Top 6 Herbal Remedies for Dogs to Boost Health & Wellness Naturally
- Rita Hogan
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 14
When it comes to supporting our pets’ health, nature has a lot to offer. Whether you’re new to holistic care or already dabbling in natural or herbal remedies for dogs, this guide offers practical, safe, and effective ways to get started. These six well-loved herbal allies are easy to find, simple to use,
and offer a wide range of benefits for dogs and cats alike.
Explore These 6 Herbal Remedies for Dogs:
What Are the Best Herbal Remedies for Dogs?
Curious about which herbs are safe and beneficial for your dog? In the sections below, you'll find six time-tested herbal remedies that may help support digestion, joint comfort, skin health, immunity, and more. These natural options are trusted by holistic practitioners and pet parents alike.
Milk Thistle – Liver Support & Detoxification
Milk thistle is one of the most trusted herbal remedies for dogs, traditionally used to support liver function and help the body process toxins. Its active compound, silymarin, may help protect liver cells from toxins and support the regeneration of damaged cells. This can be especially helpful for pets exposed to medications, environmental pollutants, processed food, or recovering from illness.
How to Use:
Use powdered milk thistle seeds for best results.
Daily Dosage:
Small dogs (<25 lbs): 100–200 mg
Medium dogs (25–50 lbs): 300–500 mg
Large dogs (50–75 lbs): 500–800 mg
X-Large dogs (75+ lbs): 500–1000 mg
Slippery Elm – Digestive Health & Gut Support
Slippery elm is a soothing herb that may help calm the digestive tract. It's often used for dogs with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or diarrhea. It coats the mucous membranes and may support gut healing.
How to Make Slippery Elm Gruel:
Ingredients:
1 tsp slippery elm bark powder (inner bark)
1 cup cold or room temperature water
Instructions:
Whisk powder into water in a saucepan.
Gently warm over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not boil.
Cool to room temperature.
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge (up to 3 days).
Serving Dosage (1–2x daily):
Small dogs (<15 lbs): ½ to 1 tsp
Medium dogs (15–40 lbs): 1–2 tsp
Large dogs (40+ lbs): 1 tbsp
Tip: Best given on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before food or medication. You can mix it with bone broth or a bland diet if needed.
Calendula – Skin Healing & Immune Support
Calendula isn’t just a pretty flower—it's a skin-loving herb known for its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help soothe hot spots, rashes, wounds, and support the immune system.
How to Use:
Use calendula tea or infused oil for topical use.
Internal tincture use (1–2x daily): 1–2 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.
Tip: Internally, calendula should be used under the guidance of a professional herbalist when addressing immune or lymphatic concerns.
Chamomile – Natural Calming & Digestive Relief
Chamomile is widely known for its calming effects. It may help soothe stress, anxiety, tummy upset, teething discomfort, and even skin irritation.
How to Use:
Brew a tea and let it cool. Add it to food or water.
Use as a rinse for itchy skin or irritated eyes.
Dosage:
1–2 tsp tea (cooled) per 10 lbs of body weight
1 drop tincture per 10 lbs of body weight, 1–2x daily
Tip: May be useful before stressful events (vet visits, fireworks, travel) or when your dog needs emotional or digestive soothing.
Turmeric – Joint Support & Anti-Inflammatory Power
Turmeric is one of the most well-known herbal remedies for dogs, often used to help reduce inflammation in the body. It may support dogs with arthritis, joint pain, or general inflammation, and it can also aid liver function and contribute to disease prevention.
How to Make Golden Paste:
Ingredients:
½ cup organic turmeric powder
1 cup water
¼ cup coconut oil
Instructions:
Simmer turmeric and water into a paste (low heat, ~7 minutes), then stir in oil. Cool and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Dosage:
Start with ⅛ tsp per 10 lbs body weight, 1–2x daily
Increase gradually up to ¼ tsp per 10 lbs if well tolerated
Tip: Always feed turmeric with a healthy fat like fish oil or coconut oil to help enhance absorption.
Nettle – Allergy Relief & Nutrient Boost
Nettle is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. It may support kidney function, reduce seasonal allergy symptoms, and boost vitality in dogs.
How to Use:
Dried nettle can be added to food or made into a tea.
Tincture form works well for concentrated support.
Daily Dosage:
Dried herb: ¼–½ tsp per 10 lbs body weight
Tincture: 1–2 drops per 10 lbs body weight
Bonus: Allergy-Ease Nettle & Bromelain Blend
This blend combines multiple ingredients that may support allergy relief and overall wellness.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp dried nettle (or 1–2 tea bags)
1 cup boiling water
250 mg quercetin
100–250 mg bromelain
Optional: 1 tsp local raw honey (for dogs over 1 year)
Optional: 1 tsp omega-3 or MCT oil
Instructions:
Steep nettle in boiling water for 15–20 minutes.
Cool and strain.
Stir in quercetin, bromelain, honey, and oil.
Dosage (2x daily):
Small dogs (<20 lbs): 1–2 tsp
Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 tbsp
Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2–4 tbsp
Tip: Mix with food or offer by oral syringe.
Getting Started with Herbal Remedies for Dogs
Start with one herb at a time to watch for any sensitivities and to find what works best for your dog. Choose high-quality herbs—look for organic or wildcrafted options that are free from contaminants. Herbal care can be a gentle, natural complement to a wellness lifestyle and a raw food diet, helping your dog thrive from the inside out.
About the Author
Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist and author of The Herbal Dog. Her work empowers dog lovers to use safe, effective plant medicine at home. Learn more at theherbaldog.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @CanineHerbalist.
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