7 Natural Winter Support Remedies for Dogs

By Sarah Griffiths, DCH

It’s been particularly cold this week where we live in BC. Since I have a senior dog, I thought I’d take the time to share my favorite winter support tools for her. Winter can pose unique challenges for our canine companions, from joint stiffness to a weakened immune system to environmental toxins such as road salt. Incorporating herbs and natural remedies into your dog’s seasonal routine can support them in major ways. Check out my top seven powerhouse holistic winter support solutions below, including scientific research about their benefits.

For all herbs, you can use either tincture or powder with the exception of marshmallow root – I’d recommend a powder for that one for the gastrointestinal benefits.

1. Ashwagandha (Withanea somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A study found that dogs supplemented with KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract experienced a 44% reduction in pain severity, likely due to its modulation of cytokines involved in inflammation. This makes it beneficial for managing arthritis-related discomfort exacerbated by cold weather. It also found that it can reduce cortisol (stress hormone), support liver and kidney function and reduce cellular oxidative stress. (1)

Tincture per 10 lbs of dog: Start with 2 drops per day and you can work up to 4 drops if indicated (observe your pet) for 6-8 weeks.

Powder: 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of bodyweight

2. Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Devil’s claw is a well-known herb for arthritic conditions, especially pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in senior dogs. In winter, our senior dogs can feel the cold more and be more stiff and sore because of it. Devil’s claw has been shown in research to be complimentary to conventional arthritis treatments. (2)

Tincture per 10 lbs of dog: Start with 2 drops per day and you can work up to 4 drops if indicated (observe your pet) for 6-8 weeks.

Powder: 1/8 tsp per 10 lbs of bodyweight

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit inflammatory pathways, reducing joint pain and improving mobility in dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Incorporating turmeric into your dog’s diet is another way to help manage winter-related joint stiffness. Note: It has a warming effect so it may not be the right match for dogs that are internally hot. (3)

Tincture per 10 lbs of dog: Start with 2 drops per day and you can work up to 4 drops if indicated (observe your pet) for 6-8 weeks.

Fresh: 1 tsp grated turmeric per 10 lbs of bodyweight

Powder: 1/8-1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of bodyweight – additionally you can make a golden paste with coconut oil and black pepper. Check out a great video recipe from Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib here.

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is known for its anti-nausea and warming properties. It can aid in digestion and help prevent nausea in dogs, especially during car rides or if they are prone to motion sickness. Additionally, its warming effect can be beneficial during the colder months. (4)

Fresh: 1 tsp grated ginger per 10 lbs of bodyweight

Powder: 1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of bodyweight

5. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Milk thistle is renowned for its liver-supporting properties. It can help detoxify the liver and support its function, which is crucial during winter when dogs may be less active and more prone to weight gain. Supporting liver health ensures better overall well-being. It is also proven to help control digestive parasites in both pets and farm animals. (5)

Tincture per 10 lbs of dog: Start with 2 drops per day and you can work up to 4 drops if indicated (observe your pet) for 6-8 weeks.

Powder: 20mg per 10 lbs of bodyweight

6. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

Marshmallow root is beneficial for digestive health. It can soothe and rebuild the digestive tract and is helpful in managing gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea or constipation, which can occur due to dietary and environmental changes during the winter season. It contains mucilage fibre which is a valuable pre-biotic fibre. (6)

Powder: 100mg per 10 lbs of bodyweight

7. Paw Salve – Protect Your Dog from Road Salt

Using a paw salve or wax on your dog’s feet during the winter months is essential if you walk any surface scattered with road salt. Conventional road salt is toxic to dogs and can cause skin irritation and digestive illness. Creating a barrier between the salt and your dog’s feet can prevent exposure to road salt chemicals. If you live in Canada, our sister company has created a paw wax specifically for this us which you can find here.

Integrating these natural tools into your dog’s winter care routine can support their health and comfort during the colder months. If you’re not sure which herbs to start with, be sure to consult with an animal health professional before applying them to your dog’s care routine.

References:

1. Bharani KK, Devarasetti AK, Carey L, Khurana A, Kollipaka R, Hanuman DDV, Chetla VS, Banothu AK. Effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract on aging-related changes in healthy geriatric dogs: A randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Vet Med Sci. 2024 Sep;10(5):e1556

2. Sanders M, Grundmann O. The use of glucosamine, devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), and acupuncture as complementary and alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Sep;16(3):228-38. PMID: 21951024.

3. Innes JF, Fuller CJ, Grover ER, Kelly AL, Burn JF. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study of P54FP for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. Vet Rec. 2003 Apr 12;152(15):457-60. doi: 10.1136/vr.152.15.457. PMID: 12723628.

4. Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Nov 5;7(1):96-108. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.807. PMID: 30680163; PMCID: PMC6341159.

5. Tedesco DEA, Guerrini A. Use of Milk Thistle in Farm and Companion Animals: A Review. Planta Med. 2023 May;89(6):584-607. doi: 10.1055/a-1969-2440. Epub 2022 Oct 27. PMID: 36302565.

6. Deters A, Zippel J, Hellenbrand N, Pappai D, Possemeyer C, Hensel A. Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from Marshmallow roots (Althea officinalis L.): cellular internalisation and stimulation of cell physiology of human epithelial cells in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jan 8;127(1):62-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.050. Epub 2009 Sep 30. PMID: 19799989.