Chamomile tea is one of the most well-liked herbal teas. An estimated 1 million cups are consumed daily. Of course, pretty much all dogs are missing out on this wonderful drink made from the flower of a special plant.
It’s a shame because Chamomile is an antioxidant and gentle astringent that can treat inflammation, relax muscles and reduce irritations of the skin. It’s also good for anxiety and is a mild sleep-aid. The benefits are so numerous that you want your pet dog to partake with you!
So can you give your dog some chamomile tea or are there reasons to avoid doing so? Well, we have an answer for you. You can absolutely share some with your best buddy but learn more before they start lapping up this delicious tea.
Can I Give My Dog Some Chamomile Tea? Answer: Yes
In fact, it’s used as a calming aid for pets in supplement form.
Provide Chamomile tea as long as your best buddy isn’t allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum flowers or other Compositae (Asteraceae) flowering plants. Although data is lacking for dogs, a low percentage of humans are allergic to chamomile. So, it’s not a common allergen and should be okay. It can be of great benefit for pets in several ways.
Practical Use for Dogs
Chamomile, also known as Matricaria recutita, works on the digestive system by calming it and relieving spasms and gas. If your dog has a belly ache due to anxiety or gas, this sweet tasting tea can help.
It’s also suitable for dogs who vomit upon getting too excited or after eating. Simply brew a tea bag or about a tbsp of chamomile flowers in 1 c of boiling water for 15 minutes. When using loose tea, be sure to strain it. Once it’s done brewing, add another cup of water so it is not too strong.
Either use a medicine syringe to administer it orally or chill it and place it in your pooch’s water bowl. When using a syringe, you will want to use approximately 1/4 tsp for every 30 pounds that your dog weighs and repeat every couple hours.
Spray & Eye Drops
If your pup has itchy or irritated skin, put chilled chamomile tea in a spray bottle to cool, comfort, and kill any bacteria or yeast that may be present. When using a spray, your dog should get relief immediately. Put any leftover spray in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
Create doggie eye drops for those who have conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, from allergies, irritants or infection. To make the eye drops, pour the tea in a coffee filter to strain it. Use a saline contact lens solution to water down the tea by using 1 part chamomile tea to 3 parts sterile saline solution.
Apply the finished remedy to the eyes with a pet medicine dropper two to three times daily until the swelling and irritation is noticeably gone. If the condition gets worse or doesn’t clear, you should contact a vet.
Warm or Cool Compress
When a spray doesn’t seem to give them enough relief, a warm tea bag compress is an alternative for minor infections. Use a warm chamomile tea bag that has been soaked in boiling water and apply it to the affected areas. This can be used on your dog’s eyes or skin.
For skin that is irritated due to allergies or flea bites, use a cool compress rather than warm. You can also soak the affected areas so they are fully saturated.
Conclusion on Chamomile Tea
Yes, you can give your dog chamomile tea on occasion. It may help your pet in many ways since it’s a natural remedy for many issues common to dogs. So brew up a warm cup of chamomile tea, you and your pooch can relax and unwind together.