Below is a list of herb precautions you
should be aware of while researching
herbal medicine support products for your pets.
All Animals - Cats, Dogs, & Horses:
We do not recommend using herbal products for pregnant or lactating animals as there are too many variables (the animals’ health, pre-existing conditions, the onset of complications during pregnancy, etc.) to allow safe and effective use of them. Only use if under the recommendation, strict guidance and care of a veterinarian.
If your pet shows any adverse reactions (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) after using a supplement, stop immediately. You may try to adjust the dosage to help or use a different supplement altogether.
Herbs given excessively or inappropriately have the potential to be harmful or fatal to any animal.
Discontinue using all herbal supplements prior to any surgery involving anesthesia (at least two weeks). This is due to possible complications such as fluctuations in blood pressure or increased bleeding. If herbs have been used, notify the doctor prior to surgery.
Some herbs may cause nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. If this occurs, try administering on a full stomach. If that does not remedy the situation, then discontinue use altogether and consult a veterinarian.
Do not give products containing caffeine (including chocolate) as it can be harmful or fatal for your pet.
Specific Herb Cautions:
Alfalfa - Known to be an effective blood thinner and should not be given to pets with blood clotting disorders.
Aloe - Contains laxative properties that can cause severe cramping and diarrhea if misused.
Anise - Can be toxic if excessively overused. Can cause an allergic reaction.
Astragalus - Should not be used if your pet suffers from hyper-immune disorders, acute infections or fevers.
Barberry - Contains astringent qualities that can kill off beneficial bacteria. Only administer for seven days or less, and then stop for five days before resuming.
Bilberry - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment, as it may lower blood sugar.
Black Walnut Hulls - Are rich in tannins (used to reduce inflammation in the digestive and urinary tracts) that if used excessively may cause mucosal irritation, diarrhea and vomiting. It should not be used for pets suffering from inflammatory kidney disease. Horses can have a toxic or fatal reaction to a certain mold that grows on the hulls of the black walnut.
Borage - Contains alkaloids that can be toxic to your pet’s liver. Avoid if your pet suffers from liver disease.
Boswellia - Avoid this herb if your pet suffers from kidney disease, liver disease or is on a nonsteroidal medication. Your pet may experience vomiting diarrhea or skin inflammation while using this herb.
Buchu - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from kidney disease.
Bugleweed - Avoid this herb if your pet suffers from hypothyroidism.
Burdock Root - Generally safe, but may cause diarrhea if extensively overused.
Cascara Sagrada - Has laxative properties that can cause severe cramping and diarrhea if misused.
Cayenne - May cause kidney and liver damage or chronic gastritis if overused for extended periods of time. It is not recommended for pets having a sensitive digestive system or suffering from urinary tract disorders. Do not take on an empty stomach as it may cause ulcers.
Celery Seed - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from kidney disease.
Chaparral - Avoid using this herb as it can cause severe liver damage in pets.
Chickweed - Considered to be very safe, but may cause diarrhea if overused for an extended period of time.
Chamomile - Avoid taking an excessive amount of this herb if using a prescription anticoagulant, as it contains naturally occurring Coumarin constituents that act as “blood thinners.”
Coltsfoot - Contains alkaloids that have been found and documented to cause liver damage as a result of overuse in animals.
Comfrey - Contains alkaloids that have been found and documented to cause liver damage as a result of overuse in animals.
Dandelion - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from gallbladder disease or is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment, as it may lower blood sugar.
Devil’s Claw - If used excessively, it may hinder the treatment of high or low blood pressure, or heart disease. Can cause hypoglycemia in diabetic pets.
Echinacea - Avoid using this herb for pets suffering from immunodeficiency diseases, feline leukemia, or diabetes as it is an immune system stimulant.
Feverfew - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from bleeding disorders or platelet problems, as it can reduce platelets. Do not administer for more than one week at a time.
French Sorrel - Contains oxalic acid that may bind with calcium in the urine and possibly cause stones, or urinary tract irritation. These herbs are only recommended for short term use of fourteen days or less. Avoid these herbs if your pet suffers from kidney or urinary disease.
Garlic - Can be toxic to pets if overused. Avoid if your pet suffers from anemia, or if going to have surgery (do not use a week before to a week after surgery), as it may cause increased bleeding.
Ginger - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment, suffers from blood clotting disorders or is going to have surgery (do not use a week before to a week after surgery), as it may cause increased bleeding. If your pet has a fever, due not use ginger as it may raise body temperature. Ginger, in large doses, may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Ginkgo Biloba - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from blood clotting or thinning disorders, is on heart medication or is going to have surgery (do not use a week before to a week after surgery), as it may cause increased bleeding. Do not use this herb if your pet is taking a prescribed blood thinner. Ginkgo, in large doses, may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Ginseng - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, acute infections or is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment. Do not use if your pet shows signs of hyperactivity, anxiety or nervousness. Side effects of use may include nervousness, high blood pressure, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting.
Goldenseal - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from liver disease or jaundice, as it may over stimulate the liver causing complications. Overuse of this herb may cause nervousness or hypertension. Only administer for seven days or less, and then stop for five days before resuming.
Gotu Kola - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment. Can be toxic in large doses.
Grape Root - Contains astringent qualities that can kill off beneficial bacteria. Recommended for short-term use only.
Gymnema - Avoid using this herb as it may cause hypoglycemia.
Hawthorne Berry - Avoid using this herb if your pet is on heart medication or blood thinners. Excessive use may cause sedation and a drop in blood pressure.
Hops - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from depression.
Horse Chestnut - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from kidney disease.
Horsetail - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from high blood pressure or cardiac disease.
Juniper - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from diabetes, cardiac disease, kidney disease or urinary tract conditions. Juniper is an herb rich in tannins that if used excessively, may cause mucosal irritation. It is recommended for short term use only.
Kava Kava - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from liver disease, as it may be toxic to the liver when used in excess. Do not use Kava while on antidepressants, barbiturates or other central nervous system drugs, as it may have negative effects. I used excessively Kava may cause a liver disease or gastrointestinal disturbances. It is recommended for short term use only.
Lavender - Avoid using this herb as it may be toxic to the liver and kidneys. It is mostly used in the form of oil.
Lemon Balm - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from hypothyroidism, as it has the ability to decrease the levels of thyroid hormone.
Licorice - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, liver disease or kidney failure. Licorice contains large concentrations of steroidal saponins that may cause water retention, hypertension, gastrointestinal irritations and vomiting if used excessively over an extended period of time (more than two weeks).
Lobelia - Considered generally safe, Lobelia can cause vomiting if over used. Avoid using this herb if your pet is on medications or supplements that may depress the nervous system.
Marshmallow - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment or suffers from diabetes.
Milk Thistle - Over use of this herb may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Mullein - Avoid using this herb for birds, fish and amphibians as it contains rotenone, a constituent that is known to be toxic to these animals.
Nettle - Avoid using this herb for pets that are taking anti-inflammatory, sedative, blood sugar lowering and antihypertensive medications as it may have a negative interaction with them.
Olive Leaf - If overused may cause your pet to have diarrhea. This can be corrected by a decrease in the dosage.
Oregon Grape - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from diabetes or liver disease. Oregon grape contains alkaloids that may over stimulate the liver and bile production resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Only administer for seven days or less, and then stop for five days before resuming.
Passion Flower - Avoid using this herb if your pet is taking medication that affects the nervous system. Excessive use may cause sedation.
Peppermint - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing homeopathic treatment, as it may interfere with its effectiveness.
Red Clover - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from blood clotting disorders, as it is a known blood thinner. Red Clover contains salicylic acid that can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Reishi Mushroom - Considered safe for pets to use, occasionally it may cause a mild stomach upset. Reishi is considered a mild blood thinner, and should not be used while your pet is taking blood thinning medications.
Sage - Avoid using this herb if your pet is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment.
Sarsaparilla - Contains saponins that can produce gastrointestinal irritations and vomiting.
Senna - Should not be used for more than 10 days at a time or if you’re pet is suffering from diarrhea, intestinal obstructions, inflammatory bowel disease or stomach pain due to unknown causes. It contains laxative properties that can cause severe cramping and diarrhea if misused.
Sheep Sorrel - Contains oxalic acid that may bind with calcium in the urine and possibly cause stones, or urinary tract irritation. It is recommended for short term use of fourteen days or less. Avoid this herb if your pet suffers from kidney or urinary disease.
Shitake Mushroom - Considered safe for pets to use, occasionally it may cause a mild stomach upset. Shitake is considered a mild blood thinner, and should not be used while your pet is taking blood thinning medications.
Slippery Elm - If overused for an extended period of time, it may overcoat the intestines and slow down the absorption of vital nutrients.
St. John’s Wort - Avoid using this herb if your pet is taking antidepressant medication or heart medication. If used excessively it may cause nervousness, fatigue, allergic reactions, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal upset, or photosensitivity.
Thyme - Avoid using this herb if your pet suffers from hypertension. If excessively overused it can cause over stimulation of the thyroid gland.
Turkey Rhubarb - Has laxative properties that can cause severe cramping and diarrhea if misused.
Turmeric - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from gallbladder stones, gastrointestinal upset or bile duct obstruction. Overuse may cause ulceration or inflammation of the stomach lining.
Uva Ursi - Is rich in tannins that if used excessively may cause mucosal irritation. It should not be used for pets suffering from inflammatory kidney disease or kidney infection.
Valerian - Considered safe for pets to use. In excessive amounts, it can produce gastrointestinal irritations, nausea and vomiting. Avoid using this herb if your pet is taking a sedative medication.
White Willow Bark - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from aspirin allergies, ulcers, kidney disease, bleeding disorders, diabetes or liver disease. It is rich in tannins that if used excessively may cause mucosal irritation or bleeding ulcers.
Wild Yam - Can cause nausea and vomiting if excessively overused.
Wormwood - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from kidney disease, liver disease or seizures.
Yarrow - May cause allergic reactions or photosensitization if overused for an extended period of time.
Yellow Dock - Avoid using this herb if your pet is suffering from intestinal bleeding, intestinal blockages, urinary or kidney diseases. It may cause intestinal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, kidney stones or urinary tract irritations if used excessively. It is recommended for short term use of fourteen days or less.
Yucca Root - Contains saponins that can produce gastrointestinal irritations and vomiting if excessively overused. Do not use for more than five days at a time with a two day break before the next use.
Cats only:
Do not give products containing salicin, aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen (i.e. Tylenol, Motrin, etc…) as these can be fatal to a cat.
Caution should be used when using essential oils or aromatherapy around cats as it may be harmful or, in severe cases, even fatal. Cats lack an important mechanism for detoxifying their body, which translates to a slower elimination of toxins from the body (primarily the liver).
Specific Herb Cautions:
Astragalus - Avoid using this herb if your cat suffers from immunodeficiency diseases or feline leukemia.
Calendula - Avoid using this herb as it contains salicylate, which may be harmful or fatal to cats.
Ginseng - Avoid using this herb if your cat suffers from kidney disease, cardiomyopathy, and hyperthyroidism or is undergoing hypoglycemic treatment. Do not use if your cat shows signs of hyperactivity, anxiety or nervousness.
Goldenseal - Avoid using this herb if your cat suffers from hyperthyroidism. Goldenseal contains alkaloids that may over stimulate the liver and bile production resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. Only administer for seven days or less, and then stop for five days before resuming.
Meadowsweet - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Mistletoe - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Onions and onion powder - Can be toxic to cats and can cause anemia.
Pennyroyal - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Poplar - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Red Clover - Contains salicylic acid that can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Rue - Can be toxic or fatal to a cats.
White Oak Bark - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
White Willow Bark - Can be toxic or fatal to cats.
Horses only:
Specific Herb Cautions:
Black Walnut - Horses can have a toxic or fatal reaction to a certain mold that grows on the hulls of the black walnut.
Wormwood - Can be toxic or fatal to horses.
OTHER PET SUPPORT TOPICS
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