Chamomile is derived from a dried flower that looks similar to a daisy. The plant has naturally occurring compounds called terpenoids and flavonoids which are touted to help diminish inflammation and reduce the activity of free radicals (unstoppable, havoc-wreaking atoms).
Many of us rely on a hit of chamomile tea to rewind after a long day or to help us relieve ourselves of our worries and overwhelming thoughts. If you’re a pet owner, you may have wondered whether your dog could reap any benefits from chamomile too…
Is Chamomile Safe For Dogs?
When given in absolute moderation, chamomile is generally considered safe to give to adult dogs both orally or topically. You can even obtain chamomile in an appropriate measure for dogs in supplement form from some reputable pet health brands.
Supplements containing chamomile may help relax your dog both mentally and physically, calm irritated skin and settle signs of digestive discomfort.
However, before you introduce any new supplement to your pup, you should always consult with your vet. Make sure to let them know if your pet is taking any medications or other supplements too so they can advise you appropriately.
Is Chamomile Toxic To Dogs?
In large quantities, chamomile can be toxic to dogs. You should never feed a dog excessive amounts of chamomile as this can cause gastrointestinal upset. In severe situations where a dog has ingested lots of chamomile over long periods of time, this can actually cause internal bleeding and hyper-salivation. This is why appropriately measured supplements should take president when wanting to offer your dog chamomile.
Also, it’s worth noting that some dogs may simply have a sensitivity to chamomile. If this is the case, they may display irritated skin, experience diarrhea, or vomit. Do not give your dog any more if they present any reactions like this after being given chamomile.
You shouldn’t give your dog chamomile if they have a known allergy to plants in the daisy family (like ragweed).
Can Dogs Have Chamomile Tea?
Unfortunately, a lot of chamomile teas are blended with other plants that can be harmful to a dog, so you may want to avoid offering your pet chamomile tea unless you know for sure that no other plants or toxic-to-dog ingredients are present in the tea.
It’s generally better to give your pup a dog-specific supplement containing chamomile instead to avoid this risk.
Sources
Author Krouse, Lauren “Chamomile For Dogs: Benefits & Uses” Great Pet Care, Oct 21. 2020 https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/chamomile-for-dogs/
“Chamomile Poisoning In Dogs’ Wag Walking https://wagwalking.com/condition/chamomile-poisoning
Author Gollakner, Rania BS, DVM, MPH “Chamomile” VCA Animal Hospitals https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chamomile
