Hawthorn for Dogs: Our Vet Explains the Benefits, Risks & FAQ
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View 5 More +If you’re on this page, the chances are that you’ve recently heard of hawthorn and how it might be able to benefit our pets. Simply put, hawthorn is a supplement that has been utilized for a variety of health benefits in both people and dogs. Hawthorn has been used to improve digestion, lower blood cholesterol, and improve blood circulation in humans. So, should you give some of this to your pets? Will it be beneficial to them? Keep reading as we discuss what hawthorn is, how it could benefit your dog, the potential side effects, and more.
What Is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn is a type of Crataegus plant that belongs to the rose family. Hawthorn is a thorny shrub that often blooms with white or pink flowers. The leaves, flowers, and berries have been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine.
The beneficial ingredient in Hawthorn is a flavonoid. A flavonoid is a plant chemical that is responsible for the bright coloration of many fruits and vegetables. Instead of being digested, flavonoids are utilized by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and result in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It is important to note that there are different types of flavonoids, and each flavonoid can offer different benefits.
Although used for a variety of benefits in humans, hawthorn is generally administered to dogs with cardiac problems. As mentioned in an article by the VCA,1 little research has been done looking at the specific benefits of hawthorn in dogs. However, human studies have shown that hawthorn can benefit blood pressure and improve exercise tolerance and digestive concerns.
How Is Hawthorn Given?
Hawthorn is given orally and is available as a pill, capsule, or liquid. Additionally, the plant leaves and berries can be dried as well.
Hawthorn can be given with or without food. However, if hawthorn causes gastrointestinal upset when given on an empty stomach, it should be administered with food. Be sure to check the individual product packaging for instructions on how best to store hawthorn.
What Happens if You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of hawthorn, you can give it when it is remembered and then continue with the normal dosing schedule. However, if it is close to the next time it is due, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses.
Potential Side Effects of Hawthorn
The use of hawthorn supplementation in dogs is not well researched at this time, and as a result, possible adverse effects and contraindications are not well established.
Safe use in dogs with concurrent conditions like kidney and liver disease has not been established. This is also the case for pregnant and nursing animals. The VCA also notes that hawthorn use should be avoided in animals with low blood pressure and low heart rates.
Drug Interactions
Hawthorn administration should be used cautiously in dogs receiving:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Written Prescription Required for Hawthorn?
Although hawthorn is available without a prescription, it should not be administered without first consulting with your pet’s veterinarian.
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Can Hawthorn Be Used in All Heart Conditions?
No, some heart conditions may not benefit from the use of hawthorn.
Is Hawthorn Expensive?
Hawthorn is relatively inexpensive. Some brands will be more expensive than others. We suggest speaking with your vet to get their approval as well as their suggestions on which brand to use, assuming that they confirm that it is beneficial to your dog.
Conclusion
Hawthorn supplements are derived from the hawthorn plant, which belongs to the rose family. Hawthorn has been more widely used in human medicine; however, its use is being explored in veterinary patients. Although hawthorn is readily available, it should only be administered to patients under the advice of their veterinarian. In the event of an adverse reaction to hawthorn, medical care should be pursued.
Featured Image Credit: KajaHiis, Shutterstock
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Dr. Marti Dudley DVM (Veterinarian)
Dr. Marti Dudley is a small animal veterinarian with a strong interest in preventative medicine and pet parent education. She enjoys being a resource for pet owners as she believes that having a team approach leads to the best possible care of pets. Dr. Dudley enjoys writing and has been able to use this skill as another avenue to educate pet owners outside of the traditional office setting.
Dr. Dudley has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2014. She has an interest in preventative care and emphasizes the importance of pet owner education. Dr. Dudley’s experience in veterinary medicine is broad, as she has worked as a general practitioner, which has allowed her to see and treat many different types of conditions.
Dr. Dudley received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Longwood University in Virginia. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ross University.
