Pet Herb Library

69 detailed pet herb profiles with species-specific safety ratings, weight-based dosing, and administration guides.

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 22 of 69 herbs

Burdock Root

Arctium lappa

CLimited EvidenceAsteraceae

A gentle detoxifying herb excellent for chronic skin conditions in dogs. Supports liver function and blood purification. Safe for long-term use.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

The premier wound-healing herb for pets. Used primarily topically for cuts, hot spots, skin irritation, and ear infections. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and promotes tissue repair.

Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa

BGood EvidenceRubiaceae

Peruvian inner bark vine with immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties; used in canine and equine arthritis, Lyme disease support, and chronic immune conditions.

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

BGood EvidenceHymenochaetaceae

Birch-dwelling sclerotial fungus rich in betulinic acid and melanin antioxidants; used in veterinary integrative medicine for immune support, oxidative stress, and adjunctive cancer care.

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

One of the safest and most versatile herbs for pets. Mild sedative, digestive soother, and anti-inflammatory. Used as a calming tea, skin rinse, or added to food.

Chaste Tree Berry

Vitex agnus-castus

AStrong EvidenceLamiaceae

Dopaminergic berry that modulates pituitary function; flagship herb for equine PPID (Cushing's disease) and hormonal regulation in dogs and horses with strong clinical evidence.

Chickweed

Stellaria media

BGood EvidenceCaryophyllaceae

Cooling, mucilaginous spring green that soothes itchy, inflamed skin and moistens dry coughs. A nutritive, mineral-rich herb safe and beneficial as daily forage for virtually all companion and livestock species.

Cleavers

Galium aparine

BGood EvidenceRubiaceae

Premier lymphatic mover and gentle diuretic that drains congested lymph nodes and supports urinary flow. One of the safest and most reliable alteratives for acute swollen glands across virtually all species.

Comfrey Leaf

Symphytum officinale

BGood EvidenceBoraginaceae

Classic "knitbone" topical wound, bruise, and sprain herb rich in allantoin; used EXTERNALLY ONLY in modern veterinary herbalism due to pyrrolizidine alkaloid hepatotoxicity.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

BGood EvidenceCordycipitaceae

Adaptogenic mushroom renowned for enhancing stamina, oxygenation, kidney function, and cardiac performance. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris provides equivalent cordycepin and adenosine content without wild-harvest concerns.

Corn Silk

Zea mays

BGood EvidencePoaceae

Gentle demulcent diuretic made from corn stigmas; soothes inflamed urinary tract lining and is safe for dogs, cats, horses, and small mammals with cystitis or bladder irritation.

Devil's Claw

Harpagophytum procumbens

AStrong EvidencePedaliaceae

Southern African root with harpagoside anti-inflammatory action; a leading herbal choice for canine and equine arthritis, hip dysplasia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

Immune-stimulating herb used for short-term immune support during infections. Not for long-term use or autoimmune conditions. Well-studied in veterinary medicine.

Elecampane

Inula helenium

BGood EvidenceAsteraceae

Warming expectorant lung tonic with antimicrobial inulin-rich root; traditionally used in horses (hence "horse-heal") and dogs for chronic wet cough, bronchitis, and post-kennel-cough recovery.

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra

BGood EvidenceFabaceae

An anti-inflammatory and adrenal support herb. Short-term use only due to potential for fluid retention and blood pressure elevation. Often used to enhance palatability of herbal blends.

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

CLimited EvidenceFabaceae

Classic lymphatic and alterative herb rich in isoflavones that supports skin, glands, and gentle detoxification. Mild phytoestrogen activity makes it a key adjunct in chronic skin and lymph nodular conditions.

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

BGood EvidenceSchisandraceae

Hepatoprotective adaptogen berry with five flavors, used in veterinary herbalism for liver support, stress resilience, and cognitive function in aging companion animals and performance horses.

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

CLimited EvidenceLamiaceae

A nervine herb for anxiety and nervous tension. Calmer acting than valerian with less risk of paradoxical excitability. Good for dogs with chronic stress or nervousness.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

BGood EvidenceZingiberaceae

Powerful anti-inflammatory used for joint pain, arthritis, and digestive support in dogs and horses. Requires fat and black pepper (piperine) for absorption. Stains everything yellow.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

BGood EvidenceHamamelidaceae

Astringent topical bark and leaf used as a hydrosol/distillate for insect bites, hot spots, minor cuts, inflamed ears, and anal gland irritation in companion animals and horses.

Yellow Dock

Rumex crispus

CLimited EvidencePolygonaceae

Gentle laxative and liver alterative rich in iron and anthraquinones; supports anemia, sluggish bowels, and skin conditions. Oxalate content limits use in some species.

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera

BGood EvidenceAsparagaceae

Saponin-rich desert root with cortisone-like anti-inflammatory action, joint support, and a famous ability to reduce manure and litter-box ammonia odor in dogs, cats, and livestock.