Herbs safe for dogs — PlantSage
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Herbs safe for dogs
— What plants are safe for dogs — and what to avoid.
Dogs metabolise many compounds differently than humans. Some plants we use freely are toxic to dogs; others are gentle and well-tolerated. This page reflects curated verdicts from the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant list and veterinary herbal references. ALWAYS confirm with your veterinarian before introducing any herb.
Always consult a qualified clinician, veterinarian, IBCLC, or midwife before introducing any herbal preparation. If toxic exposure is suspected, contact the appropriate poison control hotline immediately.
I
Generally safe
Tolerated by dogs at typical doses. Always start low.
Matricaria Chamomilla
Mild calming tea, well-tolerated. Avoid German chamomile in pregnant dogs.
Pot marigold
Calendula officinalis
Topical wound care + mild internal use. ASPCA non-toxic.
Echinacea Purpurea
Short-term immune support. Avoid long-term continuous use.
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
Cooked or dried only (not fresh stinging form). Joint + skin support.
Dog Rose
Rosa canina
Rosehips — rich in vitamin C, well-tolerated as supplement.
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Small culinary amounts are fine. Avoid concentrated essential oil.
Pumpkin / Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin — digestive aid, fibre source. Well-tolerated.
Common Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Small amounts for nausea. Avoid in dogs on blood thinners.
II
Use with caution
Context-dependent. Reduce dose, watch for reactions, or use only under practitioner guidance.
Lavandula Angustifolia
Lavender tea/infusion in small doses OK. Essential oil is toxic — avoid topical undiluted application.
Valeriana Officinalis
Calming herb but can paradoxically excite some dogs. Vet supervision recommended.
Hypericum Perforatum
St John's Wort interacts with many drugs. Avoid in dogs on medications.
Curcuma Longa
Anti-inflammatory benefits but interferes with some medications. Discuss with vet.
III
Avoid entirely
Known toxic or strongly contraindicated for dogs.
Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic — toxic dose-dependent. Causes hemolytic anemia. Avoid entirely.
Allium cepa
Allium cepa
Onion — same mechanism as garlic, even more toxic.
Cocoa
Theobroma cacao
Cocoa — theobromine is fatal to dogs.
Macadamia
Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia.
Common Grape Vine
Vitis vinifera
Grapes + raisins — cause acute kidney failure. Mechanism unknown.
_SKIP_
Aloe vera
Saponins + anthraquinones cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors.
Hedera Helix
English ivy — sap causes oral and GI irritation.
Rhododendron Ponticum
Grayanotoxins — vomiting, weakness, cardiac arrhythmia.
IV
Source references
Verdicts on this page curated against ASPCA Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants. See also the PlantSage methodology page for how we vet safety claims.
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