Valerian Dog: naturally reducing anxiety in your dog

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has become one of the go-to natural sedatives for dogs with mild anxiety or stress. It's calming, it's inexpensive compared to prescription options, and it comes in drops, capsules, tablets and even dried root. But how effective is it? What's a safe dose? And what can go wrong? This guide walks through the science, the dosage tables, the side effects, and a few natural remedies that pair well with it.

What is valerian and how does it work in dogs?

Valerian is a herb derived from the Valeriana officinalis plant, long used as a natural sedative in both humans and animals. In dogs, the working theory is that it stimulates GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, the same calming pathway targeted by several prescription anti-anxiety medications. A 2025 study using EEG recordings and neurochemical testing in dogs found that valerian extract shifted brain-wave activity and dopamine levels linked to anxiety. The catch: it was a small, open-label trial in 10 dogs, and the researchers themselves called for controlled follow-up before drawing firm conclusions [1].

What forms of valerian are available for dogs?

Valerian is available in various forms, depending on the dog’s preference and the method of administration:

• Drops or tincture: Rapid absorption, easy to mix with water or food.
• Capsules: Convenient for precise dosing.
• Chewable tablets: Ideal for dogs that do not like liquid supplements.
• Dried root: Added to food or treats.

In which situations is valerian suitable for dogs?

Noise is usually what brings owners to valerian first. In a survey of 13,700 Finnish pet dogs, noise sensitivity turned out to be the single most common anxiety trait: 32% of dogs showed strong fear reactions to at least one type of noise, fireworks and thunderstorms topping the list [2].

Valerian is often used for:

• Separation anxiety
• Noise phobias (e.g. anxiety about fireworks or thunderstorms)
• Travel or vet-related stress
• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia

What dose of valerian can your dog take?

The correct dosage of valerian for dogs depends on the dog’s weight and the form of the supplement. The table below provides general guidelines:

Please note: these are general guidelines, and few controlled trials test valerian alone at fixed doses like these. One of the better-designed studies gave dogs a blended tryptophan, valerian and passiflora supplement for 48 days and measured real firework exposure with saliva cortisol, not just owner impressions [3]. Always consult a veterinarian for the exact dosage, especially if your dog is on medication or has health issues.

What are the possible side effects of valerian in dogs?

Although valerian is generally considered safe, some dogs may experience mild side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Stomach problems, such as abdominal cramps or diarrhoea
• Dizziness or mild coordination problems

Side effects are usually mild and tend to disappear once the dosage is adjusted down.

Is valerian safe for all dogs?

Valerian is safe for most dogs, but is not suitable in the following cases:

• Pregnant or lactating dogs
• Dogs with liver or kidney problems
• Dogs already taking medication for anxiety (due to potential interactions)

How do you combine valerian with other natural sedatives?

For a broader effect, valerian is often combined with other natural sedatives, such as:

• Chamomile: Helps with restlessness and digestive problems.
• Lavender: In a JAVMA study of 32 dogs with a history of travel-induced excitement, dogs riding with ambient lavender scent spent more time sitting or lying calmly, and moved and vocalised less, than the same dogs riding without it [4].
• CBD oil: The evidence here is mixed, not settled. One trial found daily CBD lowered cortisol and cut down on whining in dogs during repeated car journeys [5]. Another, using a firework noise test, found CBD made no measurable difference to stress hormones or behaviour [6]. Worth trying, but don't bank on it.

Can valerian be used long-term in dogs?

Valerian can be used both for short-term stressful situations, such as fear of fireworks, and for longer stretches. Long-term use should still be supervised by a veterinarian, though, to watch for habituation or reduced effectiveness over time.

What are the alternatives to valerian for anxious dogs?

In addition to valerian, there are other natural and medicinal options for dogs with anxiety:

• Pheromones (such as Adaptil)
• Tryptophan supplements
• Behavioural training and positive reinforcement

Conclusion: Is valerian an effective solution for anxiety in dogs?

Valerian can be a useful, safe natural sedative for dogs with mild anxiety, stress or hyperactivity, but it is not a miracle cure. Even the research is upfront about that gap: a Hartpury University trial testing a valerian-based diffuser found that 43% of owners reported an improvement in their dog's behaviour, yet the objective behavioural measurements showed no statistical difference at all [7]. That mismatch between what an owner notices and what a stopwatch can prove shows up a lot in this field, so it pays to go in with realistic expectations. Pair valerian with behavioural adjustments and, where needed, advice from a vet.

Would you like to try valerian for your dog? Start with a low dose, watch how your dog responds, and adjust from there.