What Is Valerian Root?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering perennial herb native to Europe and parts of Asia. The medicinal portion of the plant is its root, which contains naturally occurring compounds believed to have calming effects on the nervous system. Despite its powerful, pungent fragrance—often compared to old sweat socks or aged cheese—valerian is adored by cats and enjoyed by most dogs.
Benefits of Valerian Root for Dogs
A popular ingredient in natural calming supplements for pets, valerian is said to help with:
- Sensitivity to sounds such as thunder or fireworks
- Separation anxiety
- Stress related to car rides
- Stress caused by trips to veterinary clinics or grooming salons
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Mild to moderate anxiety
How Does Valerian Root Work for Dogs?
Although much remains unknown about how valerian works, a widely accepted theory of its effect on humans is that its active compound, valerenic acid, increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA slows or blocks nerve signals, creating a calming effect that helps reduce anxiety, stress, fear, and insomnia.
Valerian has similar effects on dogs and other animals. Popular valerian root supplements for dogs range from single-ingredient drops to calming chews or treats that combine valerian with other herbs such as chamomile or passionflower and/or calming supplements such as L-Tryptophan or melatonin.
Is Valerian Root Safe for Dogs?
Valerian, like many medicinal herbs, has not been tested for its safety and effectiveness in pets. Because common plants cannot be patented, there is no economic incentive for funding clinical trials, so the evidence supporting valerian’s use for pets remains anecdotal. Most veterinarians, trainers, breeders, and canine behaviorists who use valerian base their recommendations on human research or on personal or shared experiences.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists valerian root as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) flavoring agent for human consumption, but there is no formal FDA approval for valerian’s pet use. There is also no FDA evidence suggesting that valerian has a toxic effect on dogs or other animals, so it remains a popular ingredient in pet supplements, several of which were formulated by veterinarians.
How To Give Valerian Root to Your Dog
Many dogs are attracted to the fragrance and taste of valerian, so adding it to a dog’s food or water is usually easy. Valerian is sold as a stand-alone tincture (liquid extract) for pets and as calming chews that combine valerian with other ingredients that dogs readily accept. Powdered valerian root is widely available in capsules for human use and can be adapted for pet use by adjusting the dose for your dog’s weight.
Valerian’s effects are usually evident within half an hour to 45 minutes, and they tend to last for 4 to 6 hours. Giving valerian with food and in divided doses can help prevent digestive disturbances while extending the product’s effectiveness.
What Are the Recommended Valerian Root Dosages for Dogs?
Because valerian supplements can be standardized, not standardized, dried powders, liquid tinctures, liquid extracts, single-ingredient products, and multiple-ingredient blends, it’s impossible to find a valerian dose that works for all products and all dogs. Human reactions to valerian vary widely, with the same product causing no reaction in some people while overwhelming others, and the same is true for dogs. A sensible strategy is to begin with a small dose of a product designed for pet use based on your dog’s weight and observing the result. Your dog may need more or less.
In their reference book Veterinary Herbal Medicine (Mosby Elsevier, 2007), Susan Wynn, DVM, and Barbara Fougere reflect the range of possible doses by recommending 23 to 300 milligrams of dried valerian per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight or 0.5 to 1.5 milliliters of valerian alcohol tincture per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Should valerian be given every day? With no clinical trials for guidance, some experts recommend that valerian be used occasionally, such as only when needed, while others recommend daily use indefinitely. Valerian can help anxious dogs relax, but it is not a cure for chronic anxiety, and it cannot replace appropriate training and behavioral management.
When Not to Use Valerian
Valerian root is not recommended for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, dogs with significant liver disease, dogs with serious underlying illnesses, and dogs taking sedative medications or supplements.
Because valerian can increase the effects of certain medications, it is not recommended in combination with prescription drugs without a veterinarian’s oversight. In general, valerian should be avoided when treating a dog with:
- Sedatives and anesthetics. Veterinarians typically advise clients to avoid valerian for at least one to two weeks before scheduled surgery and to wait until at least 48 hours after the use of anesthetics before introducing or resuming valerian.
- Anti-anxiety or behavioral drugs, especially those that depress the central nervous system.
- Anti-seizure medications and anticonvulsants, which should be used only under veterinary supervision.
- Pain medications, especially opioids.
- Antifungals or other drugs that are metabolized by the liver.
Possible Side Effects of Valerian
Most dogs tolerate valerian without adverse effects, but individual responses vary. When introducing valerian or when experimenting with its dosage, watch for symptoms of overdosing, which include:
- Drowsiness or lethargy
- Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or vomiting
- A “wobbly” gait or lack of coordination
- Worsening anxiety or unusual behaviors
- Any signs of allergic reactions such as facial swelling, trouble breathing, or breaking out in hives.
In any of those situations, keep your dog comfortably confined rather than roaming free without supervision and contact your veterinarian.
Popular Valerian Root Products for Dogs
Popular valerian products for dogs include the following:
Animal Essentials Valerian Calming Formula This single-herb alcohol-free vegetable glycerin tincture is recommended for dogs weighing up to 30 pounds (.25 ml or 5-10 drops), 30 to 60 pounds (.5 to 1 ml or 10-20 drops), and over 60 pounds (1-2 ml or 20-40 drops) per day.
Woof ‘n’ Purr Valerian Root for Dogs This single-herb alcohol-free vegetable glycerin tincture is bacon flavored. The recommended daily dose, which is easily measured with the bottle’s labeled dropper, is 1 dropper (1 ml) for dogs weighing 5 to 35 pounds, 2 droppers (2 ml) for dogs weighing 35-75 pounds, and 3 droppers (3 ml) for dogs over 75 pounds.
Nutrition Strength Valerian Blend Capsules A blend of valerian, chamomile, passionflower, and other herbs, each tablet contains 200 mg valerian root to promote relaxed composure. Feed as a treat or crush and add to food. Feed 1 tab daily to dogs weighing up to 25 pounds, 2 daily for dogs between 26 and 50 pounds, 3 daily for dogs 51 to 74 pounds, and 4 tabs daily for dogs over 76 pounds.
July Third from HerbSmith This fast-acting CBD-free calming chew contains valerian root and other ingredients for situational anxiety and predictable short-term calming support. As its day-before-the-4th-of-July name suggests, July Third is best used in advance of fireworks, travel, stormy weather, and trips to the groomer or veterinarian. Label doses are based on the size of chews (large or small) and your dog’s weight.
