Herbal Therapy for Dogs & Cats in Fort Lauderdale
Natural plant-based remedies and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine herbs to support healing, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and maintain optimal health.
BOOK NOWHerbal therapy — also called botanical medicine or phytotherapy — is the use of plants and plant-derived substances to prevent, treat, and manage disease in animals. It is one of the oldest forms of medicine on earth, used across virtually every human culture for thousands of years, and the very foundation from which much of modern pharmacology was derived.
In veterinary herbal medicine, carefully selected plants are used in whole or concentrated form to support your pet's organs, immune system, nervous system, digestion, skin, joints, and more. Unlike isolated pharmaceutical compounds, whole plant medicines contain hundreds of synergistic compounds that work together — often more safely and gently than synthetic drugs.
Conditions we address with herbal therapy
Herbal medicine can play a meaningful therapeutic role across a wide spectrum of pet health conditions — from everyday wellness support to complex chronic disease management.
Skin & Allergies
Environmental allergies
Food sensitivities
Hot spots & itching
Seborrhea & dandruff
Organs & Systems
Liver disease & toxin support
Kidney disease
Heart & circulation
Thyroid imbalance
Joints & Mobility
Arthritis & stiffness
Post-surgical recovery
Hip dysplasia support
Disc disease support
Mind & Behavior
Anxiety & stress
Thunderstorm & noise phobia
Cognitive dysfunction
Adrenal & stress disorders
Digestion & Gut
IBD & colitis
Nausea & vomiting
Constipation & diarrhea
Leaky gut & dysbiosis
Immune & Cancer
Chronic infections
Autoimmune disease
Cancer support & palliation
Post-chemo recovery
Common Powerful Herbs We Use…
Our herbal prescribing draws from Western and Chinese botanical traditions. Here are some of the most commonly used and evidence-supported herbs in our veterinary herbal practice.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY & PAIN RELIEF
BOSWELLIA FRANKINCENSE
Boswellia serrata
One of the most well-researched natural anti-inflammatories for pets. Inhibits inflammatory pathways without GI or kidney side effects of NSAIDs. Excellent for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats.
GOLDEN SPICE
Turmeric / Curcumin
Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Supports joint health, digestive function, liver health, and may have anti-cancer properties. Must be properly formulated for bioavailability in pets — we prescribe the right form and dose.
DEVIL'S CLAW
Harpagophytum procumbens
Traditional African herb with powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Particularly effective for musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery in dogs. Not recommended in cats.
WILLOW BARK
Salix alba
Nature's original aspirin. Contains salicylates that reduce pain and inflammation naturally. Used carefully in dogs for musculoskeletal conditions — always dosed precisely and not used in cats.
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
ECHINACEA
Echinacea purpurea
One of the most popular immune-stimulating herbs for pets. Supports immune response during infection, respiratory illness, and recovery from illness. Used in short courses rather than continuously for best effect.
ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus membranaceus
A revered adaptogenic herb from Chinese medicine. Supports deep immune function, adrenal health, and overall vitality. Excellent for immunocompromised pets, cancer support, and chronic illness.
MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake
Powerful immunomodulating fungi with significant research support in veterinary oncology. Turkey Tail in particular has shown remarkable results in extending survival in dogs with certain cancers. Also support gut health and energy.
Important: Herbal safety is different for cats vs. dogs
This is one of the most critical aspects of veterinary herbal medicine — and a major reason why professional guidance matters. Cats are not small dogs. They lack certain liver enzymes that metabolize many plant compounds, making them far more sensitive to herbal toxicity than dogs.
Common herbs that are safe and beneficial for dogs can be toxic or even fatal for cats — including tea tree oil, pennyroyal, certain essential oils, and high doses of several medicinal herbs. Even "natural" or "herbal" products from pet stores may not be safe for cats.
This is exactly why you should never give your cat herbal remedies without guidance from a qualified holistic veterinarian. At Healing Paws Center, all of our herbal protocols are species-specific, carefully dosed, and safe for your individual pet.
Herbal therapy for pets – FAQ
Ready to Explore Herbal Therapy for Your Pet?
Schedule a consultation to discover how herbal medicine can support your pet's health naturally and effectively.