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Herbsmith Rx Xiao Ke San is a classical Chinese herbal formula recommended by holistic veterinarians to support fluid metabolism, nourish yin, and clear heat in dogs, cats, and horses. Based on the traditional formula Xiao Ke San (also known as Wasting and Thirsting Decoction), it clears lung heat, drains fire, nourishes yin, and generates fluids. It is well suited for pets presenting with xiao ke (wasting and thirsting) patterns characterized by excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite adequate food intake, a dry coat, dry mucous membranes, and a rapid, thin pulse. The formula is structured to address heat and fire in the lung and stomach, yin and blood deficiency, and qi deficiency at the same time. Available as a concentrated powder mixed into food; cats and dogs use the Canine Blend, while horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dosing varies by species and body weight, and your authorizing veterinarian will provide specific guidance.
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For Dogs (Canine Blend Powder):
For Cats (Canine Blend Powder): ¼ tsp twice daily, or as prescribed
For Horses (Equine/Horse Blend, 1,000 lb horse): Two tablespoons twice daily for 20 days, then two tablespoons once daily in grain. If the horse initially refuses, start with a small amount mixed into grain and gradually increase until the horse is accustomed to the taste. Most horses will readily accept the herbs in their grain.
Active Ingredients: Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis), Mai Men Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae), Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Jie Geng (Radix Platycodi), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis), Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii), Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemi), Deng Xin Cao (Medulla Junci), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)
Inactive Ingredient: Flaxseed
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Xiao Ke San is a 17-herb formula that comprehensively addresses the xiao ke (wasting and thirsting) pattern by clearing heat and fire, nourishing yin and blood, tonifying qi, generating fluids, and moving blood to prevent stagnation as the yin and fluids are rebuilt:
Xiao Ke San contains a broad combination of yin-nourishing, qi-tonifying, heat-clearing, and blood-moving herbs including Huang Qi, Dang Shen, Huang Lian, Sheng Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, and Dang Gui, which have significant effects on glucose metabolism, blood viscosity, and hormonal regulation. Pets currently on prescription medications, particularly those being treated for diabetes or endocrine conditions, should use this formula under veterinary supervision, as herb-drug interaction research in dogs and cats remains limited.
Medication categories warranting extra caution include hypoglycemic or insulin therapies, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, hormonal therapies, immunosuppressive drugs, and pets managing multiple concurrent prescriptions. Your authorizing veterinarian can determine appropriateness based on your pet's condition, current medications, and laboratory results.
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In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Xiao Ke San is indicated for the xiao ke (wasting and thirsting) pattern, presenting as excessive thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite adequate food intake, dry coat, dry mucous membranes, and a rapid thin pulse. Also known as Wasting and Thirsting Decoction, it is appropriate for pets with complex presentations involving lung and stomach heat, yin and blood deficiency, and qi deficiency simultaneously, and is often considered for pets with endocrine-related conditions where TCVM pattern matching supports its use.
Mix the powder directly into food or grain at the dose recommended for your pet's species and body weight. Both dogs and cats use the Canine Blend; horses use the Equine/Horse Blend. Dogs and cats receive the formula twice daily; horses receive two tablespoons twice daily for the first 20 days, then once daily for maintenance. Your authorizing veterinarian will confirm the appropriate dose and schedule for your individual pet.
As a formula addressing a constitutional deficiency pattern with concurrent heat excess, Xiao Ke San works gradually over time. Many pets show improvement in thirst, urination, coat moisture, and energy levels within 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. Chronic or deeply established xiao ke patterns may require a longer course of treatment, and your veterinarian may recommend periodic reassessment including laboratory monitoring to track your pet's response and adjust the formula or dosing accordingly.
Combination with complementary TCVM formulas is common in holistic veterinary practice and should be guided by your authorizing veterinarian based on your pet's full pattern diagnosis. Because this formula contains herbs with known effects on glucose metabolism, including Huang Qi, Ge Gen, and Huang Lian, veterinary oversight is especially important if your pet is on insulin or hypoglycemic medications, to prevent additive effects and ensure blood glucose is monitored appropriately throughout treatment.
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