Pet Herb Library

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

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 15 of 69 herbs

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

BGood EvidenceFabaceae

An adaptogenic immune-modulating herb safe for long-term use. Used for chronic immune support, cancer adjunct therapy, and vitality in aging pets. Unlike echinacea, safe for extended use.

Bupleurum

Bupleurum chinense

BGood EvidenceApiaceae

Core TCM veterinary herb; liver-mover and harmonizer in formulas like Xiao Yao San and Minor Bupleurum. Treats liver stagnation, hepatitis, and fever in integrative practice.

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.

Dang Gui

Angelica sinensis

BGood EvidenceApiaceae

Preeminent TCM blood tonic; nourishes blood, moves stagnation, supports reproductive health. Core ingredient in Si Wu Tang and Xiao Yao San. Strictly avoided in pregnancy.

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

BGood EvidenceAraliaceae

Classic Soviet-researched adaptogen used to enhance stamina, stress resilience, and recovery without the stimulating edge of Panax ginseng. Supports working dogs, performance horses, and convalescent animals of all species.

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

BGood EvidenceFabaceae

Mucilaginous seed with galactagogue, hypoglycemic, and appetite-stimulant effects; supports nursing dams, diabetic pets, and animals recovering from illness or inappetence.

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

CLimited EvidenceScrophulariaceae

A gentle respiratory herb used for coughs, bronchial issues, and ear infections (as flower-infused oil). Safe and soothing for the lungs.

Psyllium

Plantago ovata

AStrong EvidencePlantaginaceae

Mucilaginous seed husk providing bulk-forming fiber; flagship herb for equine sand colic prevention and bowel regulation in dogs, cats, and small mammals. Always with water.

Pumpkin Seed

Cucurbita pepo

BGood EvidenceCucurbitaceae

Cucurbitacin-bearing seed with mild anthelmintic (tapeworm, roundworm) action, urinary and prostate support; nutritive source of zinc and essential fatty acids for all pets.

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.

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

AStrong EvidencePolyporaceae

Highly researched medicinal mushroom rich in PSP and PSK polysaccharopeptides. Penn Vet hemangiosarcoma study demonstrated extended survival in canine patients using high-dose polysaccharopeptide extract.

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.

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

BGood EvidenceEricaceae

Arbutin-rich urinary antiseptic effective against UTIs when urine is alkaline; short-term use only due to hydroquinone liver toxicity. Species-specific cautions apply.

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.