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Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Thee Puppypreneur
CALENDULA FOR DOGS
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) or Pot Marigold is part of the Asteraceae family. This plant is related to;
- Wild Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
SIDE EFFECTS OF CALENDULA FOR DOGS
This family also consists of ragweed and wormwood so it is best to be cautious if your dog has any known allergens to these plants.
My fur kid is allergic to sunflower, milk thistle and dandelion which is also part of the Ateraceae family. I still use them, as the benefits outweigh the cost for me and her.
So again, it depends on how you are going to use the calendula for dogs and how much calendula you are going to use. if you are using this internally then there could be some mild gastrointestinal upset or if you are going to use this topically then this could cause a rash.
Avoid using calendula for dogs on those dogs that are pregnant or lactating.
BENEFITS OF CALENDULA FOR DOGS
CUTS AND ABRASIONS
Using calendula for dogs if they have a cut or abrasion has been proven scientifically to help speed up the healing process.
In a review consisting of 5 animal studies and 1 clinical trial, all
“showed faster resolution of the inflammation phase with increased production of granulation tissue in the test groups treated with extract.” 1Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M., Haik, J., & Harats, M. (2019). A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society, 27(5), 548–561. https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737
One brand I use is Herb Pharm®, which is an organic, extract, but made with cane alcohol
Or another option that I also love is this organic, pot marigold extract made with glycerin
I apply a couple drops directly over the cleansed, superficial wound or apply it to a cotton round and then wipe the area 3 times a day.
Another option that I like is a salve like this one
INFLAMMATION
Another one of the benefits of calendula for dogs is that it can be used for bug bites or bee stings. I make a tea infusion with the whole herb listed below and use 1-2 tsp per 8 oz.
I boil the water and then turn the burner off and add the flowers and let it sit for about 20 minutes before straining off the flowers. I use this in multiple different ways.
One way is as a spray for the bites or itchiness. I apply 3 times a day or as necessary and discontinue if no improvement is seen in a few days.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL
Calendula for dogs, also has antimicrobial effects against a variety of fungus and candida. Fungus like ringworm and yeast respond very well to treatment with calendula.
In one study Calendula,
“showed excellent antifungal activity against tested strains of fungi, while comparing with Fluconazole.” 2Efstratiou, E., Hussain, A. I., Nigam, P. S., Moore, J. E., Ayub, M. A., & Rao, J. R. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Calendula officinalis petal extracts against fungi, as well as Gram-negative and Gram-positive clinical pathogens. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 18(3), 173–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.02.003
ANTICANCER AND ANTITUMOR
Studies have shown that Calendula has cytotoxic activity depending on the various parts of the plant used, as well as their extraction methods and the type of cancer cells present.
“Calendula officinalis L (Asteraceae), the pot marigold, shows promising results regarding its potential use in cancer management.” 3Cruceriu, D., Balacescu, O., & Rakosy, E. (2018). Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care. Integrative cancer therapies, 17(4), 1068–1078. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735418803766
In human and mice tumor cells, inhibition was achieved up to 70% – 100% with Calendula extract 4Jiménez-Medina, E., Garcia-Lora, A., Paco, L., Algarra, I., Collado, A., & Garrido, F. (2006). A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation. BMC cancer, 6, 119. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-6-119
Whatever your reason for wanting to use the many benefits of calendula for dogs is, make sure that your talk to your veterinarian first before starting anything new in your furbabies life as there could be allergies or contraindications due to other medications or medical conditions or other herbs.
Check out our other article if you are interested in other natural solutions for wound healing..
