Sage for Dogs

Main Constituents

• The strongest active constituents of this herb are within its essential oil, which contains cineole, borneol, and thujone.
• The leaf contains various acids, such as tannic acid, oleic acid, caffeic acid, niacin, and estrogenic substances.

Medicinal Activities

• astringent
• antiseptic
• antispasmodic

Common Uses in Dogs

For ulcerations or infections of the skin, mouth, or digestive tract, a tea or tincture is helpful due to its antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. The tea can also be used to treat or prevent gingivitis.

To make the tea, put 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves in a cup of near boiling water. Stir and let it cool down. Strain out the leaves and feed the tea to your dog 2 or 3 times a day (one fluid ounce per 20 pounds of dog's weight). The strained leaves can also be used topically as a poultice for treatment of infection or ulcer.

The tea can also be used as a rinse to treat bacterial or fungal infections of the skin, including ringworm. Just soak your dog with the cooled tea once or twice a day.

Precautions

The undiluted essential oil of sage can cause skin irritation. More importantly, it should not be used internally, nor should it be used in pregnant or nursing animals.

Availability

Available in various forms (e.g. tea, tincture, fresh or dried herb) in health food stores and herb retailers. References

J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing (Rodale Books, 2000).
R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).