Echinacea for Pets
Historically Native Americans often used the same plants to heal animals, such as horses and dogs, as they did on themselves. Just as in humans, modern research suggests that echinacea is also a beneficial anti-inflammatory immune booster for small animals.(10, 158, 162)
Immune boosting doesn't mean simply stimulating the immune system. It actually means regulating and improving how well the immune system functions. Echinacea's beneficial immune system effects have already proven useful in treating dogs infected with parasites.(159)
Benefits Beyond the Immune System
Other benefits for small animals include:
| Animal | Condition | Type/Dose Echinacea |
|---|---|---|
|
Dogs and cats |
Wounds (minor abrasions) |
Skin cream containing Echinacea purpurea and other herbal essential oils and extracts.(160) |
|
Dogs |
Ear infection |
Nutraceutical (FORZA10 Oto Active™) containing E. purpurea, other herbs, and zinc.(161) |
|
Dogs |
Boost Immune System; Anti-Inflammatory |
Echinacea angustifolia (5 mg per kg of body weight) added to dog food.(162) |
|
Dogs |
Chronic infections |
Herbal tincture containing Echinacea angustifolia, Withania, burdock, varuna, and licorice; 2 mL twice a day for 3 weeks.(163) |
|
Dogs |
Chronic Demodectic Mange or Pyoderma |
Herbal formula containing 20% E. angustifolia.(163) |
Dogs |
Perianal Fistula |
Herbal tincture containing echinacea (20%), barberry (30%), marshmallow (20%), astragalus (20%), and licorice (10%).(163) |
Recommended Doses
If your veterinarian agrees you can use echinacea tincture diluted in water for 2-3 weeks at a time (followed by a 2-week break), depending on severity of infection:(164)
| Size of Dog | Dose |
|---|---|
|
Small |
1-5 drops in 1 teaspoon of water |
|
Medium |
10-15 drops in 1 tablespoon of water |
|
Large |
30-40 drops in 2 tablespoons of water |
You can flavor the water-echinacea mixture with a little honey if your dog dislikes the taste, or mixed in his food.(20)
Another option to try is a capsule supplement containing echinacea. One supplement recommended by a veterinarian is EHB (by NF Formulas). EHB combines echinacea and other medicinal herbs. Use ¼ to 1 capsule twice a day, depending on the size of your dog.(164)
Pet Safety
Avoid treating kittens or cats with echinacea without the advice of a trained veterinarian — especially if they have diabetes or an autoimmune disease. Many healthy cats experience mild to severe reactions if they consume echinacea.(20)