DISCLAIMER/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. The information contained in this site is for educational and informative purposes ONLY and is NOT advice. Also, this website and the information contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please refer to our Disclaimer Policy for more information.
Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
WILLOW BARK FOR DOGS
Willow Bark for dogs (Salix alba L.) known by many other names such as white willow, white willow bark or simply willow.
There are several Salix species that often get used interchangeably but among them all, Salix alba is often regarded as having the weakest concentrations of salicin.
What is salicin? Well, Salicin is the active constituent in Willow Bark and it was actually used to help create aspirin.
BENEFITS OF WILLOW BARK FOR DOGS
Willow bark actually has a variety of different uses from being an analgesic meaning that it helps relieve pain. To being an anti-inflammatory and also helps relieve symptoms from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Both of which have similar symptoms but different underlying reasons.
For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition and osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition which slowly happens over time.
IS WILLOW BARK SAFE FOR DOGS
Willow bark for dogs has very few studies done on it but the little research I could find was actually not being tested on dogs. However, they do show that;
“a small number of clinical studies have been conducted that support the use of willow bark extracts in chronic lower back and joint pain and osteoarthritis.” 1Shara, M., & Stohs, S. J. (2015). Efficacy and Safety of White Willow Bark (Salix alba) Extracts. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 29(8), 1112–1116. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5377
SIDE EFFECTS OF WILLOW BARK FOR DOGS
For example, if you are giving your dog other medications such as NSAID’s or herbal supplements it is best to stay away from willow bark but you should be referring to your veterinarians’ recommendations before starting anything new in your furbaby’s life anyways.
If your dog has medical conditions such as diabetes, sensitivities or allergies to salicylates, peptic ulcers, aspirin sensitivities, and asthma 2Duke, J., Bogenschutz-Godwin, M., duCellier, J. and Duke, P., 2002. Handbook of medicinal herbs. 2nd ed. New York: CRC Press, p.776. just to name a few then they should not be given willow bark.
Anything containing aspirin has to ability to interfere with other herbal supplements so if you are giving your dog things like garlic, rosemary, chamomile, thyme, or olive leaf 3Lamponi S. (2021). Bioactive Natural Compounds with Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Activity and Their Potential Role in the Treatment of Thrombotic Disorders. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 11(10), 1095. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11101095 or ginger, fenugreek, and turmeric 4Abebe W. (2002). Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, 27(6), 391–401. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2002.00444.x these herbs can have anti-platelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding disorders.
Also, willow bark for dogs should not be given to those that are pregnant or lactating.
HOW TO GIVE WILLOW BARK TO DOGS
Willow bark for dogs can be administered in tincture form or in dry herb form and usually takes anywhere from 1-4 weeks to see the benefits.
Sometimes worsening of symptoms is temporarily observed but then is followed by improvements most notably decreases in discomfort.
Amazon.com: HawaiiPharm White Willow Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract, Organic White Willow (Salix Alba) Dried Bark Glycerite Natural Herbal Supplement, USA 2 fl.oz : Health & Household
is organic so it is a little pricier than others but it is not made with alcohol.
If you prefer giving your dog powder form and mixing it with his food, then Starwest Botanicals is a great option and one of my favorite herbal suppliers
Amazon.com : Starwest Botanicals Organic White Willow Bark Powder, 4 Ounces : Health & Household
If you are still looking for herbs for support in relieving inflammation then check out our other article on this herb for dogs;
