Chamomile
CautionThe ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to dogs: contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and allergic reactions, with bleeding tendencies after long-term use. Daily chamomile tea as a calming routine is not a good idea.
This food guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It summarises general information from sources and should not be used to decide whether a food is suitable for an individual dog or to assess an emergency.
Check before feeding
Check the precautions before sharing
Risk depends on preparation, ingredients or amount. Read the precautions below; body weight alone cannot establish a safe portion.
Signs and health concerns
This list includes both observable signs and conditions identified through examination or testing. It cannot establish the cause or whether an exposure is safe.
- Skin inflammation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Hives
- Itching
- Facial swelling
- Blood clotting disorder
More about this food
Chamomile tea is mild enough for people that it gets offered to anxious dogs constantly. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sees it differently. Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is on the toxic-to-dogs list, with volatile oil, bisabolol, chamazulene, anthemic acid and tannic acid as the toxic principles. The recorded signs are contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and allergic reactions -- plus one line that matters more than the rest: long term use can lead to bleeding tendencies.
That last item is what separates chamomile from most kitchen herbs. The risk is not one sip of tea; it is the daily calming routine people keep up for months. It matters most for a dog heading into surgery, a dental extraction or a neuter, a dog on anticoagulants, or a dog with any bleeding disorder. If you are giving a chamomile supplement or extract, say so at the pre-surgical appointment.
Allergy is a real issue too. Chamomile is in the Asteraceae family, so dogs reactive to ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy or mugwort can cross-react. That looks like facial swelling, hives, intense itching, and rarely labored breathing. Facial swelling with any breathing difficulty is not a wait-and-see.
The form changes the risk. A dog who chewed a few flower heads in the garden usually ends up with an upset stomach. A few laps of cooled tea are similar. Concentrated extracts and chamomile essential oil are a different category: Merck notes essential oils absorb rapidly through skin, lungs and mucous membranes as well as the gut, with risk climbing with concentration. And a tea bag is often not just chamomile -- blends bring green or black tea and therefore caffeine, and a swallowed bag itself can obstruct the gut.
So take stock of what, how much, and for how long. A few flowers or a few laps of tea in a dog acting normally means water and half a day of watching. Facial swelling, hives, bruise-like spots on the gums or skin, or any exposure to concentrated extract or oil means calling your veterinarian, the ASPCA APCC at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not induce vomiting at home.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I give chamomile tea to calm my anxious dog?
- Better not. The ASPCA lists chamomile as toxic to dogs and notes bleeding tendencies with long-term use. Separation anxiety and noise phobia respond to behavior work and, when needed, prescription medication -- that conversation with your vet will get you much further.
- He lapped up some cooled chamomile tea.
- A few laps usually passes without incident or causes mild stomach upset. Check the box, though: blends often contain green or black tea, which adds caffeine, and some add flavorings. If he swallowed the tea bag itself, call your vet -- that is an obstruction risk.
- My dog is scheduled for surgery and takes a chamomile supplement.
- Tell the surgical team at the pre-op appointment. The ASPCA notes that long-term chamomile use can lead to bleeding tendencies, and surgery and dental extractions depend on normal clotting. Bring the product and say how long he has been on it.