Can Dogs Eat Licorice Root? The Surprising Truth Every Owner Should Know

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself more than once, can dogs eat licorice root? It sounds like such a harmless, even healthy herb—after all, it’s used in teas and holistic remedies for humans. But when it comes to our furry friends, things can get a bit complicated. Working in a pet clinic for several years, I’ve seen pet parents bring in their pups after sneaking a bite of something that seemed “natural” or “herbal.” Unfortunately, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe” for dogs. Let’s break this one down together, because there’s more to licorice root than meets the eye.

Is Licorice Root Safe for Dogs?

Let’s just say—it depends. Licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which can be beneficial in very small, controlled amounts, but potentially harmful in larger doses. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in traditional veterinary practices to treat things like itching and digestive issues. Sounds great, right?

But here’s where things get tricky. Glycyrrhizin can also cause sodium retention and potassium depletion, which may lead to high blood pressure and even heart problems in dogs. Not every dog will react the same way, and a lot depends on the dose, frequency, and your dog’s overall health.

When I’ve Seen It Work (and When I Haven’t)

We had a senior Golden Retriever named Daisy come into the clinic a few years ago with skin allergies that just wouldn’t quit. Her owner had been using a licorice-based salve—recommended by a holistic vet—and honestly, it helped reduce her itching a lot. The key? It was topical, and very low dose. On the flip side, I’ve seen dogs come in with electrolyte imbalances from chewing on licorice root supplements meant for humans. Not good.

Understanding the Compounds in Licorice Root

So what’s in licorice root that causes so much fuss? Here’s a quick breakdown of its main components:

• Glycyrrhizin: The main active compound that mimics corticosteroids in the body. Can reduce inflammation but also mess with blood pressure.
• Flavonoids: These are antioxidant compounds that can support immune health—again, great in theory, but dogs process them differently than we do.
• Saponins: Known to boost immunity but potentially irritating to the digestive tract in large amounts.

This is why dosage and form matter so much. A dog-safe licorice formula created specifically for pets isn’t the same thing as a human tea bag or candy loaded with sugar and extra additives.

Forms of Licorice Root You Might Encounter

1. Licorice teas or tinctures: Typically made for human consumption, often too strong for dogs.
2. Chewable supplements: These can be made pet-safe, but always check the label and consult your vet.
3. Topical ointments: These are generally safer when used in small amounts under guidance.

I once had a client ask if she could let her pup chew on dried licorice root sticks as a treat. While I get the appeal—it smells nice, and it’s technically a plant—that’s a no-go in my book. Not only is it a choking hazard, but without knowing the strength of the glycyrrhizin, it’s just too risky.

Why Some Holistic Vets Recommend It (And Why Others Don’t)

This is where experience really matters. Some holistic or integrative vets may recommend licorice root for dogs with specific conditions like arthritis, allergies, or adrenal issues. That’s because licorice root can mimic the effects of cortisol (a natural steroid), making it useful in managing inflammation without needing full-blown steroid medication.

But others avoid it altogether due to the risk of side effects, especially if the dog has pre-existing heart or kidney issues. In my years working in both a traditional clinic and partnering occasionally with holistic practitioners, I’ve seen both perspectives—and honestly, I’m somewhere in the middle. If your vet knows your dog’s history and is monitoring them closely, licorice root can be helpful. But flying blind with human supplements? Not a good idea.

Who Should Definitely Avoid It?

• Dogs with heart conditions
• Dogs on diuretics or blood pressure meds
• Pregnant or lactating dogs
• Pups with liver or kidney issues

It’s always a case-by-case basis. And that’s the key takeaway here—what works for one dog might be dangerous for another. Always loop your vet into the conversation before introducing any herb, no matter how “natural” it seems.

Can Dogs Eat Licorice Root in Moderation?

Alright, so here’s the million-dollar question we get a lot at the clinic—can dogs eat licorice root in small amounts? The answer is… maybe, but it depends entirely on the context. If you’re using a vet-approved supplement that’s been formulated specifically for dogs, then yes, a small, carefully measured dose might be okay. But if you’re thinking about letting your dog nibble on raw root or something off your own herbal shelf, that’s where it gets dicey.

We had a Beagle named Tank (adorable name, right?) whose owner tried adding powdered licorice root to his food after reading about its anti-inflammatory properties online. Long story short, poor Tank ended up with a bloated belly and high blood pressure symptoms—nothing life-threatening, thankfully, but definitely a rough few days. That experience taught both the owner and our whole team a pretty big lesson about sourcing and dosing when it comes to herbal stuff.

The Rule of Paw: Pet-Specific Products Only

Here’s a good rule I often share with pet parents: If the label doesn’t say it’s for dogs, don’t use it. Pet-specific formulations are designed with your dog’s size, metabolism, and sensitivities in mind. They usually contain lower concentrations and avoid ingredients like xylitol or added sugars (which licorice candies almost always have).

Human licorice products—especially candy or tea—are a hard no. They’re often packed with artificial sweeteners, and the glycyrrhizin levels are way too high for dogs. I can’t tell you how many worried calls we’ve gotten after a pup got into a bag of black licorice. Spoiler: the aftermath usually involves vomiting, diarrhea, or worse.

Signs of Licorice Root Toxicity in Dogs

If your pup has accidentally ingested licorice root—or a product containing it—there are a few red flags to look out for. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference in treatment outcomes.

• Increased thirst or urination
• Lethargy or weakness
• Muscle tremors or stiffness
• High blood pressure (though harder to notice at home)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Changes in heart rhythm or panting

One pup we treated, a sprightly Miniature Schnauzer named Milo, had nibbled on a supplement his owner left on the counter. Within hours, he was lethargic and refused to eat. Turns out the supplement had both licorice root and caffeine—bad combo. Thankfully, we caught it early and got him stabilized, but it really drove home how even small amounts can lead to big problems when it comes to the wrong ingredients.

When to Call the Vet

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If your dog’s eaten something with licorice root and is showing any unusual symptoms, don’t wait it out. Call your vet or local emergency animal hospital immediately. Have the product label ready if possible—that can help the team figure out the best next steps.

Natural Alternatives to Licorice Root

If you’re looking into licorice root because your dog has allergies, inflammation, or digestive issues, the good news is—there are plenty of safer, dog-friendly alternatives out there. Over the years, I’ve seen some excellent results with these:

• Chamomile: Gentle on the tummy and soothing for anxiety. Works great in teas or capsules made for dogs.
• Slippery elm: Fantastic for digestive issues. I’ve recommended this countless times for pups with chronic tummy troubles.
• Ginger: Helps with nausea and motion sickness. Just a pinch in a treat (and vet-approved) can go a long way.
• Turmeric: Natural anti-inflammatory, but needs to be paired with black pepper and fat to be absorbed properly. Still, much safer than raw licorice root in most cases.

And of course, always clear any herbal supplement with your vet. Even “safe” herbs can interact with medications or underlying health issues. I always tell clients: just because something’s natural doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

My Go-To Approach with New Supplements

Whenever someone asks me if they should try something like licorice root with their pup, I always suggest a three-step approach:

1. Consult your vet. Sounds obvious, but so many skip this step and Google their way into trouble.
2. Start small. If it’s safe, always introduce a new supplement slowly and watch for any signs of reaction.
3. Track symptoms. Keep a little log of any changes you notice—good or bad. This helps your vet make better decisions with you.

That proactive mindset has saved a lot of dogs a lot of discomfort over the years—and saved owners the stress (and vet bills!) that come with emergency visits.

So back to our big question—can dogs eat licorice root? The short version? Not unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe and it’s been greenlit by your vet. Even then, it should be treated like a medication, not a treat. There’s potential benefit, sure—but also real risks that shouldn’t be brushed off just because it came from a plant.

What to Ask Your Vet About Licorice Root

By now you probably get the gist: licorice root is one of those “maybe yes, maybe no” herbs when it comes to dogs. It’s not black-and-white like chocolate or grapes, but it’s not something you can just toss into your dog’s food bowl, either. So, if you’re still curious or even leaning toward giving it a try, here are a few smart questions to bring up with your vet:

• Is licorice root safe for my specific dog’s health condition?
• Are there any medications my dog is on that could interact with licorice?
• What form and dosage (if any) would be appropriate?
• Are there safer alternatives for my dog’s issue (like itching or inflammation)?

Trust me, I’ve had dozens of these conversations with dog parents, and every dog’s situation is a little different. One time, a pug named Toby was struggling with chronic seasonal allergies, and his owner had read online that licorice could help. After a good chat with our vet, they ended up going with a specially formulated supplement that contained a *tiny* amount of licorice, balanced out by other anti-inflammatories. It worked great for Toby—and even better, no side effects.

What Your Vet Might Consider Before Recommending Licorice

In my experience, vets typically evaluate the following before even thinking about recommending licorice root:

1. Age: Puppies and seniors are more sensitive to herbs.
2. Breed: Some breeds (like Boxers or Bulldogs) are more prone to heart or respiratory issues.
3. Weight: Dosage is critical, and smaller dogs have a much narrower safe range.
4. Medical history: Especially if your pup has liver, kidney, or heart concerns.

They’ll also look at the big picture—are we treating symptoms or underlying causes? Sometimes what seems like skin irritation might be food allergies, and adding licorice wouldn’t fix that.

Can Dogs Eat Licorice Root Long-Term?

This is another question we get asked a lot, especially from folks trying out holistic health plans for their dogs. So, can dogs eat licorice root long-term? In most cases—probably not without monitoring. Even if it’s safe short-term, using it over weeks or months can lead to serious issues like hypertension or hormonal imbalances. That’s why most vets will suggest using it in cycles—short bursts, with breaks in between, rather than daily forever.

Personally, I’ve seen a few cases where long-term use went sideways. One family I worked with had been giving their German Shepherd licorice root capsules daily to help with arthritis. They didn’t loop in their vet, and after a few months, their dog started showing signs of water retention and odd muscle weakness. A blood test showed electrolyte imbalances. We adjusted the routine and switched to turmeric and omega-3s instead, and things improved quickly. But it was a real reminder that “too much of a good thing” definitely applies here.

Tips to Stay on the Safe Side

• Use only pet-specific products, preferably recommended by your vet
• Start with the lowest effective dose
• Cycle the supplement—give breaks every few weeks
• Watch closely for any changes in energy, appetite, or urination
• Run occasional bloodwork if your dog is on long-term supplements

Bottom line: if you’re going to go the herbal route, do it with intention. Treat supplements like medicine—not snacks—and you’ll avoid most of the common pitfalls.

Other Helpful Resources

If you’re looking to do some of your own research (which I fully encourage), here are a few trusted sources I often recommend to pet parents:

• PetMD – Great for understanding basic pet health and safe ingredients.
• AKC – American Kennel Club articles often dive into breed-specific needs.
• NIH – A reliable source for studies related to herbal compounds and health impacts.
• Health.com – While human-focused, sometimes helpful when cross-checking ingredients.

Just remember that while Google is helpful, your vet knows your dog. And sometimes the best decision is the one based on both science *and* experience—yours and your vet’s combined.

Final Thoughts

So, can dogs eat licorice root? The short answer is: *sometimes*, under the right circumstances, and only with expert guidance. While there are potential benefits, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one pup might not be right for another—and that’s okay. Just like humans, our dogs deserve personalized care. When in doubt, always bring your questions to a trusted professional, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking that “natural” always means “safe.”

For me, the most rewarding part of working in animal care has always been helping people make informed, thoughtful choices for their pets. If this article helped you feel a little more confident and a little less overwhelmed, then mission accomplished.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian or a certified pet nutritionist before giving your dog any herbs, supplements, or alternative treatments.