Most people know that chamomile tea is a tried and tested home remedy for infections, colds and stomach pains.
But does chamomile tea also work for dogs, and is it ok for them to drink it and use it on the skin?
Chamomile has four active ingredients – apigenin, flavonoids, chamazulene and bisabolol. All of these ingredients relieve irritation and counteract inflammation.
What is chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea has been used as a home remedy for thousands of years. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used a tea for various purposes.
Camomile is antibacterial and antispasmodic. Therefore, chamomile tea is particularly suitable for gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation of the gums and colds.
What can chamomile tea be used for in dogs?
Chamomile tea is primarily used in dogs to stop nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It actively relieves the spasms in the gastrointestinal tract associated with illness or irritation of the affected organs. It can help with skin conditions, wound healing and mild infections.
Can chamomile tea be used to stop a dog itching?
Whether it is sunburn, parasite infestation or skin disease, slightly chilled chamomile tea can help.
Simply sprinkle it onto the affected area or apply it to the skin with a clean wet cloth and gently rub the area.
If prescribed products are also required to treat the condition, then chamomile tea can be used in tandem with these to help with the healing process and alleviate discomfort for your dog.
Alternatively, a compress can easily be made by soaking a damp cloth or kitchen paper with chamomile tea and placing it firmly on the affected skin area.
The cloth should remain in place for 10-30 minutes so that the active ingredients can be completely absorbed into the skin.
The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of chamomile will care for the skin and help to supply it with some of the essential nutrients it needs to assist in the healing process.
Can chamomile tea be used for dogs sore pads?
Many dogs suffer from torn, chapped or sore pads on their paws, especially during the colder or winter months. Chamomile tea can help here too!
Simply dip and bathe the dog’s paws in lukewarm chamomile tea several times a day to provide relief for the animal.
Even if the dog licks its paws, chamomile is a tried and tested home remedy that will not hurt the dog.
Depending on the severity of the sore pads, dog-friendly skin cream may also need to be applied.
The chamomile tea bathing will definitely help alleviate discomfort for your dog and will work in conjunction with other prescribed treatments.
Can chamomile tea be used to treat a dogs wounds?
Chamomile tea not only has an anti-inflammatory effect but also actively promotes wound healing in the skin. Chamomile tea is a tried and tested remedy for superficial wounds, abrasions or skin inflammation.
The area should be sprinkled or dabbed with chamomile tea several times a day to provide relief without causing any further skin irritation.
A cold compresses can also be made with chamomile tea and applied to the affected area. However, this should be avoided if there are severe open wounds, as it will soak the skin in moisture, and the wound could open again.
Can chamomile tea be used in a dogs ears?
Chamomile tea can be used to clean a dog’s ears and prevent any nasty infections.
Care should be taken to ensure that not too much fluid goes into the ear canal by just dripping a few drops of the tea into the ear.
The ear can then be gently massaged so that the liquid can loosen and help to remove any build-up of wax. The dog usually dispels any fluid itself by shaking its head afterwards, or you can use a clean cloth.
However, in cases of a serious ear infection, a visit to the vet is essential. Chamomile tea for inflammation of the ears is always just a home remedy that should be used in the early stages of the disease or to clean the ears.
How can you give the dog chamomile tea?
Generally, most dogs will tolerate chamomile. Some dogs are very fond of the drink, while others are more reluctant to accept it.
If your pet does not want to drink chamomile tea by itself, a slightly milder solution can be made. To do this, simply boil a chamomile tea bag with enough water to get a relatively thin tincture.
For dogs who like to drink chamomile tea, several bags can be used at once and the brewing time adjusted to provide different intensities of taste.
Can chamomile tea be given cold or warm to a dog?
The tea should be cooled for the dog and offered at room temperature as drinks that are too cold can cause stomach pains, while chamomile tea that is still hot can cause burns. The tea should never be sugared.
If your dog refuses to drink chamomile tea, then it can easily be mixed with the dog’s wet food
When should chamomile tea not be used for dogs?
Chamomile tea should not be used around the eyes as it will contain small particles even if it has been filtered. These particles can increase the irritation of the eyes and make any inflammation worse.
If the dog has known allergies to grasses or other plants, chamomile tea should also be avoided as a precaution. An allergic reaction could worsen the initial symptoms.
Serious wounds, persistent gastrointestinal complaints and spreading inflammation cannot be treated with chamomile tea alone. The advice of a veterinarian needs to be sought immediately.
What are the different varieties of chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is available in many different versions.
Teabags are the easiest to use as you simply put them into boiling water.
Dried chamomile tea leaves can also be used as well as fresh chamomile.
The fresher the chamomile, then the more active ingredients it will contain.
Conclusion – Can you give your dog chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is not only a proven remedy for humans but can also be used just as effectively for dogs to treat a variety of conditions.
The medicinal plant has hardly any side effects and is safe and easy to use.
At Dog Food Info, we always recommend seeking expert advice from a veterinarian for any serious conditions affecting your dog.
