Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Is chamomile safe for dogs? Chamomile is considered safe to use in dogs in moderation. There is a handful of scientific evidence indicating that it can aid in easing anxiety, ward away certain disease-carrying bugs, and remedy skin and ear disorders.
However, excessive use of chamomile should be avoided as it can lead to unwanted side effects. In this article, we will help you learn how to safely use this plant on your canine companion.
What Is Chamomile?
Chamomile is an ancient medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Although native to southern and eastern Europe and western Asia, it is now grown all over the world in different temperate regions.
Chamomile was used by many bygone civilizations such as ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians to remedy various human illnesses.
Some of the chamomile’s purported therapeutic traits include:
- Alleviating muscle spasms
- Easing menstrual cramps
- Soothing gastrointestinal issues
- Promoting calmness and relaxation
There are two types of Chamomile plants commonly used for herbal medicine, namely German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
The former is more widely used as it is believed to be of higher potency than the latter.
What Are the Health Benefits of Chamomile for Dogs?
Pawrents who are into holistic healing or simply trying out alternatives to traditional veterinary medicine often turn to medicinal plants. One of the most widely talked about is chamomile.
Let us delve into the science-backed health perks of this natural therapeutic plant to canines.
1. Chamomile for Dogs Works as an Anxiety Soother.
Diffusing certain essential oils around stressed or anxious dogs is found to have a calming effect on them.
One study used chamomile essential oil in their experiment observing the effect of specific scents on shelter dogs. The findings state that it induced relaxation by increasing resting and decreasing vocalization.
Thus, chamomile essential oil can be used for aromatherapy to alleviate mild anxiety in canines. However, research points out that frequent exposure to the same scent reduces its efficacy.
So be attentive when to use chamomile essential oil. Also, consider rotating your use of dog-safe relaxing essential oils to preserve the novelty of their scent in your pooch.
2. Chamomile for Dogs Can Function as an Insect-Repellent.
Ticks and mosquitoes are dangerous critters to dogs. They are known to host a variety of canine diseases.
Ticks can spread ailments like Bartonellosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to pooches.
Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are the most common cause of canine heartworm disease. They also transmit tularemia, West Nile virus, and eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Results of a few studies suggest that chamomile has tick- and mosquito-repellent abilities.
In a 2022 study, chamomile is one of the three essential oils that have exhibited the highest mortality rate for Haemaphysalis longicornis nymph, which is a type of tick often causing infestation in dogs.
A different study reported that German chamomile showed repellency against Culex pipiens, one of the many mosquito species that feed on dogs.
According to researchers, the plant contains natural compounds similar to the chemical mosquito repellant N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), which is the source of its mosquito repellency.
While chamomile is a promising bug deterrent, more research is needed to fully gauge its effectiveness. With this in mind, the plant should only be used as a supplementary preventative method against tick and mosquito bites.
Never let your canine companion skip on receiving his regular antitick medications and heartworm preventives.
3. Chamomile for Dogs Can Help Relieve Skin and Ear Disorders.
Chamomile possesses antimicrobial agents that can be effective against dermatophytes and certain yeasts, which induce skin and ear problems in canines.
In a 2019 systematic review, researchers highlight the ability of chamomile to inhibit the growth of a relatively broad range of bacteria and fungi including:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Proteus vulgaris
- Microsporum canis
- Candida albicans
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
The pathogens listed are responsible for causing various canine dermatological and ear issues such as ringworm infection, otitis externa, dermatophytosis, and pyoderma.
The literature also mentioned the antipruritic effects of the chamomile plant. It can be useful for reducing itchiness caused by different skin diseases like secondary skin infections.
What Are the Side Effects of Chamomile for Dogs?
Chamomile is safe for dogs, but careless usage may result in mild to severe adverse effects such as:
1. Allergic Reactions
Dogs with allergies to any plants in the daisy family should avoid exposure to chamomile to avoid triggering unwanted allergic reactions.
In rare cases, sensitivity to chamomile can lead canines to develop skin irritation, itchy skin, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Before adding chamomile to your dog’s treatment regimen, discuss things with the veterinarian first. They will assess whether or not it is appropriate and safe for your canine companion’s condition.
2. Toxicity Risks
Overdosing dogs on chamomile puts them in danger of poisoning.
The medicinal plant contains toxins like chamazulene, anthemic acid, and tannic acid that can cause internal bleeding after excessive or long-term use.
Note that pure or improperly diluted chamomile essential oil is highly toxic because they house concentrated amounts of volatile oils. Have a holistic veterinarian help you find the safe essential oil to carrier oil dilution ratio for your dog.
Some of the common symptoms of chamomile poisoning to watch out for are:
- Lethargy
- Inappetence
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
When giving your dog chamomile orally, be sure to follow the dosage instructions provided by the veterinarian.
If you missed a dose, we recommend waiting until the next scheduled dose. Avoid letting your furry pal take two doses of chamomile close together to reduce the risk of overdose and toxicity.
3. Drug Interactions
Administering chamomile simultaneously with certain medications may increase or decrease their potency. For this reason, intake of the medicinal herb along with the following drugs should be avoided:
- Warfarin
- Sedatives
- Blood pressure medications
- Diabetes medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Make sure to run through the veterinarian all the past and current drugs your dog is taking before using chamomile. Any supplements and other herbal medications should be included as well.
There is a lack of research on the effects of chamomile on the bodies of puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and debilitated canines. Thus, using the medicinal herb on them is greatly discouraged.
How to Give Chamomile to Your Dog
Chamomile can be orally or topically given to your dog depending on his condition that requires treatment. Here are some of the common forms of chamomile that you can use on your dog:
1. Chamomile Tea for Dogs
Chamomile tea can be used both orally and topically. The oral route is ideal for remedying anxiety.
Note that some commercially sold products contain other ingredients that may harm your dog.
So consider brewing a cup of chamomile tea for your dog at home using freshly picked chamomile leaves instead.
If the tea is too concentrated, it will have a prominent pungent scent and bitter taste. Diluting it with water will solve this problem.
Only offer lukewarm or cooled chamomile tea. Never serve it hot to your canine companion to prevent scalding his tongue.
For skin problems, give your dog a chamomile tea rinse. Alternatively, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spritz it on the affected areas of his skin.
2. Chamomile Ointments, Creams, and Lotions for Dogs
When using any type of topical chamomile medication, keeping your dog from licking it off is extremely important or else it will not have any effect.
Moreover, certain products contain ingredients that can make your dog sick when ingested.
We suggest distracting him with a tasty treat or his favorite toy as you apply chamomile to his skin. Then let him wear an E-collar.
Some topical treatments are slow to get absorbed. If that is what you are working with, massage it onto his skin for a few minutes or until properly absorbed.
3. Edible Chamomile Supplements for Dogs
Edible chamomile supplements for dogs come in various forms including capsules, powder, liquid syrup, and chewable dog treats.
As of now, there is no official regulatory board overseeing the production of pet supplements in the USA. Thus, it is easy for shady companies to market low-quality products.
Choose edible chamomile supplements for your furry pal wisely. Here are some tips you could follow:
- Look for products bearing the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal. The presence of the label indicates that the supplement undergoes quality testing.
- Check if the chamomile supplement was third-party tested by organizations like consumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia.1617. A product that bears any of these seals ensures that it was tested for harmful contaminants as well as the right potency and composition.
- Look into the company manufacturing the chamomile supplement for dogs. Make sure that they invest in producing up-to-date studies, including published, peer-reviewed of their product or active ingredients. The research should ideally center on the species of interest as many chemicals affect dogs’ bodies differently than humans.
Keep in mind that supplements have varying potency depending on their brand. So seek a veterinarian’s help to determine the proper dosage for your canine companion.
3. Chamomile Essential Oil for Dogs
Much like supplements, essential oils are unregulated in the US too.
Although grading systems have been established to determine the quality of products, they are not standardized. This means companies can falsely claim that their essential oils are top-grade.
Find a high-quality chamomile essential oil for your pooch with the help of these pointers:
- Be sure that the product label provides the name of the plant, its Latin name, the plant parts used, and its chemotype so you know it is legitimately made from a chamomile plant.
- The label should include the country of origin as well since factors like weather conditions influence the quality of the product.
- Traditionally made essential oils are often frequently exposed to pollutants like pesticides. Products that are wild-crafted, unsprayed, or organically produced are more likely to be less contaminated.
- Check the purity statement. It should state that the product is 100% essential oil. If it doesn’t, this means other ingredients are mixed into it, which can affect its potency.
- Responsible essential oil companies make it a point to have their products tested. The most common test procedures are the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry tests or GC/MS. Results should be posted on their websites. In some cases, you will have to send them a request.
Packaging matters a lot in preserving the quality of chamomile essential oil for dogs. Ideally, the product should come in the form of a tightly sealed dark glass bottle to prevent oxidation.
FAQs About Chamomile for Dogs
1. Is Chamomile Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?
Chamomile essential oil is safe for dogs when properly diluted. Never use undiluted essential oils on your dog, as this could lead to severe poisoning.
After using the product, place it in a secure place inaccessible to your dog to prevent accidental ingestion.
2. Is Chamomile Tea Safe for Dogs?
Chamomile tea is safe for dogs if taken in moderation. The correct dosage of chamomile for your dog can be difficult to determine in tea form. Work with the veterinarian to know the appropriate and safe amount for your furry pal.
3. Is Chamomile Safe for Dogs’ Skin?
Chamomile is safe for dogs’ skin unless they are allergic to this type of plant. We suggest doing a patch test on your furry pal first before applying large amounts of chamomile to his skin.
If he shows signs of an allergic reaction, immediately stop using chamomile products on him and get him checked by a veterinarian.
4. Is Chamomile Scent Safe for Dogs?
Chamomile scent is safe for dogs in small amounts as it helps in soothing stress and anxiety.
However, when diffusing chamomile essential oil around your dog, leave the door open so he can walk out of the room if the scent becomes too overpowering for him.
Summary
Our answer to the question “Is chamomile safe for dogs?” is yes, chamomile is safe for dogs but must be used with restraint. Do not go over the recommended dose by the veterinarian to keep Fido safe from poisoning.
Many chamomile-based supplements and essential oils for dogs are available in the market. However, as this industry is unregulated, keep the tips and pointers we have shared in mind to avoid purchasing low-quality and potentially harmful products.
Know the pros and cons of other medicinal herbs by visiting our Plants section.
