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Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Pet Wellness
Dog owners today are looking beyond standard treatments to keep their pets healthy and happy. Acupuncture, massage, and Western herbal remedies have become familiar parts of the integrative care toolkit. But one powerful, ancient healing system remains largely untapped by Western pet owners: Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM).
The bridge between this ancient wisdom and modern pet wellness isn’t always easy to build, but for Dr. Simon Feeney, it's been his life's work. With over two decades of experience as a Classical Chinese Medicine practitioner, he's spent years applying these healing principles to people. But his passion didn't stop there.
The bridge between this ancient wisdom and modern pet wellness isn’t always easy to build, but for Dr. Simon Feeney, it's been his life's work. With over two decades of experience as a Classical Chinese Medicine practitioner, he's spent years applying these healing principles to people. But his passion didn't stop there.
He began mentoring veterinarians, teaching them how to use these same herbs to help dogs safely and effectively. It’s this unique blend of deep traditional knowledge and practical application in the world of animal health that makes him uniquely qualified to share the powerful story of CHM. From seeing stiff old border collies trot down hallways again to watching anxious pups find peace, Dr. Feeney has witnessed first-hand the profound changes these remedies can bring.
The Foundations of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese medicine is based on a few simple but powerful ideas.
A Tradition That Includes Animals
Chinese herbal medicine has not only been used for people. For well over two thousand years, traditional veterinary medicine has been part of the same system. Ancient texts describe herbal formulas for horses, oxen, and even working dogs, designed to keep them strong and resilient.
Many of those same herbs are still in use today. Eucommia bark (Du Zhong) continues to be used for joints and bones, while Ziziphus seed (Suan Zao Ren) remains a gentle way to calm the nervous system.
The Foundations of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese medicine is based on a few simple but powerful ideas.
- Qi (vital energy): the spark that keeps life going. If a dog’s Qi is weak, you might see low energy, poor appetite, or repeated illness. Astragalus root (Huang Qi) is one herb used to strengthen Qi. Modern research now shows that its polysaccharides can support immune function, giving a scientific frame to what practitioners have observed for centuries.
- Yin and Yang: the balance of opposites, such as hot andcold, rest and activity, dryness and moisture. When this balance slips, the body shows it. A dog with “excess heat” might be restless, pant at night, or have a dry, itchy coat. On the other side, a Yin-deficient dog may struggle to settle or sleep, always looking agitated.
- The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water): a way of seeing organ systems and their relationships. For example, the Earth element relates to digestion. When digestion is weak, you might notice loose stools or bloating, but you may also see knock-on effects like itchy skin or a dull coat.
The goal in CHM is not to chase symptoms but to ask: what is the underlying pattern behind what I see?
A Tradition That Includes Animals
Chinese herbal medicine has not only been used for people. For well over two thousand years, traditional veterinary medicine has been part of the same system. Ancient texts describe herbal formulas for horses, oxen, and even working dogs, designed to keep them strong and resilient.
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| Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) |
In China, veterinarians still learn CHM alongside modern veterinary science, and in recent decades more vets in the West have begun exploring its value for companion animals.
Chinese vs. Western Herbal Medicine
Western herbalism and CHM both draw on the healing power of plants, but they use them differently.
Western herbalism and CHM both draw on the healing power of plants, but they use them differently.
- The Western approach often looks at individual herbs and their known actions. For joint pain, a practitioner might reach for turmeric or devil’s claw.
- The traditional Chinese approach uses formulas, groups of herbs designed to work together. A formula for joint pain might not only ease stiffness but also nourish the Kidneys and Liver (the “root” of the problem in Chinese theory) while improving circulation.
Neither approach is better. In practice, they often complement one another. Western herbs can act quickly on symptoms, while CHM works to steady the underlying system so problems do not keep coming back.
How Herbs Are Used in Dogs
Mobility and Joints
Older dogs often struggle with stiffness and weak hind legs. Herbs like Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) support bones and tendons, while Niu Xi (Achyranthes root) helps with circulation.
One example is Trek, a 13-year-old Border Collie who could no longer manage the stairs. With herbs to nourish his Kidneys and Liver, improve circulation, and combined with acupuncture, he regained his mobility.
His owner was stunned to see him not just "managing the stairs" but eagerly trotting up them to greet them at bedtime. They described it as getting a piece of their old dog back.
How Herbs Are Used in Dogs
Mobility and Joints
Older dogs often struggle with stiffness and weak hind legs. Herbs like Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) support bones and tendons, while Niu Xi (Achyranthes root) helps with circulation.
His owner was stunned to see him not just "managing the stairs" but eagerly trotting up them to greet them at bedtime. They described it as getting a piece of their old dog back.
When the herbs were stopped after a year, his stiffness quickly returned, convincing his owners of the ongoing benefit.
Digestion, Skin and Coat
Archie, an 8-month-old Frenchie cross, had this exact problem. Steroids did little to help.
Using a formula that included Ku Shen (Sophora root), which clears Damp-Heat and is being studied today for its anti-inflammatory properties, his itching eased within a month, the inflammation settled, and his digestion became more regular.
His owner said he was more playful and comfortable in his own skin.
Nikka, a working Kelpie, struggled with “happy tail,” where the tip of the tail splits open and will not heal.
Nikka, a working Kelpie, struggled with “happy tail,” where the tip of the tail splits open and will not heal.
A topical salve made with Heat-clearing herbs was applied daily, and within weeks the wound closed. She returned to her usual active self without constant re-injury.
Stress and Behaviour
Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety or restless energy. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) is a herb used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and support restful sleep. Modern studies suggest its compounds have mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Owners often notice their dogs become more settled without losing their natural energy.
Immune Health
For dogs that fall ill often, tonics like Huang Qi (Astragalus root) are used to build strength and resilience.
Stress and Behaviour
Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety or restless energy. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) is a herb used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and support restful sleep. Modern studies suggest its compounds have mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Owners often notice their dogs become more settled without losing their natural energy.
For dogs that fall ill often, tonics like Huang Qi (Astragalus root) are used to build strength and resilience.
Beyond its traditional role as a Qi tonic, Astragalus has been shown in research to support immune modulation, giving more weight to its long history of use.
Safety First
Chinese herbs are not a do-it-yourself fix. They need to be matched carefully to each dog’s constitution and condition.
Looking Ahead
Safety First
Chinese herbs are not a do-it-yourself fix. They need to be matched carefully to each dog’s constitution and condition.
- Get guidance: Work with a veterinarian or trained practitioner who understands both the herbs and animal health.
- Check quality: Herbs should be correctly identified, prepared, and tested for safety and potency.
- Work alongside vets: Herbal care is not a substitute for veterinary medicine but can be a strong partner to it.
Looking Ahead
As interest in integrative care grows, Chinese Herbal Medicine has an important role to play. It is not a new trend but a continuation of a tradition that has supported both people and animals for centuries.
What has changed is the opportunity to combine this ancient knowledge with modern veterinary care.
From my own experience working with people in clinic and supporting vets with their canine patients, I can say that when CHM is used well, it can make a real difference. What always strikes me is how quickly dogs respond once the right formula is found. They don't overthink it like humans do; they simply get on with feeling better.
If you are curious about exploring Chinese Herbal Medicine for your dog, the best first step is to speak with your veterinarian. Many vets now collaborate with practitioners trained in CHM. Resources such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) are good places to find a qualified professional.
About Our Writer
From my own experience working with people in clinic and supporting vets with their canine patients, I can say that when CHM is used well, it can make a real difference. What always strikes me is how quickly dogs respond once the right formula is found. They don't overthink it like humans do; they simply get on with feeling better.
If you are curious about exploring Chinese Herbal Medicine for your dog, the best first step is to speak with your veterinarian. Many vets now collaborate with practitioners trained in CHM. Resources such as the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) are good places to find a qualified professional.
About Our Writer
He mentors veterinarians in the use of Chinese herbs for animals and has seen first-hand their impact on dogs of all breeds and conditions.
He is also the founder of Empirical Health and Herbal Creatures, companies dedicated to honouring traditional formulas while making them accessible in modern contexts. When not teaching or in clinic, Simon enjoys time outdoors with his family and their dog Dex.
Curious to see these ancient remedies in action? Follow the Herbal Creatures journey on social media! You'll find them sharing pet wellness tips and success stories on Instagram at @herbalcreatures.
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