Valerian is a herb that many people use to wind down at night, so it is not surprising that owners of anxious dogs ask about it. Online, you will find confident claims about how well it works. The reality is more modest: evidence in dogs is limited, and products vary a lot. This guide explains what valerian is, what is and is not known, and how to approach it safely. It does not give dosing instructions, because the right amount depends on the product and on your individual dog.
What is valerian?
Valerian (often sold as valerian root) is a plant used in traditional herbal medicine. Extracts are made from the root and sold as liquids, capsules, tablets, and ingredients in calming chews. Some products for pets combine it with other herbs such as skullcap or chamomile.
Commonly cited explanations say valerian acts on GABA, a calming chemical messenger in the nervous system. Whether that explains any effect in dogs has not been firmly established, and the details are still debated.
Does valerian work for dog anxiety?
Many pet websites say valerian can help with mild anxiety, noise fears, travel stress, or restlessness. However, there is little good-quality research in dogs, and what exists is not strong enough to say with confidence how well it works. Some dogs may appear calmer, while others show no change. It is also hard to separate a product’s effect from a dog’s natural variation or from other changes you made at the same time.
For this reason, valerian is best seen as, at most, a supporting option for mild, situational stress, not a treatment for a true anxiety disorder. If your dog’s fear is severe, long-lasting, or leads to self-injury, destruction, or aggression, see your vet. Our overview of mental health issues in dogs explains what to look for and who can help.
Forms you may see
- Liquid tinctures or drops
- Capsules and tablets
- Soft chews and treats with several calming ingredients
- Combination herbal products for pets
Supplements are not regulated like prescription medicines, so ingredients and strength can differ between brands, and a label may not tell the whole story. Some liquid extracts contain alcohol. If you decide to consider a product, look for clear labeling, a company that publishes quality testing, and a species-specific formulation, and ask your vet about the specific product.
How much valerian can I give my dog?
Please ask your vet. Amounts quoted online vary widely, depend on the strength and form of the product, and are not based on well-established dosing studies in dogs. A figure that suits one product could be wrong for another, and weight, age, health, and other medicines all matter. Follow your vet’s advice and the product’s directions, and never use human valerian products in doses meant for people without veterinary guidance. Some human supplements also contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
How quickly does valerian work?
There is no reliable answer. Product makers sometimes claim effects within a short time for single stressful events, or a gradual build-up with daily use, but these claims are not well supported by research in dogs. If a situation is predictable, such as fireworks, ask your vet well in advance what plan makes sense, since some approaches work better when started early.
Possible side effects and risks
Potential problems reported or considered include:
- Sleepiness or lethargy
- Stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea
- Unusual agitation in some dogs instead of calm
- Wobbliness or coordination problems
Stop the product and call your vet if you see side effects. Seek urgent veterinary help for severe symptoms, collapse, or if your dog has eaten far more than intended.
Who should skip it
Check with your vet before using valerian, and expect that some dogs should not use it, including:
- Dogs taking sedatives, anti-anxiety drugs, or other medicines, since combining sedating products can be risky
- Dogs with liver or kidney disease, or other chronic conditions
- Pregnant or nursing dogs and young puppies
- Dogs due for surgery or anesthesia, since your clinic needs to know about any supplements
- Dogs with a history of reactions to herbal products
Never combine several calming products at once without professional advice. For more on drug-based options and why a vet should be involved, read our guide to sedatives and what is safe for dogs.
Better-supported ways to help an anxious dog
Non-drug approaches have the strongest track record for many fear problems, and they work with or without supplements:
- Provide a quiet, den-like space and use white noise or music during known triggers.
- Use gradual desensitization and counterconditioning with a qualified trainer or behaviorist.
- Keep routines predictable and give regular exercise and mental enrichment.
- Rule out pain or illness. Trembling and restlessness can have physical causes, as discussed in our guide to dog shivering causes and treatment.
- Ask your vet whether prescription medication or another calming product would suit your dog.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your dog’s anxiety is new, getting worse, or affecting daily life; if there are signs of illness such as vomiting, appetite loss, or lethargy; or before starting any supplement if your dog has health conditions or takes other medicines. Go to an emergency clinic if your dog collapses, has a seizure, or seems very unwell after a supplement.
Frequently asked questions
Is valerian safe for dogs?
It may be tolerated by some healthy dogs, but safety is not well studied, and products vary. Check with your vet first.
What is the best anxiety relief for dogs?
There is no single best option. The most reliable approach is usually a combination of environmental management, behavior training, and veterinary guidance, with medication for some dogs. A vet can help you decide what suits yours.
What are the potential side effects of giving valerian root to dogs?
Possible effects include drowsiness, stomach upset, unsteadiness, or, in some dogs, agitation. Stop and call your vet if you notice any of these.
Can valerian be used long term?
Long-term safety in dogs has not been well established. If you want to use it over time, discuss it with your vet and have them monitor your dog.
Can I use valerian instead of anxiety medication?
Do not stop or replace prescribed medication with a supplement without your vet’s approval.