Chamomile for Shih Tzu: 4 Ways This Herb Can Help Dogs in 2025 (Podcast)

I am a big believer in herbal power, especially when it comes to using chamomile for Shih Tzu health. Humans have been using herbs for health for at least thousands of years. Whether it’s the Eastern practices or the West, there is a long history of using herbs to heal the bodies. 

Wild animals also know how to self-medicate when they are sick¹. Animals have an innate sense of herbal healing. It might sound surprising, but just observe how your cat instinctively reaches for cat grass to soothe an upset stomach. It’s nature’s way of self-medication.

So, now that I become a dog mom, I always prefer to use herbs before going the conventional route. And one herb I use the most is Chamomile. This little daisy has big healing power!

Therefore, I decided to let you in on my little secret – how I help my Shih Tzu with chamomile in many ways. 

Long story short: 

• Chamomile is safe for dogs. 
• Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. 
• There are many ways to use chamomile, including tea, salve, rinse, tincture, and essential oil.
• It is important to choose natural and safe chamomile products for your dog. 

Is Chamomile for Shih Tzu Safe?

Chamomile is very gentle and generally is very safe for dogs. It is among the oldest medicinal herbs being used.

Unless your dog happens to have a rare allergy to the Asteraceae family plants, which are daisy-looking flowers, you don’t need to worry much about using it on dogs. 

But of course, don’t overdose. Too much of a good thing can tip the scales in the wrong direction.

The effects of chamomile on Dogs 

Chamomile’s most significant effects on humans and dogs are the mild sedative and calming effects, both emotionally and physically. Other than these, chamomile is also anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-spasmodic². 

There are 4 ways chamomile can help dogs.

But before we jump into all that, remember: these herbal remedies are for mild issues. If your dog’s not feeling better or if things seem more serious, please seek advice from the vet.

4 Ways Chamomile Can Help Dogs & How to Use It 

1. Calm Anxious Dog

Being a small breed, many Shih Tzu tend to easily become anxious. For example, my Shih Tzu, Billy, has sound anxiety. He can become anxious when there are scary sounds around, especially thunderstorms or fireworks. That’s when I turn to chamomile (or CBD) to help ease his worries.

I love to brew a cup of chamomile tea for him as this is the easiest and simplest way to prepare it. 

Here’s how you do it: Brew one chamomile tea bag with 1 cup of hot water. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Make sure it’s cool down before offering it to your dog.

You can either give your dog 2 teaspoons (for small breeds) directly or add it to their water bowl. And don’t sweat it if you’re worried about overdosing with just one teabag. Unless you let your dog swallow more than 30g of dried chamomile, otherwise, you can hardly overdose. 

2. Soothe gastrointestinal issues  

Gut problems are super common among Shih Tzu, but luckily, chamomile is here to save the day!  It’s great for calming down any mild inflammation in the gut that might be causing issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or acid reflux.

From personal experience, Billy had a rough time with acid reflux when he was in his baby dog’s life. Whenever those symptoms flared up, I’d use chamomile tea. And let me tell you, it did help soothe his discomfort!

Just follow the same steps as above: Brew one chamomile tea bag with 1 cup of hot water. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

I like to offer it between meals to help with their tummy troubles. Next time when your dog is feeling a bit under the weather, let’s try chamomile. 

3. Mild Eye Issues 

With their big, round eyes, Shih Tzus can be prone to problems like inflammation or irritation. One of my favorite home remedies for this is chamomile eye wipes.

Billy used to struggle with dry eyes. Every rainy, windy day, his eyes would be at the edge of getting inflamed. They would be slightly red, and he would rub them from time to time. Ever since I figured this remedy is useful, things have been so much better for him. And we did not need to visit the eye specialist again for this issue. 

I call this a Dog Eye Mask. I like to think of it as a little spa treatment for their eyes. A bit of pampering to keep them feeling fresh and clean.

I like to soak a cotton pad with warm chamomile tea and gently wipe Billy’s eyes every night before he sleeps. This can keep his eyes clean. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can help prevent eye irritation or mild inflammation. 

4. Relieve Itchy Skin

Skin problems can be a headache for many Shih Tzu owners. I feel the pain when you see your dog scratching every few seconds, and you don’t know how to help. Not to mention that every season change can be a trigger too! 

Here’s where chamomile for Shih Tzu comes to the rescue. The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can soothe irritated skin and speed up wound healing.

Occasionally, Billy can have irritated paws from grass. I remember the first time I found out, we rushed to the vet. She prescribed a lotion with antibiotics in it. Unless it’s absolutely needed, otherwise, I try to avoid antibiotics as much as possible. That’s when I decided to try chamomile and boy, am I glad I did! It’s been my go-to remedy ever since.

So, if your dog has an environmental allergy between seasons, one easy way to help is making a Chamomile rinse. 

Recipe for Chamomile rinse: Mix some strong-infused chamomile tea with equal amount of warm water. Pour it onto your dog’s skin after a shower. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t rinse it off. You can pet dry your dog afterward. 

Alternatives to tea: Other Ways to Use Chamomile

So, we’ve introduced 3 ways to use chamomile as tea. But are there more ways to use Chamomile for our dogs? 

Of course! I have found 3 more ways to use this powerful herb. 

Chamomile Salve 

A salve is one of the very common ways to apply herbs topically. It’s like a balm for the skin.

When your dog has wounds or irritated, dry skin, chamomile salve can be a good way to help.

You can of course DIY at home (It’s easier than you think!). Or, you can always find some ready-made chamomile salve at your local pet shop (those that carry natural pet care products).   

Chamomile Tincture 

Tincture is another long-history method of using herbs. It is a concentrated herbal extract that’s made by soaking the herbs in alcohol or vinegar³. During this process, the alcohol or vinegar pulls out active ingredients from the herbs, making a very concentrated liquid. 

Chamomile tincture has all the healing power we mentioned above, especially for calming stress and anxiety. 

Chamomile Essential Oil

Essential oil is the concentrated extract of the herbs distilled and captured in the oil⁴. It is the “essence” of the herb. They are usually used in aromatherapy or applied topically. This is a holistic way of using any herbs. 

Essential oils are super potent, you must dilute them properly before using them, whether for aromatherapy or topical use. And you don’t want to overdose. It can harm the kidney or skin. Always be careful and follow the directions on the product labels. 

Choosing the Right Chamomile Product for Your Shih Tzu

Now that you are going to choose a chamomile product for your Shih Tzu, you might come up with a question: Wait, there are two types of chamomile? So, which is better for my dog? 

German vs. Roman chamomile: Which is Better for Your Dog?

Yes, two common species of chamomiles are both widely used in similar ways: German and Roman chamomile⁵.

Some herbalists mentioned that German chamomile is better for targeting digestive and skin issues, while Roman chamomile is better used for calming nerves and reducing anxiety. 

Honestly, I think the differences are so tiny. What matters to me is whether the product is natural and safe. That’s the real question, isn’t it? 

The Importance of Natural and Safe Chamomile Products for Dogs

Plant products are now very tricky. Pesticides is a big problem that you might not notice.

Just think about it: when those herbs are grown, distilled, and processed into oils, alcohol, vinegar, or water, any pesticides they’ve been exposed to get extracted right along with the good stuff. 

Now, when you’re using those products on yourself or your dog, it does more harm than good.

That’s why I always seek organically grown herbs that are naturally processed, without any preservatives or synthetic chemicals added to the product.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are The Side Effects of Chamomile for Dogs?

The side effects of chamomile for dogs are generally rare, but some dogs may experience allergic reactions such as itching or swelling. It’s important to start small. 

Can Dogs Drink Chamomile Tea? 

Yes, dogs can drink chamomile tea! As long as the tea is plain herbal tea, it is safe for your dog to enjoy. 

How Much Chamomile for Dogs Is Safe?

As a rule of paw, one to two teaspoons for small breeds and one to two tablespoons for larger breeds. Unless you let your dog swallow more than 30g of dried chamomile, overdosing is not a concern. 

What Is Best for Itchy Dogs? 

Chamomile can be beneficial for itchy dogs with its anti-inflammatory properties. But the ultimate solution is to look at their diets. Skin issues are usually a reflection of poor gut health. 

What Other Teas Are Safe for Dogs? 

Some other teas that are safe include peppermint tea, ginger tea, and dandelion tea.