🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: Calming Herbs for Dogs with Anxiety & Stress 🌿🛌

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress, anxiety, and nervousness. Whether it’s separation anxiety, loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms), travel stress, or general nervousness, anxiety can affect your pup’s happiness, behavior, and overall well-being.

While conventional medications exist, many pet owners prefer natural, herbal solutions to calm their dogs without the risk of drowsiness or side effects.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best calming herbs for dogs, how they work, and how to use them to help your furry friend relax naturally. 🐶💛

🐕 Signs Your Dog May Have Anxiety

Does your dog suffer from stress or anxiety? Some common signs include:

🚨 Excessive barking or whining🚨 Pacing or restlessness🚨 Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, digging, etc.)🚨 Panting or drooling excessively🚨 Hiding or avoiding interaction🚨 Trembling or shaking🚨 Loss of appetite or digestive upset

If your pup shows these behaviors, herbal remedies can provide natural relief and promote relaxation.

🌿 Best Herbs for Calming & Anxiety Relief in Dogs

1. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) – The Natural Sedative

Valerian root is one of the strongest natural relaxants, often referred to as "nature’s Valium". It helps calm hyperactive, anxious, or stressed dogs.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces separation anxiety & nervousness✔ Helps dogs sleep better✔ Eases stress-related digestive issues

🦴 How to Use It:

• Give valerian root tincture or capsules.

• Dosage: 2-5 drops per 10 lbs of body weight.

• Works well before fireworks, thunderstorms, or vet visits.

🚨 Important: Valerian can cause mild drowsiness—start with a small dose!

2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – The Gentle Soother

Chamomile is a mild, natural relaxant that helps calm anxiety, ease an upset stomach, and promote restful sleep.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Soothes nervousness & stress✔ Reduces stomach upset caused by anxiety✔ Eases muscle tension & promotes relaxation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew chamomile tea and mix into food (1-2 tsp per 10 lbs).

• Use a chamomile tincture before stressful events.

  
  

3. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – The Stress Adaptogen

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps dogs cope with stress, balance mood, and reduce cortisol levels (stress hormone).

🔥 Benefits:✔ Great for long-term stress management✔ Supports adrenal health & reduces cortisol✔ Helps aging dogs with cognitive function & anxiety

🦴 How to Use It:

• Give ashwagandha powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs) in food.

• Best for dogs with chronic anxiety or stress-related behaviors.

  
  

4. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – The Nervous System Relaxer

Passionflower works by calming the nervous system, making it excellent for dogs with high anxiety, fear-based behaviors, or stress-induced hyperactivity.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps with noise phobias (fireworks, storms, etc.)✔ Calms overexcited, hyper dogs✔ Supports nervous system relaxation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use passionflower tincture (2-4 drops per 10 lbs).

• Combine with valerian root for stronger relaxation effects.

  
  

5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – The Mood Balancer

Lemon balm is a gentle but effective calming herb that reduces excitability, nervousness, and digestive issues caused by stress.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces nervous tension & promotes relaxation✔ Eases anxiety-related digestive issues✔ Supports sleep & overall mood balance

🦴 How to Use It:

• Brew lemon balm tea and mix with food.

• Use lemon balm tincture (2-5 drops per 10 lbs).

  
  

🐶 DIY Calming Herbal Blend for Dogs

If your dog experiences stress, anxiety, or hyperactivity, try this homemade calming herbal blend to naturally relax them.

🌿 DIY Herbal Calming Powder

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Valerian Root (sedative)✔ 2 tbsp Chamomile (soothing)✔ 2 tbsp Lemon Balm (mood balancer)✔ 1 tbsp Ashwagandha (stress adaptogen)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Mix all herbs into a fine powder.2️⃣ Store in an airtight jar.3️⃣ Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to food daily.

🚨 Note: Start with small amounts and adjust based on your dog's response.

🛑 When to Use Calming Herbs for Dogs

🌿 Before fireworks, thunderstorms, or travel🌿 When dealing with separation anxiety🌿 For hyperactive or excitable dogs🌿 During vet visits or grooming appointments🌿 For rescue dogs adjusting to new homes

🥗 Other Natural Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Dogs

Alongside herbal remedies, you can help calm your dog naturally with:

✅ A Consistent Routine – Dogs feel safer with a predictable schedule.✅ Regular Exercise – Helps burn off anxious energy.✅ Mental Stimulation – Puzzle toys, scent games, and training keep the brain engaged.✅ Soothing Music & Aromatherapy – Lavender essential oil or calming dog playlists can reduce stress.✅ CBD Oil (Optional) – Many pet owners use CBD as an additional calming aid.

📌 How to Safely Use Herbs for Anxiety in Dogs

🌿 Start with small doses and observe for any reactions.🌿 Use high-quality, organic herbs for best results.🌿 Avoid herbs that interact with medications – Check with a holistic vet if unsure.🌿 Some herbs work best when combined – Experiment to find what works for your dog.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Calm & Happy Naturally

If your dog struggles with anxiety, nervousness, or hyperactivity, calming herbs like Valerian Root, Chamomile, Ashwagandha, Passionflower, and Lemon Balm can provide safe, natural relief—without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.

🐾 Have you tried natural calming herbs for your dog? What worked best? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️