Healing with Calendula: A Look at Botanical Care for Pets

 

By Dr. Kay Wisely, DVM, CVA & Amanda King • February 21, 2026 • 4 min read

Dr. Wisely's First-Hand Experience 

I’ve practiced integrative veterinary medicine since graduating from vet school, but my belief in the healing power of plants began long before that. I was raised with the understanding that nature offers real medicine. Caring for animals has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, so combining that care with plant-based therapies simply made the most sense.

Early in my career, I often found myself questioning why we so quickly reached for chemical-based pharmaceuticals before considering remedies that have been used safely and effectively for centuries. There is deep wisdom in traditional plant medicine, and I felt called to honor that in the way I cared for my patients.

The first time I saw a Calendula salve heal a simple abrasion on a dog just as quickly as a conventional cortisone cream, I was sold.  It was effective. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to incorporate this incredible plant more intentionally into my patients’ skin-healing protocols.

When Amanda and I started The Animal Bar, we both felt strongly about creating products rooted in ancient botanical traditions, whether Native American, Chinese, or European, that support pets’ natural healing abilities without relying on harsh synthetic chemicals.

We decided our healing salves and bars had to include Calendula!

What is Calendula? 

Calendula is a sunny, annual garden herb in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It’s a self-seeding plant in most climates and is an extremely hardy herb.

The scientific name for calendula is Calendula officinalis. The flower blossoms and leaves have been used in ancient medicine systems for millennia. In traditional medicine, the aerial parts are used as an oil or salve to heal wounds and as a tea to encourage digestion and reduce chronic ulcers. It is also distilled in water and used as an eye wash to reduce inflammation and soreness. 

Does Calendula Really Work for Skin Healing?

Calendula isn’t just folklore. Numerous clinical and traditional accounts, along with lab-based studies, highlight the wide range of calendula’s health benefits. Research shows that topical Calendula extract enhances wound healing, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair [1,2]. Laboratory studies demonstrate that Calendula influences cellular pathways regulating collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration, helping explain its centuries-long reputation as a healing plant [3].

Calendula’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulating properties may be attributed to its various phytochemicals. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, triterpene saponins, and carotenoids. 

The Science Behind Skin Healing

Skin isn’t just a barrier; it’s an ecosystem. Beneficial microbes, natural oils, and structural lipids work together to protect and repair. Conventional treatments like steroid creams or synthetic antibiotic ointments may provide fast relief, but over time, they can compromise the skin barrier, disturb the microbiome, and interfere with natural healing. Supporting the skin’s natural repair process is essential for comfort, resilience, and long-term wellness.

That’s why we formulated The Soothing Salve differently. Drawing on veterinary experience, we are using botanical allies to complement Calendula that actively support the skin’s innate ability to heal:

• Calendula – Calms and protects skin while promoting natural repair [1,2,4].

• Plantain – A traditional botanical that soothes and balances moisture. [5]

• Mullein – Supports comfort and protects irritated tissue.

• Chamomile – Provides gentle anti-inflammatory support.

All these botanicals are blended into a beeswax base that shields the area while allowing the skin to breathe. It’s completely lick-safe, so pets can interact naturally without harm.

Why Botanical Healing Works

Using plant-based remedies allows us to support your companion’s innate healing process rather than mask it. With The Soothing Salve, we designed a product that:

• Encourages skin to repair itself naturally

• Maintains the integrity of the skin barrier

• Respects the natural microbiome

• Avoids harsh synthetics, steroids, or antibiotics

Whether it’s a minor scratch, hot spot, dry paw, cracked nose, or irritated elbow, this salve is gentle enough for everyday use but powerful enough to promote real healing.

A Ritual of Care

Applying The Soothing Salve can be a mindful, nurturing moment with your pet. I recommend:

1. Clean the affected area gently (you can use one of our shampoo bars with a wet cloth for spot cleaning).

2. Apply a thin layer of salve.

3. Allow the botanicals to work naturally.

For dogs, cats, or other companion animals, the lick-safe formula ensures safety, comfort, and wellness in one simple ritual.

Integrating Botanical Care into Holistic Wellness

At The Animal Bar, we believe wellness is holistic. The Soothing Salve complements our veterinarian-developed, plant-based grooming bars and lays the foundation for a larger philosophy of care: supporting skin, coat, and overall vitality through clean, effective, intentional, plant-based botanical products for natural healing. 

Shop the Soothing Salve for your pet’s skin

General Wellness Note

This guide is for educational purposes only to support your pet’s wellness routine. If you notice persistent irritation, redness, discharge, or other concerning symptoms, please consult your primary veterinarian.

About the Authors

Dr. Kay Wisely, DVM, CVA applies 26 years of integrative veterinary medicine to companion animal wellness. Licensed in Minnesota and practicing in California for 18 years, she blends clinical expertise with holistic, botanical strategies.

Amanda King brings 14 years of experience in integrated veterinary care, focusing on botanical, lifestyle-based, and holistic wellness solutions for pets.

For more insights on holistic pet health  including nutrition, lifestyle, and herbal strategies — visit our educational partners at Natural Pet Path for a virtual wellness session.

The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any physical or skin condition in pets.

References

1. Calendula officinalis promotes wound healing in animal models. PubMed. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40173007

2. Systematic review: Calendula supports faster inflammation resolution and granulation tissue formation. PubMed. 2019. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31145533

3. In vitro studies: Calendula extracts influence collagen synthesis and cellular repair pathways. PubMed. 2016. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27956358

4. Calendula flower extracts influence wound-healing processes in human skin cell models, including inflammatory phase modulation and effects on collagen metabolism. PubMed. 2017. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27956358/ Supports molecular mechanisms such as effects on NF-κB, cytokines, and collagen formation in vitro.

5. Topical Plantago major ointment (10%) vs. silver sulfadiazine on second-degree burns: both reduced pain over time, but no statistically significant difference in pain scores between groups. PubMed. 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35966146/