Pet Herb Library

69 detailed pet herb profiles with species-specific safety ratings, weight-based dosing, and administration guides.

Evidence:AllABCT

Showing 69 of 69 herbs

Psyllium

Plantago ovata

A — Strong EvidencePlantaginaceae

Mucilaginous seed husk providing bulk-forming fiber; flagship herb for equine sand colic prevention and bowel regulation in dogs, cats, and small mammals. Always with water.

Pumpkin Seed

Cucurbita pepo

B — Good EvidenceCucurbitaceae

Cucurbitacin-bearing seed with mild anthelmintic (tapeworm, roundworm) action, urinary and prostate support; nutritive source of zinc and essential fatty acids for all pets.

Raspberry Leaf

Rubus idaeus

B — Good EvidenceRosaceae

Classic female reproductive tonic that tones uterine smooth muscle and prepares the dam for easier whelping, kindling, or foaling. Astringent tannins also support GI health and mild diarrhea.

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

C — Limited EvidenceFabaceae

Classic lymphatic and alterative herb rich in isoflavones that supports skin, glands, and gentle detoxification. Mild phytoestrogen activity makes it a key adjunct in chronic skin and lymph nodular conditions.

Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

B — Good EvidenceOrobanchaceae

TCM yin tonic and kidney nourisher; flagship for feline CKD, adrenal support, and autoimmune conditions. Raw form cools blood; prepared form (Shu Di) tonifies kidney yin.

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

B — Good EvidenceGanodermataceae

Premier immunomodulating and calming adaptogen mushroom supporting heart, liver, and immune function. Dual-extracted product is essential to capture both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes.

Rose Hips

Rosa canina

B — Good EvidenceRosaceae

Vitamin C and bioflavonoid-rich fruit that supports joint cartilage, immune function, and antioxidant status. Especially critical for guinea pigs and primates who cannot endogenously synthesize vitamin C.

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

B — Good EvidenceSchisandraceae

Hepatoprotective adaptogen berry with five flavors, used in veterinary herbalism for liver support, stress resilience, and cognitive function in aging companion animals and performance horses.

Self Heal

Prunella vulgaris

C — Limited EvidenceLamiaceae

Gentle antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing mint-family herb used traditionally as "heal-all" for oral sores, minor wounds, herpesvirus flares, and mild lymphatic swelling.

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

A — Strong EvidenceMarasmiaceae

Medicinal mushroom rich in lentinan beta-glucans; powerful immunomodulator with antitumor, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects used adjunctively in veterinary oncology and immunity.

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

C — Limited EvidenceLamiaceae

A nervine herb for anxiety and nervous tension. Calmer acting than valerian with less risk of paradoxical excitability. Good for dogs with chronic stress or nervousness.

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

B — Good EvidenceUlmaceae

A soothing demulcent that coats and protects the GI tract. One of the safest herbs for all pet species. First-line herbal support for diarrhea, vomiting, and GI inflammation.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

B — Good EvidenceLamiaceae

Respiratory antiseptic and GI carminative with thymol-rich aromatic leaves; widely used in dogs, horses, and poultry for cough, bronchitis, and digestive gas.

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

A — Strong EvidencePolyporaceae

Highly researched medicinal mushroom rich in PSP and PSK polysaccharopeptides. Penn Vet hemangiosarcoma study demonstrated extended survival in canine patients using high-dose polysaccharopeptide extract.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

B — Good EvidenceZingiberaceae

Powerful anti-inflammatory used for joint pain, arthritis, and digestive support in dogs and horses. Requires fat and black pepper (piperine) for absorption. Stains everything yellow.

Uva Ursi

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

B — Good EvidenceEricaceae

Arbutin-rich urinary antiseptic effective against UTIs when urine is alkaline; short-term use only due to hydroquinone liver toxicity. Species-specific cautions apply.

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

B — Good EvidenceCaprifoliaceae

A well-known calming herb used for anxiety, noise phobia, and restlessness in dogs and horses. May cause paradoxical excitability in some animals. Cats are attracted to it like catnip.

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

B — Good EvidenceHamamelidaceae

Astringent topical bark and leaf used as a hydrosol/distillate for insect bites, hot spots, minor cuts, inflamed ears, and anal gland irritation in companion animals and horses.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

B — Good EvidenceAsteraceae

Ancient hemostatic and febrifuge with strong antimicrobial activity. Stops bleeding topically, modulates fevers, and supports urinary and digestive tone. Species-sensitive due to essential oil and mild alkaloid content.

Yellow Dock

Rumex crispus

C — Limited EvidencePolygonaceae

Gentle laxative and liver alterative rich in iron and anthraquinones; supports anemia, sluggish bowels, and skin conditions. Oxalate content limits use in some species.

Yucca Root

Yucca schidigera

B — Good EvidenceAsparagaceae

Saponin-rich desert root with cortisone-like anti-inflammatory action, joint support, and a famous ability to reduce manure and litter-box ammonia odor in dogs, cats, and livestock.