What is hawthorn?
Hawthorn is an herbal supplement used in dogs, cats, and horses. It is used to support the health of the heart, improve circulation, maintain normal blood pressure, and treat anxiety by producing calming effects on the nervous system.
The hawthorn plant is a small tree or shrub in the rose family (Crateagus). The likely active ingredient in hawthorn is an antioxidant bioflavonoid known for improving blood circulation to the heart. It may be beneficial in the treatment of heart disease in pets.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health supplements (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health supplements must ensure their supplements are safe and labeled accurately.
The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health supplements” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These supplements are not tested by Health Canada.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health supplements in pets. Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.
Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it also may be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.
How do I give my pet hawthorn?
- Hawthorn is given orally (by mouth) and comes in various forms, including capsules, soft gels, liquids extract, and dried berries and leaves.
- Oral doses may be given with or without food.
- If vomiting occurs when given on an empty stomach, give future doses with a small meal or treat.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions and use supplements according to their label.
- Measure liquid forms carefully.
- Ideally, give this supplement at the same time daily.
- Ensure access to fresh, clean drinking water.
- Wash hands after handling.
- Do not handle if you have a known sensitivity to this supplement.
- If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the supplement, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to reduce the stress of medication time for both you and your pet.
Hawthorn may take several days to take effect, and improvements in clinical signs are not always outwardly noticeable. Hawthorn should be given for 6 to 8 weeks before its effectiveness is assessed.
What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
There are no documented side effects from hawthorn; however, studies are limited for this supplement, so information about side effects is also limited.
- In humans, hawthorn may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.
- Skin rash may occur if a pet is allergic to hawthorn.
Sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This moderate-acting supplement should stop working within several days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this supplement?
DO NOT USE hawthorn in:
- Pets that are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients in the supplement
- Pets that are pregnant or nursing
- Pets with severe liver or kidney disease
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with low blood pressure
- Pets with low heart rates
- Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Several medications should be used with caution when given with hawthorn, including:
- Adenosine
- Anticoagulants
- Barbiturates
- Blood pressure medications
- Caffeine
- Cardiac glycosides
- Epinephrine
- Papaverine
- Sodium nitrate
- Theophylline
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?
- At home, monitor for abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the supplement and contact your veterinarian.
- Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the supplement is working and not causing side effects.
How do I store hawthorn?
- Store oral supplements in a cool, dry area in tightly sealed containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- There are many formulations and manufacturers of hawthorn, so always follow the specific storage instructions on the product label.
What should I do in case of emergency?
- If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
- Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.
- Report any adverse effects to the FDA or Health Canada.
