Quick Answer:Valerian root is a traditional herbal ingredient that may help support calm, balanced behaviour in dogs. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately and is often combined with other calming herbs like chamomile and passionflower for a gentler, broader effect. |
What Is Valerian Root?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. The root has been used in traditional herbal practice for centuries, primarily to help support relaxation and restful sleep in humans. In recent years, it has become one of the most widely used calming herbs in natural pet care too.
If you have ever picked up a bottle of valerian and had a proper sniff, you will know it has a very distinctive smell. Earthy is the polite way to describe it. Most dogs do not seem to mind, and some actually seem drawn to it.
I first came across valerian root years ago when I was researching calming herbs for Benson, who had severe reactivity. His world was already a confusing place, and I was looking for gentle, natural ways to help support him through the daily overwhelm. Valerian was one of the first herbs our herbalist team recommended, and it became a core part of our calming formulations.
How Valerian Root May Help Dogs
Valerian root contains compounds including valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, which are thought to interact with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating nervous system activity. Supporting healthy GABA function may help promote a sense of calm.
In practical terms, dog owners and herbalists often use valerian root to help support dogs in situations such as:
- General nervousness or anxious behaviour
- Restlessness during thunderstorms or fireworks
- Travel anxiety (car journeys, vet visits)
- Difficulty settling at night
- Adjustment to new environments or routine changes
- Separation related behaviours
I want to be honest about what valerian can and cannot do. It is not a sedative in the way medication is. It will not knock your dog out or dramatically change their personality. What many people (including me) notice is a gentler settling. A dog who finds it slightly easier to switch off. A calmer starting point rather than a complete transformation.
With Cliff, who gets overwhelmed easily, valerian based support helps take the edge off on days when things feel too much for him. He is still Cliff. He still reacts. But the gap between the trigger and the spiral is a little wider, and that extra space makes a real difference.
Valerian as Part of a Blend
One of the things our herbalists taught me early on is that calming herbs often work better together than alone. This is sometimes called a synergistic approach, where multiple herbs with complementary properties are combined for a broader, gentler effect.
That is why our Inner Calm Support Drops does not rely on valerian alone. It is blended with:
- Chamomile which has been used traditionally to help soothe and settle
- Passionflower which may help support relaxation, particularly during periods of heightened arousal
- Lemon balm which is traditionally associated with supporting a calm mood
Each of these herbs brings something slightly different, and together they offer broader support than any single ingredient could on its own.
This formulation was developed by qualified herbalists and nutritionists. Every ingredient is human grade, and the blend is designed to be gentle enough for daily use.
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage depends on how you are giving valerian to your dog. If you are using a standalone valerian supplement, the general guidance from herbal practitioners is:
- Small dogs (under 10kg): 50 to 100mg of valerian root extract
- Medium dogs (10 to 25kg): 100 to 200mg
- Large dogs (over 25kg): 200 to 400mg
These are approximate ranges based on common herbal practice, not medical prescriptions. If you are using a blended product like our Inner Calm Support, follow the dosage instructions on the packaging, as the concentration will differ from a standalone supplement.
Timing matters. Valerian is often most helpful when given 30 to 60 minutes before the anticipated stressful event (a car journey, being left alone, fireworks). For dogs with ongoing anxiety, daily use may be more appropriate. Our herbalist team recommends consistent daily use for at least two weeks to see the full benefit for dogs with general anxious behaviour.
For puppies, very elderly dogs, dogs on medication or dogs with liver conditions, please consult your vet before introducing valerian or any herbal supplement. This is not because valerian is inherently dangerous for these groups, but because their needs are more specific and professional guidance is always the safest approach.
Is Valerian Root Safe for Dogs?
Valerian root has a long history of use in both human and animal herbal practice and is generally considered safe for most adult dogs when used at appropriate levels.
That said, there are a few things to be aware of:
Smell. Valerian has a strong, distinctive odour that some owners find off putting. Mixing it with food usually helps, and most dogs are not bothered by it at all.
Drowsiness. In some dogs, particularly at higher doses, valerian may cause mild drowsiness. This is usually temporary and resolves as the body adjusts. If your dog seems excessively sleepy, reduce the dose.
Interaction with medications. Valerian may interact with certain medications, particularly sedatives, anti anxiety drugs and some anaesthetics. If your dog is on any medication, check with your vet before adding valerian.
Quality matters. Not all valerian supplements are created equal. Look for products that specify the source of their valerian, use human grade ingredients and are transparent about what else is in the formulation. Avoid products with long lists of synthetic additives or fillers.
At Herbal Dog Co, every ingredient in our calming range is human grade, clearly listed and traceable. We do not use synthetic fillers, artificial colours or unnecessary preservatives.
What the Research Shows
I want to be straightforward here. The research on valerian specifically in dogs is limited. Most of the evidence comes from human studies and from traditional herbal practice rather than large scale veterinary trials.
What we do know is that valerian has been used in herbal practice for over 2,000 years and continues to be one of the most widely recommended calming herbs by herbalists working with both people and animals. The European Medicines Agency lists valerian as a traditional herbal medicinal product for relieving mild nervous tension and supporting sleep in humans.
For dogs, the evidence is largely anecdotal and practice based. Many veterinary herbalists and pet owners report positive effects, but I would never claim that valerian is scientifically proven to work in dogs in the same way a pharmaceutical drug might be. What I can tell you is what I have seen in our own dogs and what thousands of customers have shared with us.
Rated 4.9 by 22,000 customers 🐾
How to Introduce Valerian to Your Dog
If you would like to try valerian for your dog, here is a sensible approach:
1. Start with a lower dose.
Begin at the lower end of the recommended range and observe your dog's response over a few days.
2. Mix with food.
The easiest way to give valerian is mixed into your dog's regular meal. The smell blends in with food well.
3. Be consistent.
For general anxious behaviour, daily use over at least two weeks gives a clearer picture of whether it is helping.
4. Keep notes.
It can be hard to notice gradual changes. Jotting down your dog's behaviour each day (even just a word or two) helps you spot patterns.
5. Combine with other strategies.
Valerian works best as part of a broader approach. Consistent routine, appropriate exercise, mental enrichment and positive training all contribute to a calmer dog.
Valerian and the Bigger Picture
Valerian is one tool in a much larger toolkit. It is not a magic fix. It will not cure anxiety or transform a reactive dog overnight. But as part of a thoughtful, consistent approach to supporting your dog's emotional wellbeing, it can be genuinely helpful.
If your dog struggles with fireworks, separation, travel or general nervousness, valerian based calming support is worth considering. And if you want a carefully formulated blend rather than a standalone ingredient, our Serenity calming range is a good place to start.
Every product in the range is formulated by qualified herbalists and nutritionists, uses human grade ingredients and is trusted by 400,000+ dogs across the UK.
If your dog has a medical condition, is on medication, is pregnant, nursing or very young, please consult your vet before starting any new supplement.
FAQs
#1: Can I give my dog human valerian tablets?
It is best to use a product specifically formulated for dogs. Human valerian tablets may contain additional ingredients (such as sweeteners or coatings) that are not suitable for dogs, and the dosage may not be appropriate. Choose a dog specific product with clear dosage guidance.
#2: How quickly does valerian work in dogs?
Many owners notice a calming effect within 30 to 60 minutes of giving valerian. For dogs with ongoing anxious behaviour, consistent daily use over two weeks or more may be needed to see the full benefit. Every dog responds differently.
#3: Can valerian be used alongside prescribed anxiety medication?
Valerian may interact with certain medications, particularly sedatives and anti anxiety drugs. Always consult your vet before combining valerian with any prescribed medication. They can advise on safety and appropriate timing.
#4: Is valerian safe for puppies?
Puppies have developing systems and more specific needs than adult dogs. Please consult your vet before giving valerian or any herbal supplement to a puppy. Professional guidance ensures you are supporting your puppy safely and appropriately.
#5: Does valerian make dogs sleepy?
Some dogs may experience mild drowsiness, particularly at higher doses or when first introduced to valerian. This is usually temporary. If your dog seems excessively sleepy, try reducing the dose slightly and see if the balance improves.
