Pet safety · Dogs
Toxic Herbs for Dogs — Safety Checker
Dogs metabolize many herbs better than cats, but breed sensitivities (MDR1 in Collies, Aussie Shepherds, Shelties) and weight-based dosing make safety species-specific. Check before giving any human-use herb to a dog.
Do not give to dogs
- • Garlic (chronic)
- • Onion family
- • Pennyroyal
- • Tea tree oil (topical hazardous)
- • Ma huang / ephedra
- • Xylitol (not herb but common in tinctures)
Commonly safe with care
- • Milk thistle
- • Slippery elm
- • Chamomile
- • Ginger (motion sickness)
- • Turmeric (with Golden Paste recipe)
- • Dandelion leaf
- • Valerian (anxiety)
Always consult a holistic vet; weight and condition-specific dosing required.
Species notes
- MDR1 genetic mutation affects Collies, Aussies, Shelties, Long-haired Whippets, Silken Windhounds — check with vet before ivermectin-interacting herbs.
- Weight-based dosing: roughly 1/4 human dose for a 25 lb dog, 1/2 for 50 lb, full for 100 lb — but always start lower and observe.
- Avoid essential oils internally and most EOs topically for small breeds — use hydrosols instead.