Chamomile Tea for Dogs – A Pets Guide (2023)

Chamomile tea for dogs

Is chamomile tea good for dogs?

This article contains everything you need to know about chamomile tea for dogs.

Much like humans, dogs also get stressed when they are bored, scared, anxious, or frustrated. 

Stress can manifest in many ways, from dilated pupils blinking rapidly, shivering, and whimpering. 

You might even notice that your dog becomes hostile and destructive when stressed. 

Because pet parents know how stress makes people feel, they want to reduce their furry friend’s feelings of stress too. 

Chamomile tea is one of the most well-known stress-relieving teas.

Studies and anecdotal evidence show that this soothing herb significantly reduces stress symptoms, calming a stressed mind and body.

The good news is that chamomile tea for dogs can help an anxious dog during a stressful situation.

This herbal tea can offer other health benefits, like supporting digestion and soothing itchy skin.

But what exactly is chamomile tea, how does it work, and is it safe?

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile is botanically called Matricaria recutita. 

It is one of the most well-known ancient medicinal herbs in the history of humankind. 

This daisy-like plant gets its name from the Greek word ‘khamaimelon,’ meaning ‘earth apple. 

True to its name, chamomile produces a delicately sweet apple aroma. 

Chamomile flowers feature a yellow center with white pearls circling it.

The yellow flowers bloom in the spring and summer.

The flower heads of two types of chamomile (German chamomile and Roman chamomile) are used for making strongly scented herbal supplements and tea.

The healthy beverage is rich in powerful antioxidants.

It is said to offer incredible health benefits from treating gastrointestinal problems, boosting immunity, and reducing stomach cramps.

Chamomile supplements are also used as a mild sedative to promote sleep, calm anxiety, and reduce stress.

The medicinal properties and anti-inflammatory effects of chamomile essential oil are attributed to its natural plant compounds known as terpenoids and flavonoids (similar to those found in CBD). 

These compounds can also help combat harmful free radicals in the body that cause severe illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Studies into chamomile’s effects on dogs are lacking. 

Yet, it’s a low-risk beverage that may provide your dog similar benefits as it does humans. 

Is Chamomile Safe for Dogs?

Chamomile is generally considered safe for dogs and full of incredible health benefits. 

However, like with any other supplement or medication, chamomile can cause side effects for some dogs if not given in the proper dosage.

Chamomile supplements are also used as a mild sedative to promote sleep, calm anxiety, and reduce stress.

Even though chamomile is one of the safest herbs for your dog, you’re advised to talk to your vet before incorporating it into your dog’s diet

That said, it’s important to note that chamomile is not recommended for cats as it can be toxic, causing bleeding disorders. 

Can I Give My Dog Chamomile Tea?

Chamomile tea is regarded as a safe beverage to offer your dog. 

However, chamomile dietary supplements specifically made for dogs are the safest option to use. 

That’s because chamomile tea is often mixed with other ingredients, including plant extracts that may harm your furry friend. 

While humans can consume large amounts of chamomile tea without experiencing unwanted effects, chamomile products designed for humans may be unsafe for pets. 

Hence, vets recommend using chamomile wellness products specifically designed for dogs. 

You should only give chamomile tea as an occasional herbal remedy in order for your dog to reap its health benefits while avoiding potential side effects.

6 Benefits of Chamomile Tea for Dogs

Chamomile is a popular herb due to its potent relaxing and calming effects

Studies on the effects of chamomile tea on dogs are limited.

However, there is anecdotal evidence supporting that giving your dog chamomile tea can help soothe irritated skin, anxiety, and other conditions in dogs. 

Here are other incredible chamomile benefits for your dog: 

1. Relieve Anxiety and Stress

The anti-anxiety effects of chamomile can help relieve mild anxiety in dogs. 

However, when paired with other relaxing products like valerian root and supplements with anxiety-reducing effects, chamomile can help relieve your dog’s stress. 

2. Treats Insomnia

Chamomile is an herbal sedative and contains natural compounds that help relax the dog’s muscles and promote sleep. 

3. Helps Gastrointestinal Conditions

Chamomile can offer significant benefits for your dog’s stomach

This natural remedy help soothe a nervous stomachinflammatory bowel diseases, and stomach ulcers.

However, if your dog is suffering severe gastrointestinal upset, chamomile may not solve the problem. 

The best thing to do is consult your vet to recommend an effective treatment. 

4. Treats Skin Conditions

Chamomile’s anti-microbial properties can help calm down skin irritations and minor infections

To use chamomile as a skin rinse, all you need to do is cool down chamomile tea to room temperature and gently massage it on your dog’s skin after a bath to soothe any irritations. 

Always confirm that the tea does not contain ingredients that can harm your pet before using it. 

Also, remember that while chamomile may relieve itchy patches like flea bites, it’s not a treatment for serious skin infections

Hence, it’s important to talk to your vet to determine the cause of your dog’s skin inflammation/infection and recommend an ideal treatment option. 

5. Supports Healthy Digestion

Chamomile can be a natural way to treat your dog’s digestive issues.

This herbal medicine offers sedative effects on the dog’s digestive tract, making it an effective herb for supporting healthy digestion and controlling symptoms of an upset stomach such as vomiting, gas, and indigestion. 

6. Soothes Irritated Eyes

The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can also help with eye irritations

You can give your dog chamomile supplements to soothe irritated eyes. 

Alternatively, place a cool chamomile tea bag against your dog’s eyes 2-3 times daily for the best results.

Remember to confirm that the product does not contain compounds that can potentially harm your dog. 

Again, if the irritation persists or worsens, take your dog to the vet immediately.

How Much Chamomile Is Safe for Dogs?

There is no official recommended dose or best chamomile dosage for dogs. 

The ideal dosage for different dogs varies significantly because every dog is unique in terms of size, weight, age, and medical history. 

Therefore, the best thing to do is talk to your vet to recommend the most accurate dosage depending on the size of your dog and other unique traits. 

Normally, chamomile treats and supplements formulated by veterinarians come infused with the correct dosage. 

This makes it easy to give your dog an effective and safe dose. 

Remember that high amounts of chamomile can be toxic for dogs. 

Therefore, you should never give your dog more than the recommended dosage. 

If you’re unsure, the safest thing to do is start with a small amount than the recommended one and gradually work your way up to the correct dosage while monitoring potential side effects. 

How to Give Chamomile to Dogs

The best way to serve chamomile for dogs depends on its needs. 

Chamomile is generally available as an edible supplement in the form of capsules, pills, liquids, powder, or chewable treats. 

Dogs especially prefer chamomile chewable supplements because they consider them tasty treats rather than health supplements. 

Dog owners can add chamomile powders and liquids to their pet’s food when serving them to treat anxiety. 

But if you’re looking to treat irritated or inflamed skin, you can pour chamomile tea rinse in a spray bottle and spray directly on the affected areas of your dog’s skin to provide soothing relief. 

Possible Side Effects of Chamomile for Dogs

The side effects of chamomile tea are very uncommon if it is administered at the proper dosage. 

If  your dog is sensitive to chamomile (which is rare), it can experience side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, and allergic reactions

Be warned that a drastic chamomile overdose can cause lethal side effects such as internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. 

Ensure to go through your dog’s medical history with your vet before incorporating chamomile into its healthy regimen. 

In addition, chamomile should not be given to dogs who are allergic to plants in the daisy family.  

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