If your dog is anxious—separation, thunderstorms, travel, natural remedies can be a gentle helpful option. In fact, many vets prescribed ‘herbs for dog anxiety’ on account of they help to calm the pet down without causing any potential adverse effect on a dog.
In this guide, we will learn the top calming herbs for dogs, their effects and proper dosages to so your furry friend to be calm and relaxed
1. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Benefits: Chamomile is a mild sedative that helps soothe nervousness and digestive upset.
Forms: Tea, tincture, or dried herb
Dosage:
- Tea: ¼ to ½ cup cooled tea per 20 lbs of body weight
- Tincture: 0.25–0.5 mL per 20 lbs, 2–3 times daily
2. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
Benefits: Reduces hyperactivity and promotes deep relaxation.
Forms: Dried root, tincture, or capsule
Dosage:
- Dried root: ½ tsp per 20 lbs, mixed with food
- Tincture: 0.5–1 mL per 20 lbs, 1–2 times daily
3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Benefits: Calms nerves and reduces stress-related behaviors.
Forms: Essential oil (diluted), dried flowers, or hydrosol
Dosage:
- Essential oil: 1–2 drops diluted in carrier oil, diffused or applied to bedding (never directly on skin)
- Dried flowers: Small pinch in food or a sachet near their bed
4. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Benefits: Eases anxiety and helps with restlessness.
Forms: Tincture, tea, or capsule
Dosage:
- Tincture: 0.5 mL per 20 lbs, 1–2 times daily
- Tea: ¼ cup cooled tea per 20 lbs
5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Benefits: An adaptogen that helps manage stress long-term.
Forms: Powder or tincture
Dosage:
- Powder: ¼ tsp per 20 lbs, mixed with food
- Tincture: 0.5–1 mL per 20 lbs, once daily
6. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Benefits: Reduces nervousness and promotes relaxation.
Forms: Fresh leaves, dried herb, or tincture
Dosage:
- Fresh/Dried: ½ tsp per 20 lbs in food
- Tincture: 0.25–0.5 mL per 20 lbs
7. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Benefits: Helps with hyperactivity and panic attacks.
Forms: Tincture or dried herb
Dosage:
- Tincture: 0.25–0.5 mL per 20 lbs, 1–2 times daily
8. Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Benefits: Mild sedative for anxiety and insomnia.
Forms: Dried flowers or tincture
Dosage:
- Dried: Small pinch per 20 lbs (use sparingly—too much can cause drowsiness)
9. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Benefits: Supports mood balance in chronic anxiety cases.
Forms: Tincture or capsule
Dosage:
- Tincture: 0.5 mL per 20 lbs, 1–2 times daily
10. CBD Oil (Hemp-derived, THC-free)
Benefits: Reduces anxiety and inflammation (though not an herb, it’s plant-based).
Forms: Oil or treats
Dosage:
- 1–2 mg per 10 lbs of body weight, 1–2 times daily
Safety Tips for Using Herbs for Dog Anxiety
✅ Consult your vet before starting any new supplement.
✅ Start with low doses and monitor your dog’s reaction.
❌ Avoid essential oils (like lavender) directly on skin—always dilute.
❌ Never use human herbal products with additives (e.g., xylitol).
Final Thoughts
Herbs for dog anxiety can provide a natural way to calm anxiety without the intake of pharmaceuticals. Whether chamomile tea, valerian root or CBD oil, always adhere to dosage recommendations and safety paramount.
Do you have an anxious dog? Do you have any of these herbs in there? Do drop us a comment with your experience!