🐾 Paw-scription Mondays: How Herbal Remedies Can Help Dogs with PTSD & Trauma 🌿🐶💔

Dogs, like humans, can experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma, especially if they have been exposed to abuse, neglect, war zones, natural disasters, or other highly stressful events. Rescue dogs, retired service dogs, and those who have endured significant distress or abandonment may struggle with fear, anxiety, and long-term behavioral challenges.

While proper training, patience, and love are essential for helping dogs recover, herbal remedies can naturally soothe the nervous system, reduce fear responses, and support emotional healing.

In this Paw-scription Monday guide, we’ll explore the best herbal remedies for PTSD in dogs, how they work, and how to use them safely to help your dog feel secure, relaxed, and happy again. 🌱🐾

🐕 Signs of PTSD & Trauma in Dogs

PTSD in dogs often develops after intense stress or repeated negative experiences. Some common triggers include:

🚨 Abandonment or rehoming trauma (common in rescue dogs)🚨 Surviving natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, war zones)🚨 Experiencing abuse, neglect, or forced isolation🚨 Loud noises like fireworks, gunshots, or explosions🚨 Military, police, or service work stress

🚨 Symptoms of PTSD in Dogs

🔹 Hypervigilance & jumpiness – Constantly alert, overreacting to sounds or movements🔹 Panic attacks or freezing – Becoming stiff, frozen, or unable to move when triggered🔹 Fear aggression – Defensive growling, barking, or lunging out of fear🔹 Hiding or avoiding interaction – Staying in corners or avoiding eye contact🔹 Destructive behavior – Chewing, digging, or self-harming🔹 Shaking, panting, or drooling excessively🔹 Separation anxiety & distress when alone

Dogs with PTSD may relive trauma in specific situations (e.g., hearing loud noises, seeing certain people, or being in confined spaces). Herbal support can help regulate their nervous system and rebuild trust.

🌿 Best Herbs for PTSD & Trauma Recovery in Dogs

1. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) – The Deep Relaxer

Valerian Root is a potent natural sedative, perfect for highly anxious, panicked, or reactive dogs struggling with PTSD.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps with panic attacks & extreme fear reactions✔ Promotes relaxation without excessive sedation✔ Reduces hypervigilance & overreactivity to triggers

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Valerian tincture (1-3 drops per 10 lbs).

• Mix Valerian root powder into food (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

🚨 Test in small amounts first—some dogs become sleepy, while others may become more alert.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – The Stress Resilience Herb

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps regulate the body’s stress response rather than just sedating.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels✔ Helps with long-term trauma healing & emotional stability✔ Supports brain function & memory in PTSD dogs

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Ashwagandha root powder (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).

• Works best for chronic stress & anxiety management.

🚨 Avoid in dogs with thyroid imbalances—may increase thyroid hormone levels.

3. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – The Anxiety Stabilizer

Passionflower is a mild sedative that helps ease trauma-related anxiety and sleep disturbances.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Reduces excessive barking, pacing, and hyperactivity✔ Helps with PTSD-related sleep problems✔ Promotes a sense of calm without sedation

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Passionflower tincture (1-3 drops per 10 lbs).

• Brew Passionflower tea and mix into food or water.

🚨 Avoid in dogs on sedative medications—can increase drowsiness.

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – The Gentle Nerve Tonic

Lemon Balm relaxes the nervous system and lifts mood, making it great for fearful, depressed, or withdrawn dogs.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Calms hyperactive and reactive behaviors✔ Supports dogs recovering from fear-based trauma✔ Helps with stress-related digestive issues

🦴 How to Use It:

• Use Lemon Balm tincture (2-5 drops per 10 lbs).

• Brew Lemon Balm tea and mix into food.

🚨 Avoid in dogs with thyroid conditions—it may lower thyroid hormone levels.

5. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – The Nervous System Reset

Skullcap is ideal for PTSD dogs with intense fear responses, helping them process emotions without shutting down.

🔥 Benefits:✔ Helps with panic attacks, extreme startle reflex, and hyperawareness✔ Supports dogs with PTSD, past trauma, or extreme phobias✔ Works well for dogs that have been abused or neglected

🦴 How to Use It:

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

• Works best for dogs with deep-seated trauma.

🚨 Introduce gradually to ensure no drowsiness.

🌿 DIY Herbal PTSD & Trauma Recovery Blend for Dogs

If your dog struggles with PTSD, extreme fear, or past trauma, try this herbal mix to naturally promote relaxation and emotional stability.

🐕 DIY PTSD Herbal Recovery Powder

🫙 Ingredients:✔ 2 tbsp Valerian Root Powder (deep relaxer)✔ 1 tbsp Passionflower Powder (calming stabilizer)✔ 1 tbsp Ashwagandha Powder (stress resilience)✔ ½ tbsp Lemon Balm Powder (gentle nerve tonic)

📝 Instructions:1️⃣ Mix all herbs in an airtight container.2️⃣ Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to food daily.3️⃣ Use long-term for ongoing trauma recovery.

🚨 Introduce slowly and monitor for any sensitivities.

🛑 Other Natural Ways to Support PTSD Recovery in Dogs

✅ Provide a Safe, Quiet Space – Avoid sudden loud noises, crowded areas, and stressful environments.✅ Use Predictable Routines – Dogs with PTSD thrive on structure and consistency.✅ Engage in Positive Reinforcement Training – Help build confidence without punishment.✅ Use Gentle, Slow Introductions to New People & Places – Reduce overwhelm and fear responses.✅ Play Calming Music or White Noise – Helps mask external triggers and create a relaxing atmosphere.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Helping Dogs Heal from Trauma Naturally

PTSD and trauma recovery take time, but with the right herbal remedies, behavioral training, and supportive environment, your dog can overcome fear, build trust, and feel safe again. Herbs like Valerian Root, Passionflower, Skullcap, and Lemon Balm provide gentle, effective relief from anxiety, fear, and nervous tension, helping your pup find peace and confidence.

🐾 Has your dog struggled with PTSD or past trauma? What natural remedies have helped? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️