Dog Physiology Quick Reference

Working with dogs requires understanding several physiological facts that affect what you give, how much, and when.

Body weight range — the dose calculation challenge

Dogs range from 2-pound Chihuahuas to 200-pound Mastiffs. The same herb at the same effective dose-per-pound varies in absolute amount by 100x across this range. Dose calculation requires care.

**The standard pet dose calculation (for dogs):** A typical dog dose for most herbs is calculated by body weight using one of several formulas. A common working formula:

- Small dog (under 20 lb): 1-3 drops of glycerite per dose - Medium dog (20-50 lb): 4-8 drops per dose - Large dog (50-100 lb): 8-15 drops per dose - Giant dog (over 100 lb): 15-25 drops per dose

For most herbs, dose 2-3 times daily. Adjust based on the specific herb's potency and the dog's specific situation.

For tinctures (alcohol-based), use approximately half the glycerite dose because alcohol's small volume delivers more concentrated extract.

Liver metabolism

Dogs metabolize many drugs and some herbs faster than humans do. This means they may need more frequent dosing for sustained effect. Conversely, certain herbs are processed differently and require caution.

**Specific liver-related cautions:**

- **Acetaminophen-containing herbs (none specifically herbal, but some commercial pet products contain it).** Dogs metabolize acetaminophen poorly and it can be hepatotoxic at relatively low doses. Read product labels carefully. - **Xylitol-containing preparations** (some chewable supplements, some sugar-free products including some commercial pet treats). Causes severe hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs. Never give xylitol-containing products to dogs. - **Garlic at high doses** can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs (Heinz body anemia). Small culinary amounts (a clove or two per week in food) are generally fine for medium-to-large dogs but should be avoided in toy breeds or in dogs with any existing anemia. - **Onion in any quantity** is more dangerous than garlic and should never be given to dogs.

Digestive considerations

Dogs have shorter, simpler digestive tracts than humans. They evolved to handle high-protein meat-based diets. Several implications:

- **They digest aromatic herbs quickly.** Effects come on fast and resolve fast. Dosing 2-3 times daily is more important than for humans where 2 times daily is often enough. - **They are prone to gut upset from sudden diet changes.** Introduce new herbs gradually. Mix into food at small amounts initially. - **They are prone to dehydration with diarrhea.** Provide fresh water at all times. Severe or persistent diarrhea is a veterinary issue, not a wait-and-see-with-herbs issue.

Cardiovascular and renal

Dogs have generally robust cardiovascular systems but specific breeds are prone to specific issues:

- **Brachycephalic breeds** (Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, etc.) have respiratory issues and can have cardiovascular complications. - **Large breeds** are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy. - **Several breeds** are prone to chronic kidney disease, especially in senior years.

Herbs with strong cardiovascular or renal effects need extra care: - **Diuretic herbs** (dandelion leaf, parsley) at substantial doses can worsen dehydration; use modest amounts. - **Cardioactive herbs** like hawthorn are generally well-tolerated but require coordination with veterinary care for dogs on heart medications.

Skin and coat

Dog skin is thinner than human skin and has fewer eccrine sweat glands. They cool through panting rather than sweating from the body. Implications:

- **Topical preparations** can be more reactive on dog skin than human skin. Test small areas first. - **Essential oils on dogs** require dilution well below human levels — typically 0.5% maximum for body, 0.25% for face, and avoidance entirely on cats (covered in the companion course). - **Hot/cold tolerance** varies dramatically by breed coat type. Heavy-coated breeds (Huskies, Saint Bernards) handle cold well but overheat easily. Short-coated breeds (Greyhounds, Whippets) handle warm well but chill easily.

Reproductive considerations

Most modern dogs are spayed or neutered, but some are not. Several herbs affect reproductive function:

- **Phytoestrogens** (red clover, soy isoflavones, dong quai) should be used with care in intact females and especially in pregnant or nursing dogs. - **Uterine-active herbs** (raspberry leaf, motherwort, blue cohosh) should never be given to pregnant dogs except under specific guidance from a holistic veterinarian.

Specific weight-based dose tables

For a useful baseline, here are dose ranges for common herbs:

**Chamomile glycerite, 1:5:** - 10 lb dog: 5-8 drops - 25 lb dog: 10-15 drops - 50 lb dog: 20-30 drops - 80 lb dog: 30-45 drops

**Ginger glycerite, 1:5 (stronger; use less):** - 10 lb dog: 2-4 drops - 25 lb dog: 5-8 drops - 50 lb dog: 10-15 drops - 80 lb dog: 15-22 drops

**Marshmallow root glycerite, 1:5:** - 10 lb dog: 5-10 drops - 25 lb dog: 12-20 drops - 50 lb dog: 22-35 drops - 80 lb dog: 35-50 drops

**Milky oats glycerite, 1:5:** - 10 lb dog: 5-10 drops - 25 lb dog: 12-20 drops - 50 lb dog: 22-35 drops - 80 lb dog: 35-50 drops

**Frequency:** 2-3 times daily for most. For acute situations, can dose 3-4 times daily for short periods. For chronic supportive work, twice daily is often sufficient.

How to administer

**Mixed into food.** Easiest for most dogs. Glycerites are sweet and palatable. Mix into wet food or onto kibble (allow a few minutes for absorption before serving).

**Directly into mouth.** For glycerites, the sweet taste makes this manageable. Hold the dog's muzzle gently, lift the lip at the corner, and deposit drops into the cheek pouch. The dog swallows naturally.

**Diluted in water.** For some dogs who reject direct administration, drops in a small amount of water with broth flavor (chicken broth, low-sodium) makes it acceptable.

**Never force.** A struggling dog increases stress for both of you. If a dog rejects an herb consistently, change the herb, change the form, or change the administration approach.

What to carry forward

For your dog, calculate the appropriate dose ranges for chamomile, ginger, and milky oats based on weight. Note them in your dog notebook. These are your reference doses for the protocols we will build.

Next lesson, the constitutional framework applied to dogs.