Weird But Effective: Odd Herbal Remedies for Dogs and Horses That Actually Work

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Can I give my dog chamomile tea?” at 2 a.m. while they stare at you with the zoomies, welcome to the club. Herbal remedies for animals have been around for centuries, but some of them sound downright bizarre. The good news? Some of these weird, earthy concoctions work—and no, you don’t have to dance under a full moon (unless you want to).

Let’s look at some of the strangest, yet surprisingly effective, herbal remedies for dogs and horses.

1. Marshmallow Root – Not Just for S’mores

Marshmallow root is a powerhouse for soothing digestive issues in both dogs and horses. It forms a gooey, protective layer in the gut (think of it as herbal Pepto-Bismol without the pink mustache).

✅ Great for: Acid reflux, ulcers, and irritated digestive tracts

❌ Not great for: Making actual marshmallows—trust me, it doesn’t taste like the campfire treat

How to Use It: Make a tea and add it to your pet’s water or food. Bonus: It also helps with dry coughs and skin irritation.

2. Catnip… For Dogs?

We all know catnip turns most cats into giggling maniacs, but did you know it has the opposite effect on dogs? Instead of causing a doggy rave, catnip has a calming effect on anxious or hyperactive pups.

✅ Great for: Nervous dogs, travel anxiety, and helping your dog actually sit still for a photo

❌ Not great for: Cats who don’t like sharing their stash

How to Use It: Sprinkle dried catnip on food or brew a weak tea. (Your dog may give you a confused look, but they’ll thank you later.)

3. Valerian Root – The Herbal Tranquilizer

If your horse or dog is the type that sees a leaf move and suddenly thinks the world is ending, valerian root might be your new best friend. It’s a strong but natural sedative known as nature's chill pill.

✅ Great for: Fireworks, thunderstorms, spooky plastic bags in the wind

❌ Not great for: Show horses or competition days (some associations ban it!)

How to Use It: Small amounts in food or as a tincture—but be warned, it smells like dirty socks, so that you might need a strong stomach.

4. Slippery Elm – Like a Hug for the Gut

Slippery elm is a lifesaver for dogs and horses with tummy troubles. It coats and soothes the digestive tract, making it great for diarrhea, ulcers, and general stomach upset.

✅ Great for: Sensitive stomachs, irritated bowels, and that horse who eats everything they shouldn’t

❌ Not great for: Anyone expecting a nice texture—this stuff turns into a weird slime when mixed with water

How to Use It: Mix with water into a paste and add to food.

5. Chamomile – More Than Just Grandma’s Tea

Chamomile isn’t just for humans who can’t sleep—it’s also great for soothing cranky dogs and nervous horses. It has mild sedative properties and helps with digestion, skin irritations, and even eye infections.

✅ Great for: Calming nerves, soothing itchy skin, and making your horse feel like they’re at a spa

❌ Not great for: Animals allergic to ragweed (chamomile is in the same family)

How to Use It: Brew as a tea for drinking or use it as a skin rinse. Soak a chamomile tea bag in warm water for eye infections and gently wipe the affected area.

Weird, But Wonderful

Sometimes the strangest remedies are the most effective. Nature has some pretty wild solutions if you’re dealing with a nervous, itchy, or gassy animal. Of course, always check with your vet before adding anything new to your pet’s routine—because while we love a good herbal hack, we also love healthy, happy animals.

Have you tried any oddball herbal remedies on your pets? Let me know in the comments—I promise I won’t judge (unless you tell me you tried giving your dog kale).