Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Evidence: BFamily: Lamiaceae

Potent antimicrobial and antifungal aromatic leaf; a staple in commercial poultry production for gut health and widely used in canine and equine herbalism for GI and respiratory infections.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Cats

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Horses

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Rabbits

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Birds

Safe

Duration: long term

Guinea Pigs

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogsglycerin tincture0.25-0.5 drops /lbtwice dailyPulsed 5 days on, 2 off for yeast/dysbiosis protocols.
Horsesdried herb15-30 gramstwice dailyTop-dress on feed for GI and respiratory support.
Chickensdried herb0.5-1 gramsonce dailyMix in feed for flock gut health; 1-2% inclusion rate.

Active Compounds

Carvacrol(phenol)Cat Unsafe
Thymol(phenol)Cat Unsafe
Rosmarinic acid(phenol)
p-Cymene(terpene)Cat Unsafe

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Essential Oil Form

Oregano essential oil is extremely hepatotoxic to cats and should never be applied, ingested, or diffused around them. Dried herb only for feline use; use extreme caution around all small mammals and birds.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Parts Used

leaf, flower

Available Forms

dried herb, glycerin tincture, alcohol tincture, capsule, soft chew

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