Astragalus for Pets and Farm Animals
Astragalus is used as a natural alternative to treat animal health conditions.(3)
Research suggests that astragalus (by itself and with other herbs) or its main compounds may be able to help in the following ways:
- Antiviral effects against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which can cause wasting syndrome, respiratory disorders, and even reproduction problems in pigs.(243, 244)
- Boost immune function in farm animals.(3, 245, 246)
- Lower high blood pressure and help with recovery from a heart attack (cats and dogs).(3)
- Strengthen the protective effects of rabies vaccine (in dogs).(247)
- Increase vaccine effectiveness for Newcastle disease and avian infectious bronchitis virus in chickens.(248, 249)
- Improved weight, growth rate, and disease resistance in largemouth bass fish.(248)
- Increased weight gain and growth rate in farmed tilapia.(249)
- Osteosarcoma treatment (in dogs).(250)
It's important to only use Astragalus membranaceus, which is considered generally safe based on many tests. Other species of astragalus have been found to be toxic to animals—especially grazing animals.(3)
Veterinary Herbal Medicine
After examination, proper diagnosis, and elimination of dietary, owner, or physical exercise issues, veterinarians trained in herbal medicine prescribe tonics containing astragalus to treat a number of conditions.(3)
Herbal combinations used by integrative health veterinarians that use astragalus include:(3)
| Condition | Herbal Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Allergic Dermatitis |
|
| Chronic Pyoderma |
|
| Hypoadrenocorticism |
|
| Hyperadrenocorticism |
|
| Prevent diabetic complications |
|
| Perianal fistula |
|
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
|
| Hepatitis |
|
| Pneumonia |
|
| Chronic kidney disease |
|
| Immune support |
|
| High blood pressure |
|
Recommended Dosage for Small Animals
| Form | Amount per kg of body weight | Amount per 10 lb. of body weight (approx. conversion) |
# Times per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dried herb(3) | 50-400 mg(3) | 1/4-1 1/3 tsp(3) | 3(3) |
| Amount per 10 kg of body weight | Amount per 10 lb. of body weight (approx. conversion) |
||
| Tincture (prepared 1 part herb to 2 or 3 parts 35-45% alcohol)(3) | 1.0-2.0 mL(3) | 1/8-1/4 tsp(3) | 3(3) |
Be sure to divide total dosage amount (based on body weight) by the recommended number of times per day to get the individual dose per administration.(3)