Nettle for Dogs: A Gentle Herb for Itchy, Seasonal Skin

Hello again!

If your dog starts scratching, licking their paws or rubbing their face along the carpet as soon as the grass grows and the pollen rises, you are far from alone. Itchy, uncomfortable skin is one of the things I am asked about most, and in my 40 years with dogs and herbs, one plant I keep coming back to is one you have probably pulled out of your own garden: the stinging nettle.

It may be a nuisance on a summer walk, but dried nettle is one of the gentlest, most nourishing herbs we have. Let me share why I love it, and how to use it safely for your dog.

Why do dogs get itchy skin?

Just like us, dogs can be sensitive to all sorts of things around them. Common triggers include:

• Pollen, grasses and moulds, which is why so many dogs are itchier in spring and summer
• House dust mites
• Certain foods
• Flea bites, which can set off a lot of scratching even when you can't see a single flea

The signs you might notice are scratching, licking or chewing at the paws, red or flaky patches, rubbing the face, or ears that seem to bother them. Itching has many possible causes, so it is always worth getting a proper check from your vet first, especially if it is new or getting worse.

Why I love nettle for dogs

Nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used by herbalists for generations as a nourishing tonic. Once dried or cooked, it loses its sting completely and becomes a gentle, green herb that most dogs take to happily.

Nettle is naturally rich in:

• Vitamins A, C and K
• Minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium
• Chlorophyll and plant antioxidants

Traditionally, nettle is used to support healthy skin and a glossy coat, and it is one of the herbs herbalists most often reach for during the itchy, high-pollen months of the year. I think of it as a gentle, everyday food for the skin rather than a quick fix.

How to use nettle safely at home

1. Only use dried or cooked nettle. Fresh leaves sting, so never offer them raw.
2. Buy good quality. Choose dried nettle leaf sold for food use from a reputable supplier.
3. Start small. A small pinch sprinkled over dinner is plenty to begin with, building up slowly over a week or two.
4. Watch your dog. Every dog is different. Keep an eye on their tummy, their energy and their skin as you introduce anything new.
5. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition, is pregnant or is on any medication.

Simple ways to add nettle to the bowl

• Nettle tea: steep a teaspoon of dried nettle in a cup of just-boiled water, let it cool completely, then pour a little over your dog's food.
• Nettle sprinkle: crumble the dried leaves finely and stir a pinch into meals.
• Nettle broth: mix a splash of cooled nettle tea into plain, onion-free bone broth for a tasty topper.

A whole-dog approach to itchy skin

Herbs work best as part of a bigger picture. Alongside nettle, these simple steps can make a real difference to a dog's comfort:

• Wipe paws and tummy with a damp cloth after walks in pollen season
• Wash bedding regularly and vacuum often
• Keep up with regular, vet-recommended flea control
• Feed a good-quality diet with healthy fats, such as oily fish, for skin and coat

If you would rather not mix your own, my Calm My Skin Herbal Powder is a hand-blended mix of herbs designed to support skin and coat wellbeing, and it simply stirs into food. For a deeper dive into herbs, diet and routines for sensitive skin, my Soothing Skin ebook brings everything together in one place.

When to call your vet

Natural support sits alongside veterinary care, not instead of it. Please see your vet if your dog:

• Has broken, weeping, smelly or bleeding skin
• Has sore, red or smelly ears, or keeps shaking their head
• Is losing patches of fur
• Is scratching so much it disturbs their sleep
• Seems unwell in themselves, or has a swollen face

The PDSA's guide to skin allergies in dogs is a helpful, reliable read.

Final thoughts

The humble nettle is a lovely reminder that some of the kindest support for our dogs is growing right on our doorstep. Gently introduced, alongside a good diet, a clean home and your vet's advice, it can become a simple, nourishing part of your dog's routine through the itchy months of the year.

Natural love & care,

Elaine, The Dog Herbalist