No herb works for every dog or every situation. Every dog is individual, and while valerian may work for one dog with separation anxiety, it may not work for another dog with a fear of storms. The root of the plant, Valeriana officialis has been used for centuries for stress-related conditions in humans. Studies have shown a positive effect in people suffering from mild anxiety and insomnia (1,2). It’s widely used in pets – but does it actually work? How does it work? The same study demonstrated that S. barbata was also effective in reducing XDRAB bacterial load in the lungs of mice, compared to a control group ( 7).

Passion flower’s calming and relaxing effects are well-known. Studies have shown that it can be used to balance the moods of both pets and humans, with no negative side effects. It is possible to give catnip to your cat every other day, but keep in mind that its effectiveness fades after a few minutes. The Benefits And Risks Of Valerian Root For Cats While many dogs have experienced reduced stress after taking valerian root, it’s rare for vets to recommend it due to the minimal research about the ingredient. Some studies have been done, but not enough to confirm its effects. Is Valerian Root Safe For Dogs? While you can use tinctures, powders, or supplements, it’s always better to get medical advice or use dog-specific supplements. But as a general rule dosage for powdered valerian root is approximately four milligrams for every pound of weight. The active ingredients in skullcap, known as flavonoids, have been shown in studies to support cognitive function and to reduce inflammation. According to some research, flavonoids may be beneficial for improving sleep quality as well.Skullcap stimulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves, and it is also thought to help reduce anxiety. It is well-known that this plant was used in traditional medicine to treat insomnia and anxiety. Is Chinese Skullcap Safe For Brain Health? Skullcap should not be used if you are taking prescription antidepressants because it can increase their effect. Skullcap can also develop a habit, so if you are considering taking it as an antidepressant, you should consult with your doctor first. Is Skullcap Safe To Take Daily? It’s difficult to determine a valerian root dosage for dogs because the amount varies greatly based on their weight and anxiety levels. You may be able to estimate a dosage for your dog, but it’s best to get a professional’s suggestion first. Talk to your vet about what they think is the ideal dosage for your dog. Valerian Root Dosage for Dogs

Despite valerian root being a relatively safe herb to use, there are some instances where it’s best to stay clear of it. Relieving your dog’s anxiety is easiest if you know the issue causing it. If possible, figure out what’s bothering your dog and remove the trigger. If you’re unable to get rid of what’s stressing your dog out, that’s when you may need to turn to a supplement for help. One test-tube study sampled over 30 Chinese herbs and found that only S. barbata extract demonstrated 100% antibacterial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB), a bacterium that is a leading cause of pneumonia in hospitalized patients ( 7). While the herb is commonly used for humans, it’s becoming more popular in the canine world too. Valerian root’s sedative qualities are thought to reduce anxiety in dogs. It may also be effective for other pets, such as cats and rabbits.Regarded by researchers as a natural anti-depressant, St. John’s Wort for dog seizures may soothe your dog’s nerves, eliminate nightmares and anxiety. St. John s Wort for dog seizures is a recommended herb. The herb is used to calm the nerves. However, St. John s Wort for dog seizures can cause your dog’s skin to become overly sensitive to the sun. When administering any type of natural herbal formula, always give your dog the recommended dose. Scullcap - contains a number of valuable compounds including those which bind to the GABA receptor and reduce anxiety. As a result, they are used in agility and show dogs to be calm, focused, and alert in situations where dogs require agility or show dogs to be dopey or wobbly. One of our best-selling products, the Scullcap Tablets, not only relieves stress, fear, and anxiety, but also allows you and your pet to relax, no matter how stressed or anxious you are.