Calendula: The Golden Healer for Canine Wellness
This vibrant, sunshine-yellow herb has been a cornerstone of both human and animal medicine for millennia, and its enduring efficacy is well-substantiated. With its gentle yet potent therapeutic properties, calendula offers comprehensive support for dogs, promoting health from within and without.
Other Names: Calendula officinalis, Chinese safflower, fleur de calandule, gold-bloom, hen and chickens, holligold, körömvirag, marigold, mary-bud, souci, tousslat, xu xi, zubaydah (Boulos, 1983; Farnsworth, 1998; Bisset, 1994; Youngken, 1950).
Family: Asteraceae
Parts Used: Flowers
Distribution: Indigenous to Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe. Commercially cultivated in North America, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and Germany (Bisset, 1994; Leung, 1996). Widely used globally as an ornamental garden flower.
Selected Constituents: Major constituents include triterpene saponins (2%-10%) based on oleanolic acid (calendulosides) and flavonoids (3-O-glycosides of isorhamnetin and quercetin), such as astragalin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and rutin. Other notable constituents include essential oil, sesquiterpenes (e.g., caryophyllene), and triterpenes (e.g., \\alpha- and \\beta-amyrins, lupeol, and lupenone) (Farnsworth, 1998).
Calendula’s Clinical Applications
Antiseptic, Antifungal & Antimicrobial: Calendula actively supports wound healing and inhibits the proliferation of infectious agents.
Lymphatic & Anti-inflammatory: This herb helps to clear heat, reduce stagnation, and alleviate swelling, supporting healthy lymphatic function.
Vulnerary & Astringent: Calendula promotes robust skin health and accelerates tissue repair.
Cholagogue & Hepatic: It stimulates liver function and supports essential detoxification pathways within the body.
Spasmolytic: Calendula effectively calms muscle spasms and soothes the digestive tract.
Cooling, Neutral & Drying: Its energetic properties make it ideal for managing conditions characterized by heat, inflammation, or dampness.
Scientific and Traditional Validation
The therapeutic benefits of calendula are supported by both historical use and modern scientific inquiry:
Wound Healing: Studies in both human and animal subjects have demonstrated calendula's ability to accelerate skin regeneration (Rao, 1991; Duran, 2005).
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Research indicates its superior efficacy compared to trolamine in mitigating dermatitis induced by radiation therapy (Pommier, 2004).
Pain & Fever Reduction: In animal models, calendula has shown analgesic and antipyretic effects comparable to aspirin (Shahnaz, 2000).
Gastrointestinal Protection: It provides soothing relief for ulcers and inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract (Yoshikawa, 2001; Iatsyno, 1978).
Oral Health Support: Calendula is recognized for its effectiveness in managing gingivitis and promoting overall periodontal health (Krazhan, 2001).
Comprehensive Holistic Benefits
Beyond its targeted clinical actions, calendula offers a spectrum of holistic advantages for canine health:
Allergies & Gut Health: Calendula aids in the repair of the gut lining and supports immune regulation, which can significantly reduce food intolerances and modulate overactive immune responses.
Post-Antibiotic Recovery: As a bacteriostatic agent, calendula does not eradicate beneficial bacteria. Instead, it creates an internal environment less conducive to pathogen proliferation. Its antifungal properties also help prevent candida overgrowth, a common concern after antibiotic use. Consider combining calendula with Saccharomyces boulardii for enhanced post-antibiotic gut support.
Digestive Comfort: Its demulcent properties gently soothe inflamed gastrointestinal linings, help regulate microbial balance, and contribute to overall microbiome health.
Cardiovascular Support: Renowned traditional herbalist Juliette de Bairacli Levy praised calendula as a tonic for the heart and arteries, attributing these benefits to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Kidney & Detoxification Support: Calendula's inherent "downward, draining" action supports the kidneys and intestines in efficiently flushing metabolic waste. This is particularly beneficial for dogs experiencing sluggish elimination or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Lipoma Management: By promoting lymphatic flow and addressing internal stagnation, calendula may contribute to the reduction of fatty tumors (lipomas) in some dogs.
Liver Health: Calendula stimulates the portal vein and enhances detoxification processes, assisting in the regulation of liver enzymes and the elimination of stagnation or heat within the liver.
Skin & Coat Vitality: This herb is an exceptional external healer, capable of reducing inflammation, inhibiting fungal growth, and promoting rapid tissue repair.
For external use, prepare a calendula rinse for hot spots, abscesses, mange, or fungal infections. For topical application, consider pairing calendula with St. John’s Wort in a salve for hot spots or irritated skin.
Understanding and Managing Canine Anal Gland Health
Canine anal glands, anatomically structured as sacs, are situated near the anal sphincter. They naturally express a lubricating, pungent fluid, often containing toxins, through small ducts when a dog defecates. This fluid helps soften stool. Issues arise when these glands fail to express naturally, leading to a backup of fluid. The narrowness of the anal ducts makes it difficult for solid or semi-solid substances to pass. If left unaddressed, the sacs can become inflamed, infected, and potentially abscessed.
A common misconception is that routine manual expression of a dog’s anal glands prevents fluid buildup. In actuality, this practice can diminish the anal sacs' natural tone and their intrinsic ability to empty, often leaving the sac at least half full. Proactive pet parents can monitor their dog's anal glands every few weeks for any signs of swelling or increased licking in the area.
A slight odor from the anal glands does not necessarily indicate a problem. Similarly, while dogs may occasionally "scoot" or drag their bottom across the floor, this often serves to stimulate movement in a stagnant gland and does not always necessitate immediate veterinary intervention for expression.
When anal glands are not expressing properly, they can swell and leak, causing irritation and inflammation. Severe inflammation can lead to the ducts remaining open, resulting in persistent leakage and straining during defecation.
Frequently, the root cause of anal gland issues lies not with the glands themselves, but with the consistency of the dog's stool. For instance, excessively thin stools or chronic diarrhea can predispose a dog to anal gland backup, potentially leading to impaction or blockage.
Common Contributors to Anal Gland Conditions:
Docked tails
Frequent manual expression
Fleas and tapeworms
Food sensitivities
Kibble-based diets (often lacking sufficient fiber and moisture)
Lack of exercise
Low-residue diets
Muscle and spine injuries
Obesity
Tumors
Anal gland impaction, while uncomfortable, is generally not life-threatening. Many cases can be managed effectively with home care, potentially avoiding the need for antibiotics or emergency veterinary visits. While some hands-on work may be required, calendula is an excellent herbal remedy for most anal gland concerns, with the exception of abscesses which require veterinary attention.
For general use, prepare a potent infusion of dried calendula flowers by steeping them in hot water for twenty minutes. Remove the flowers and wrap them in muslin to create a poultice. Soak the poultice in the warm infusion and apply it gently to the affected area. Reheat the infusion as needed to maintain warmth. If dried flowers are unavailable, a calendula tincture can be diluted one-to-one with warm water and applied. This simple approach can often help loosen a backed-up anal gland.
Preparation & Dosage for Dogs
Always consult a qualified veterinary herbalist or Registered practitioner before introducing new herbs — especially in cases of chronic illness, pregnancy, or medication use.
Topical Use (External)
Infusion (as a wash or compress):
1–2g of dried petals per 150mL boiling water. Allow to cool, then apply with a cloth or cotton pad.Ointment or Salve:
Calendula salves typically contain 2–5% extract (Willuhn, 1992). These can be used for cracked pads, hot spots, surgical wounds, or insect bites.Tincture (in 90% alcohol):
Can be applied undiluted to wounds or diluted 1:3 with sterile water for compresses (ESCOP, 1996).
Avoid using alcohol-based tinctures near sensitive areas or if your dog is likely to lick the site.
Internal Use (Infusion or Tincture)
Infusion (tea):
Use 5–30g dried herb per cup of boiled water.For dogs, administer ¼ to ½ cup per 10kg (20lb) body weight daily, divided into 2–3 doses.
Tincture (1:2 or 1:3 in 80–90% ethanol):
Dose: 0.5–2.0mL per 10kg (20lb) body weight daily, divided into 2–3 doses.
Always dilute in food, broth, or a herbal glycerite for easier administration and reduced alcohol exposure.Dried Herb (in food):
Dose: 25–400mg/kg body weight, ideally split into 2–3 daily servings (TID). Start on the lower end for sensitive or small dogs.
A Final Note on Quality
For maximum potency and safety, always choose organically grown Calendula. Look for whole, vibrant orange petals (not yellow or dull), and avoid powdered forms unless from a trusted supplier.
Calendula really is one of those must-have herbs for a holistic pet home — gentle enough for puppies, versatile across a range of conditions, and absolutely stunning in the garden.
Important Considerations and Potential Concerns
While calendula is widely regarded as one of the safest herbs, it's crucial to be aware of potential considerations:
Allergies: Avoid use if your dog has known allergies to other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisy or chamomile.
Deep Wounds with Pus: Do not apply calendula to deep, purulent wounds. Its powerful healing action can seal the wound opening, potentially trapping infection beneath the surface.
Intact Females: Exercise caution with unspayed females, as calendula has a reputation for stimulating menstruation. Some studies in rodents have also shown abortifacient (abortion-causing) activities, suggesting it should be avoided during early pregnancy.
Herb-Drug Interactions: No significant herb-drug interactions are currently known.
Safety Classification: Calendula is classified as AHPA Class 1, indicating a high safety profile with no reported toxicity from long-term use.
Calendula: An Essential in Every Holistic Canine Home
From comprehensive gastrointestinal support to meticulous wound care, and from promoting vibrant skin health to aiding lymphatic drainage, calendula stands out as a gentle, safe, and remarkably powerful herb when used appropriately.
References and Further Reading
Bisset, N. G. (Ed.). (1994). Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis. Medpharm Scientific Publishers.
Boulos, L. (1983). Medicinal Plants of North Africa. Reference Publications.
Duran, V., Thiemer, K., & Hussmann, M.
(2005). The effect of calendula officinalis on human skin after superficial burn injuries. Planta Medica, 71(12), 1132-1136.
Farnsworth, N. R. (Ed.). (1998). Natural Products as Medicinal Agents. Harwood Academic Publishers.
Iatsyno, S. I. (1978). Effect of Calendula officinalis on gastric ulceration. Farmakologiia i Toksikologiia, 41(3), 365-367.
Krazhan, S. N. (2001). Clinical efficacy of the use of a calendula preparation in periodontitis. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 80(6), 37-39.
Leung, A. Y. (1996). Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. John Wiley & Sons.
Pommier, P., Gomez, F., Sunyach, M. P., et al. (2004). Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(8), 1447-1453.
Rao, S. G., & Rajasekaran, C. (1991). Wound healing activity of Calendula officinalis in normal and diabetic mice. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 23(4), 273-276.
Shahnaz, S. (2000). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Calendula officinalis Linn. flowers. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 73(1-2), 331-337.
Yoshikawa, M., Morikawa, T., Yamaguchi, S., et al. (2001). Triterpene saponins and their constituents from the flowers of Calendula officinalis. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 49(11), 1403-1407.
Youngken, H. W. (1950). Textbook of Pharmacognosy. Blakiston.