Ashwagandha for Pet Health
Ashwagandha is used as a natural alternative to treat animal health conditions too. After examination, proper diagnosis, and elimination of dietary, owner, or physical exercise issues, veterinarians trained in herbal medicine prescribe tonics containing ashwagandha to treat a number of conditions.3
| Condition | Herbal Ingredient | Percentage to Whole Formula |
|---|---|---|
Hyperactivity |
Ashwagandha |
40% |
Motherwort |
20% |
|
Lemon Balm |
20% |
|
Chamomile |
20% |
|
Insomnia |
Ashwagandha |
40% |
Chamomile |
20% |
|
Chaste tree |
20% |
|
Ginkgo |
20% |
|
Skullcap |
20% |
|
Intervertebral disk disease |
Ashwagandha |
10% |
Capsicum |
20% |
|
Corydalis |
30% |
|
Kava kava |
15% |
|
Meadowsweet |
20% |
|
Paralysis of the face |
Ashwagandha |
45% |
Capsicum |
25% |
|
Gelsemium |
5% |
|
Ginkgo |
25% |
|
Peripheral neuropathy |
Ashwagandha |
20% |
Bacopa |
20% |
|
Lemon balm |
20% |
|
Passionflower |
20% |
|
St. John's Wort |
20% |
|
Experts suggest that ashwagandha may be an appropriate veterinary remedy for fungal ear infections, osteoarthritis, anemia, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and cancer. Studies in dogs show that ashwagandha extracts significantly lowers blood pressure. One of the studies suggests that the alkaloids in ashwagandha are responsible for this effect.3
Safety
As in humans, experts caution that large doses of ashwagandha may induce a miscarriage in pregnant animals. It also can potentially enhance the sedative effects of barbiturates, commonly used pharmaceutical drugs for anxiety and other mood disorders. Although considered relatively safe based on animal testing, large doses can cause diarrhea and vomiting.3
Recommended Dosage for Small Animals
Be sure to divide total dosage amount (based on body weight) by the recommended number of times per day to get the individual dose per administration.
| Form | Amount per kg of body weight | Amount per 5 lb of body weight (approx. conversion) | # Times per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
Dried herb extract |
50-125 mg |
1-2¼ tsp |
2 |
Whole herb |
50-125 mg |
¼-½ tsp |
3-4 |
| Amount per 10 kg of body weight | Amount per 10 lb of body weight (approx. conversion) | ||
Tincture |
1.0-2.5 mL |
1/8-1/3 tsp |
2 |