What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (say it with us: ash-wah-gone-da) is a root herb that's been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Indian system of natural healing. It’s known as an adaptogen, which is just a fancy way of saying it helps the body adapt to stress.
But don't let the ancient roots fool you, Ashwagandha is having a very modern moment. It’s made its way into smoothies, stress relief capsules, and yep... even our CALM supplement for dogs and cats.
Quick Take
- Ashwagandha can help anxious, stressed or overly excitable pets feel more at ease.
- It’s completely safe for dogs and cats, when used in the right amount.
- That’s why we include it in our CALM supplement, to help your pet feel balanced and relaxed, naturally.
Is Ashwagandha Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Yes, when done properly.
We get it. Giving your pet herbs might sound a little woo-woo, but Ashwagandha is totally safe for both dogs and cats when used in pet-specific doses. The key? Not giving them human supplements (which are way too strong), and instead using products specifically formulated for pets.
That’s exactly why PetWell CALM exists. It’s our gentle, animal naturopath-formulated blend made just for anxious pets, and Ashwagandha is one of its hero ingredients.
What Does Ashwagandha Do for Pets?
Let’s break it down, here’s how this powerhouse plant helps your pet feel more like themselves again:
1. Helps Manage Anxiety
Whether it’s loud noises, being left alone, or just general nervousness, Ashwagandha helps calm the chaos inside your pet’s mind. It works by regulating cortisol, the stress hormone, to keep things on a more even keel.
2. Supports Better Sleep
Anxious pets often have restless nights. Ashwagandha naturally promotes a more settled nervous system so they can snooze soundly (and you can too).
3. Builds Emotional Resilience
Some pets are just... sensitive. Ashwagandha gives them the ability to handle life’s little stresses without spiralling. It doesn’t sedate them, it simply helps them cope better.
4. Can Help Ease Inflammation
While its calming benefits get all the attention, Ashwagandha may also help reduce inflammation in the body. That’s good news for pets with sore joints or chronic conditions that flare up when stress levels rise.
Why We Include Ashwagandha in PetWell CALM
We’re not here for “quick fix” solutions or chemical sedatives that mask the problem. At PetWell, we believe in whole-body wellness, and that means supporting your pet’s emotional health naturally, from the inside out.
That’s why Ashwagandha plays a starring role in CALM, alongside other gentle heroes like:
- Chamomile & Goat’s milk (a natural source of L-tryptophan)
- Green Tea (L-theanine for mental clarity and calm)
- Lemon Balm and Oat Straw (for nervous system calming)
- Rose Hip (Replenishes vitamin C for stressed pets)
- Raspberries & Acai Berries (Powerful antioxidants and vitamin C to support the immune system)
Together, they work to support pets who:
- Struggle with separation anxiety
- Shake at the sound of thunder and fire works
- Get car sick from stress
- Zoom endlessly around the house
- Just need help switching off
How to Give Ashwagandha to Your Pet (the Safe Way)
Here’s the easy bit: don’t DIY. Skip the human capsules and herbal guesswork, and reach for something designed specifically for dogs and cats.
PetWell CALM comes in a convenient, powder that can be:
- Mixed into wet or dry food
- Sprinkled on top as a calming meal topper
- Added to warm water as a soothing little broth
It’s tasty, effective, and completely natural, no nasties, no artificial fillers, and no risk of overdoing it.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When given in the correct dose, Ashwagandha is well-tolerated by most pets. However, very high doses (like those in human capsules) can cause stomach upset or drowsiness.
Common Questions About Ashwagandha for Pets
Let's dig in...
Can all dogs and cats have Ashwagandha?
Most can, yes! But if your pet is pregnant, has a thyroid condition, or is on specialty medication, always check with your vet first.
Is it safe for puppies and kittens?
We recommend CALM for puppies or kittens over 12 weeks old.
How fast does Ashwagandha work?
Some pets respond quickly, especially to CALM’s blend. For others, you’ll notice a shift over 3 to 4 weeks with consistent daily use.
Is it addictive or sedating?
Nope. It’s non-sedative and non-addictive. It gently supports your pet’s natural ability to relax and bounce back from stress.
In a Nutshell
Ashwagandha is more than just a trendy buzzword, it’s a gentle, proven way to help pets feel calmer, sleep better, and handle stress like champs. And when it’s used properly, in the right formula, at the right dose, it can make a huge difference to your pet’s emotional wellbeing.
If you’ve got a pet who’s anxious, reactive, or just needs a little extra support during stressful times, try PetWell CALM. It’s not just calming; it’s connection in a scoop.
Research Links
Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
Incorporating ashwagandha into veterinary care helps manage pet stress
Ashwagandha in veterinary practice: Talking with a vet who uses it
The role of Ashwagandha in modulating gut parameters in dogs
Amazing Ashwagandha for Dogs and Cats
Beynen AC, 2025. Ashwagandha in dog nutrition
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care