Planting An Herb Garden
As soon as spring rolls around, are your hands itching to get into the soil. And what better way to welcome the season than by growing an herb garden — not just for your kitchen, but for your dog’s wellness too?
Yep, a few planters on the porch or a raised bed in the yard can double as a healing space for your pup. A well-curated herb garden offers nutritional support, natural remedies, and even behavioral benefits — all right outside your back door.
Let’s dig into some dog-safe herbs you can grow at home and how they might support your dog’s overall wellness.
Why Grow a Dog-Safe Herb Garden?
A dog-friendly herb garden:
Supports your dog’s body systems naturally
Helps reduce the risk of inflammation, tummy troubles, anxiety, and more
Offers fresh herbs to sprinkle into food, infuse in oils, or dry for later use
Gives you control over how your herbs are grown (no pesticides or weird stuff)
Can even help repel unwanted pests naturally
It’s also a great opportunity to involve your dog in nature-based enrichment... sniffing, grazing, or just basking in the aromas of calming herbs like chamomile.
Safe Herbs to Plant in Your Dog’s Garden
Here's a list of safe, dog-friendly herbs to consider — ones I use regularly for canine wellness support:
Chamomile – Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Great for occasional anxiety, itchy skin, or upset tummies. Grow in full sun; it’s hardy and gentle.
Calendula – A beautiful addition to your garden and a skin-soothing powerhouse. Fresh petals can be dried and infused into oils or salves for minor cuts or hot spots.
Parsley (Flat-leaf preferred) – Freshens breath, supports kidney health, and is rich in antioxidants. Grow in partial sun and use in moderation.
Basil – Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, with potential calming benefits. A great fresh topper for meals. Also easy to grow in containers.
Lemon Balm – A calming herb that may support the nervous system. Also known to repel bugs. Thrives in part shade with moist soil.
Thyme – Antimicrobial and supports respiratory health. Use sparingly, especially with toy breeds. Easy to dry for year-round use.
Rosemary – Supports digestion and circulation. Be mindful with dogs prone to seizures, but in small food-safe amounts it’s a fragrant, healthy add-in.
Dandelion – Yes, that backyard “weed”! The leaves support liver and kidney function, and the roots can be dried and used as a detoxifier. Just ensure they’re pesticide-free.
Oregano – Antibacterial and antifungal, especially when dried. Not suitable as an essential oil for dogs but safe in culinary form in small amounts.
Tips for a Safe Dog-Friendly Garden Space
Avoid toxic plants: Steer clear of things like chives, garlic, onions, and some ornamentals (like foxglove or lilies) that are dangerous for dogs.
Use organic soil and compost: Skip chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Create dog-friendly access: Let them sniff, graze (with supervision), or enjoy a shady corner to nap nearby.
Start small: Even a few pots on the patio can offer big benefits.
Top 5 Things to Do This Spring
Choose 3–5 herbs from the list above and plant them in containers or a raised bed
Make sure your dog can access safe herbs like parsley or lemon balm for supervised grazing
Dry excess herbs for use in teas, infusions, or sprinkle on food later
Use calendula or chamomile flowers to make a gentle skin rinse for itchy paws
Add fresh herbs to bone broth or cooked meals to boost nutrition naturally
Dana’s Thoughts
A dog-friendly herb garden is easy to start and can be a powerful part of your natural wellness toolkit.
Now someone share with me as I do not have a green thumb!
Statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the FDA. Educational content only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.