immune system.
In summary
If your dog can tolerate chamomile, it’s best to offer him in moderation while looking out for any reactions as a precaution.
Like all human foods, chamomile shouldn’t be part of your dog’s meal as it doesn’t make for a well-rounded diet.
Always consult your vet before adding chamomile to your dog’s diet to prevent overdose.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
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