Chamomile is one of the best-known natural remedies and has been used for a long time because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile can also be useful for dogs and cats.
In our practice, we regularly recommend German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) as a simple supportive remedy, including for cleaning the skin, superficial wounds, and carefully around the eyes.
Which type of chamomile can you use?
Not all types of chamomile are the same.
We specifically mean:
German chamomile – Matricaria recutita
This species has been used in herbal medicine for a long time and has, among other things:
- anti-inflammatory properties;
- a soothing effect;
- mild antibacterial and antifungal properties;
- and potentially a supportive effect on wound healing.
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile / Anthemis nobilis) is a different plant and we do not recommend using it in the same way for dogs and cats.
It is therefore important to always check the botanical name on the packaging.
Is chamomile tea safe for dogs and cats?
Yes, when used correctly, German chamomile is generally safe for dogs and cats.
We have been using and recommending it in our practice for quite some time as a mild supportive remedy.
A simple chamomile tea can, for example, be used to:
- gently remove dirt and crusts from around the eyes;
- clean irritated skin;
- clean small superficial wounds;
- soothe the skin in cases of mild redness or irritation.
Always allow the tea to cool completely before using it and preferably prepare a fresh, clean amount for each treatment.
For the area around the eyes, for example, you can moisten a clean gauze pad or cotton pad and gently wipe from the inner corner outward.
What does research say?
Research on German chamomile shows that the plant does indeed contain biologically active compounds.
A large scientific review of medicinal plants used in veterinary dermatology found that chamomile has, among other things, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties.
Experimental research on wound healing has also shown that wounds treated with chamomile may heal faster than untreated wounds.
This is consistent with the traditional and practical use of chamomile for the skin.
Can a dog or cat drink chamomile tea?
German chamomile is also traditionally used orally because of its potential:
- mild calming effect;
- relaxing effect on the stomach and intestines;
- and anti-inflammatory properties.
A small amount of plain, cooled German chamomile tea is generally not a problem for a healthy dog.
With cats, we are somewhat more cautious about oral herbal products, particularly because cats process plant compounds differently from dogs.
For therapeutic use, we therefore recommend discussing the appropriate amount and purpose with us first.
Chamomile tea is not the same as chamomile essential oil
This distinction is important.
Regular chamomile tea is completely different from concentrated essential oil.
Essential oil contains plant compounds in much higher concentrations and should be used with much greater caution, especially in cats.
The advice in this article therefore refers to regular German chamomile and chamomile tea, not concentrated essential oil.
When is chamomile not enough?
Chamomile is an excellent mild supportive remedy, but of course it does not treat every underlying cause.
If an eye becomes very red, your pet keeps the eye partly or fully closed, pus develops, a wound is deep, becomes very painful, or does not heal properly, it is important to have your pet examined.
The same applies when skin problems keep returning.
In such cases, the underlying cause should first be investigated, for example an infection, allergy, foreign body, or another medical problem.
Our experience with chamomile
In our practice, we have had good experiences with German chamomile as a simple and natural supportive remedy.
Especially for gently cleaning around the eyes, superficial wounds, and mild skin irritation, it can be a practical product that many people already have at home.
So:
Is German chamomile safe for dogs and cats?
Yes, when used correctly.
Does chamomile actually have beneficial properties?
Yes. Research supports its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and wound-healing properties, among others.
Do we recommend it ourselves?
Yes. We regularly recommend German chamomile as a mild supportive remedy for the everyday care of dogs and cats.
As with any natural remedy, use it for the appropriate purpose and contact your veterinarian if you are unsure or if your pet has more serious symptoms.