Can dogs have ashwagandha? Is Ashwagandha safe for dogs? What are the benefits of ashwagandha for dogs? These are some of the trending questions these days since holistic medicine has been popular among pet parents.
Ayurvedic medicine has been around and flourishing for centuries. It has had a huge impact on the lives of humans. Dogs are family and we always want what’s best for them. That is why the use of Ayurvedic medicine is on the rise in dogs.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a common growing shrub that can be found in Asia, Africa, and the middle east. Its scientific name is Withania somenifera and it is commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or Indian winter cherry.
The root of ashwagandha is mostly used as a medicine in powdered form.
It is one of the most revered Ayurvedic medicine that has been used by humans for restoring health and treating mental health problems for centuries.
Ashwagandha is basically an adaptogen which means it helps the body maintain balance by adapting according to physical and mental stimulants.
Can dogs have ashwagandha? Can I give Ashwagandha to my dog?
Yes, dogs can have ashwagandha. You can give ashwagandha to your dog for physical and mental well-being. It has wide-ranging benefits and there are no recorded side effects of ashwagandha in dogs when given in recommended amounts.
What are the benefits of ashwagandha for dogs?
Ashwagandha has a lot of proven benefits for humans as well as dogs. Apart from being helpful in treating some disorders and health problems, Ashwagandha can be given to dogs to prevent some problems in the first place. Let’s take a detailed look at some benefits of ashwagandha for dogs.
Relieve stress and anxiety
Ashwagandha helps your dog feel relaxed and at peace. It can be very effective for your dog if it suffers from
- Stress and anxiety
- Hyperactivity
- Overstimulation
Apart from these, you can give a small amount of it to your dog before going to the vet for an exam. It is also effective in keeping your dog calm during fireworks and a thunderstorm.
Now that we know how ashwagandha affects the nervous system and mental health of your dog, let’s talk about some aspects of physical health. Ashwagandha helps your dog regulate its hormones and lower cortisol levels.
This results in better overall body metabolism, improved digestion and assimilation of nutrients, and improved balance of body fluids. In short, ashwagandha can have a miraculous impact on your dog’s overall well-being.
Boost the immune system
The immune system is the most important system of the body when it comes to keeping the dog happy and healthy. If the immune system is weak, a dog is vulnerable to viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens and may fall sick easily. It is therefore important to keep your dog’s immune system strong and healthy.
Ashwagandha strengthens the immune system of your dog and helps it fight off pathogens that can cause deadly diseases.
However, you should not rely on ashwagandha entirely and keep your dog updated on its vaccines.
Reduce Inflammation
Research has proven that ashwagandha reduces inflammation. So, it can be a perfect gift for dogs suffering from arthritis or inflammation on any other part.
In which conditions ashwagandha can be given to dogs?
There are wide-ranging benefits of ashwagandha for dogs. It reduces the feeling of stress and anxiety, lowers cortisol levels, reduces inflammation, and helps in pain management.
So, ashwagandha can be given to dogs suffering from arthritis, stress, and anxiety. It can also be helpful for dogs who suffer from cancer or inflammatory disorders.
How to give ashwagandha to dogs?
There are various products available commercially that contain ashwagandha root extract for dogs. Although you can try to extract it on your own, we wouldn’t recommend that. It is risky because the extraction and refining of the active ingredient of any herb is a bit technical task and any error can have lethal repercussions.
Always choose a trustworthy and reputed brand when buying ashwagandha for dogs. Reputable large brands have proper equipment and team for quality assurance. So you’re likely to get a good quality product.
One form of giving ashwagandha to your dog is gummies. You can buy and give ashwagandha gummies to your dog.
How much ashwagandha should dogs take?
Ashwagandha dog dosage depends on the size of the dog and the product that you’re going to use. You can easily find the right amount of ashwagandha for your dog from the product label.
What are the side effects of ashwagandha in dogs?
When taken in small, within recommended amounts, ashwagandha has almost no side effects. But if taken for a long time, side effects of ashwagandha may manifest as diarrhea, vomiting, and very rarely liver problems. Long-term use of ashwagandha is discouraged.
Some people ask “Is ashwagandha toxic to dogs?” the answer is No, it is not toxic to dogs as long as given in the right amount.
When to avoid ashwagandha in dogs?
It is best to avoid ashwagandha in female dogs that are pregnant. Although it is not common, there have been some cases where ashwagandha caused abortion. So it’s better to be on the safer side.
You should not give ashwagandha to your dog if its liver health is compromised.
Below are some interesting articles for dog lovers.
Tips to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Dog
Things to Know Before Adopting Your First Dog
Conclusion
We are sure you now know the answers to all the questions we started this article with i.e. can dogs have ashwagandha? Is Ashwagandha safe for dogs? What are the benefits of ashwagandha for dogs? Yes, it is safe for dogs and the benefits of ashwagandha on physical and mental health are wide-ranging.
Remember, moderation is the key to safety. Never give more than the recommended amount. Consult your veterinarian before giving any medication or supplements to your dog.
Thank you for reading and best wishes exploring the wonders of ayurvedic medicine with your doggo!
