5 Safe Herbs and Spices for Shih Tzu This Winter 2025
Winter can be a challenging season for your Shih Tzu.
Cold weather, shorter days, and seasonal health issues mean your dog may need extra care.
I’ve found that some herbs can support their health during this season..
In this article, I share 5 safe herbs and spices for Shih Tzu that I like to rotate in Billy’s diet:
- Ginger
- Parsley
- Coriander (Cilantro)
- Chamomile
- Garlic
which can help your Shih Tzu with digestion, and immunity, and alleviate gut issues like diarrhea and vomiting.
5 Herbs and Spices Safe for Your Shih Tzu This Winter
1. Ginger
I’ve always considered ginger a must-have herb during winter.
It’s a natural warming herb with multiple benefits, making it one of my favorites.
It can stimulate circulation and increase body warmth, making it ideal for keeping your Shih Tzu cozy during the chilly winter months.
Key Benefits for Dogs1:
Aids Digestion: From my experience, ginger soothes upset stomachs, reduces bloating, and alleviates vomiting.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: It reduces inflammation in the digestive tract and joints.
- Rich in Selenium: Selenium, found in ginger, supports immune function, which I’ve found essential during the colder months.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a vital mineral that is essential to your dog’s health. It is a powerful antioxidant.
Selenium is converted in the body into an enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which supports immune function and reduces inflammation. This mineral is even used to help fight cancer and is often included in cancer prevention or treatment plans for dogs under veterinary supervision2.
Other Food Sources of Selenium3:
- Grass-fed beef
- Eggs
- Sardines
- Sunflower Seeds (Unsalted and grind before feeding)
- Mushrooms (Always cook them before feeding)
How I Use Ginger: I usually grate fresh ginger and add a pinch (no more than ¼ teaspoon for small dogs like Shih Tzus) to my dog’s food.
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
2. Parsley
I found parsley isn’t just a garnish!
It’s one of the many herbs I frequently use to improve my dog’s health, especially during winter.4
One of the holistic vets I learned from, Dr. Peter Dobias, also finds parsley a great addition to a dog’s diet.
I want to take a moment to highlight an especially potent herb that can be very beneficial to your dog’s health and that is parsley…It has several times more vitamin C than citrus…
Dobias, P. (n.d.). Parsley for dogs: Benefits & more5.
Key Benefits for Dogs6:
Boosts Immunity: Parsley is rich in antioxidants that support immune function.
Rich in vitamin A, C, and K: as well as iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy blood cells, bone health, and energy levels during the colder months.
- Supports Detoxification: Parsley aids the liver and kidneys in flushing out toxins, keeping your dog’s system clean.
Fights Infections: Parsley’s natural antimicrobial properties help prevent bacterial infections, which are more common in winter due to damp or cold conditions.
- Refresh Bad Breath: Fresh parsley has been a lifesaver for many dogs’ bad breath.
How I Use Parsley: I chop fresh parsley and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoons onto my dog’s food. Avoid giving it to pregnant dogs, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
3. Coriander (Cilantro)
I’ve found coriander, or cilantro, to be a versatile and safe herb with many benefits for Shih Tzus.7
Key Benefits for Dogs:
Prevents Infections: Cilantro has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that protect your dog from harmful microbes.
Promotes Healthy Digestion: Its natural carminative properties help relieve discomfort caused by excess gas or indigestion.
Detoxifies the Body: Cilantro is known for its ability to bind to heavy metals and assist in their removal from the body.
How I Use Cilantro: I usually add up to 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro to my dog’s meals.
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
4. Chamomile
Billy and I are absolutely a fan of Chamomile!
It is one of my go-to herbs for calming and soothing my dogs, especially during intense days like fireworks days or thunderstorms.
One of my favorite natural dog care brands, Adored Beast Apothecary, also recommend chamomile for dogs…
Chamomile has long been a celebrated herb for healing. In fact, it is actually one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind!
The Adored Beast Team. (2023, August 25). The benefits of chamomile for dogs. Adored Beast8
Key Benefits for Dogs:
Calms Anxiety: Chamomile’s mild sedative properties have helped reduce stress in my dogs during noisy events like thunderstorms.
Supports Digestion: It soothes the gut. For dogs that are prone to digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea, chamomile is one of the best choices.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: I’ve been using chamomile to soothe any irritated skin and inflammation in the digestive tracts that Billy
experienced. So far, it has only been a positive experience.
How to Give Your Dog Chamomile: I brew a cup of chamomile tea (1/2 tsp or 2g of chamomile: 240ml hot water), let it cool, and add 1-2 tablespoons to Billy’s water bowl or food.
There are many other ways you can use chamomile for your Shih Tzu. Here are what I tried:
3 Ways to Give Chamomile to Shih Tzu
5. Garlic
Garlic has been controversial, but in my experience, when used correctly, it offers several benefits for dogs.
But before we start, I want to clear the air…
Dr. Judy Morgan, a highly respected holistic vet in the natural pet care industry, is an advocate for using garlic as part of a dog’s diet…
A lot of people claim dogs will die when fed garlic, but that simply isn’t true. Fresh crushed garlic can also be added to your dog’s diet for flea protection. Anywhere from 1/2 clove to 2 cloves daily would be considered safe, depending on size of the dog.
Morgan, J. (n.d.). Flea and tick prevention revisited9.
Why Garlic is Not Toxic to Dogs10:
Garlic has been mistakenly labeled as universally toxic for dogs due to its relationship to onions, which can cause toxicity in large amounts.
Over two decades ago, a study from Japan11 gave adult dogs a very high amount of garlic extract—1.25 ml per kg of body weight daily for 7 days.
That’s like feeding 25 large garlic cloves to a 50-pound dog every day for a week!
The result?
The dogs experienced diarrhea due to the excessive amount, but there still was no development of anemia.
Despite this, the myth that “garlic is toxic to dogs” became widespread and stuck in pet owners’ minds.
The Truth About Garlic and Dogs:
Garlic contains allicin, a compound that’s antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal—essentially a natural antibiotic! When used correctly, garlic can be beneficial for your dog’s health12.
Studies have shown that the appropriate dosage of fresh garlic can provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and immune-boosting properties without causing harm.
Key Benefits of Garlic for Dogs:
Boosts Immunity: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Repels Parasites: It can naturally deter fleas and ticks.
Stimulates the lymphatic system13: Garlic helps support the lymphatic system by promoting detoxification and enhancing the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste and toxins.
How I Use Garlic Safely: Only use fresh garlic in very small amounts. For a Shih Tzu, a safe dose is ¼ clove. Mince and let it sit for 15 minutes before mixing into food. Avoid powdered garlic, as it can be harmful.
Tips for Using Herbs Safely
Moderation is Key: Use small amounts, such as a pinch or teaspoon, to avoid digestive upset.
Introduce Slowly: Start with one herb at a time to monitor your dog’s reaction.
Consult a Veterinarian: Always check with your vet, especially if your dog has kidney issues, seizures, or other health concerns.
If you are interested in learning more about how herbs can help your shih tzu, you can…
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the healthiest herbs for dogs?
Some of the healthiest herbs for dogs include ginger, parsley, coriander, chamomile, garlic, rosemary, and oregano. These herbs can support digestion, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and even help with anxiety.
Is garlic good for Shih Tzu?
Yes, garlic can be good for Shih Tzus when used correctly and in moderation. It boosts immunity and helps repel parasites like fleas and ticks. Fresh garlic is best, and the safe dosage for a Shih Tzu is ¼ clove minced and added to their food. Let the garlic sit for 10-15 minutes after chopping to activate its beneficial compounds. Avoid powdered garlic.
What should I do if my dog has allergic reactions to an herb?
Most of the time, it’s rare. But if it happens, stop giving the herb immediately and monitor your dog for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, dried herbs can be used, but they are more concentrated. Use smaller amounts and ensure they are free of additives or preservatives. However, avoid garlic powder.
Can I add herbs to store-bought dog food?
Yes, adding fresh herbs to your dog’s meals can enhance their diet, even if you use commercial dog food.
Is Ginger OK for Shih Tzu?
Yes, ginger is safe and beneficial for Shih Tzus when used in moderation. It helps with digestion, reduces bloating, and alleviates vomiting. For Shih Tzus, add no more than ¼ teaspoon of grated cooked ginger to their food.
