Dogs can become anxious for many reasons. Trips to the vet, thunderstorms, drums from a passing parade, or being left alone all day can make nervous wrecks of some dogs. While providing behavioral therapy for anxious dogs is the best way a to cure them of their anxiety, many dog owners simply sedate their animals until the crisis is past. The prescription drug acepromazine can physically sedate an anxious dog, but will do nothing to ease his fears. Valerian has long been used as a natural treatment for canine anxiety.
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History of Valerian
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Although valerian smells musty, it has been a staple of herbal medicine for centuries. According to the University of Maryland Medical center, valerian was used to relieve anxiety as early as the second century, but it's taken until this century for researchers to begin unlocking the secrets to its effectiveness. Studies now suggest that valerian contains as yet unidentified compounds which boost the brain's level of GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid. That's exactly how the prescription drugs classified as benzodiazepams operate, although valerian's effect isn't as strong.
Considerations
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Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats recommends valerian to treat anxiety in dogs which are easily irritated and change moods quickly. Dr. Pitcairn finds it most useful for dogs with anxiety-related digestive disturbances and diarrhea, as well as those which experience leg and joint pain. (Reference 3, p. 238)
Valerian Dosage for Anxious Dogs
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Herbal expert Gregory L.Tilford recommends beginning to treat a dog with valerian three days before any anxiety-causing event, saying that small doses which build up over time work better as sedatives. He suggests five drops of valerian tincture given 3 to 4 times per day (see Resources below).
Valerian for Anxiety-Related Digestive Problems
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Tilford also says that valerian helps relieve anxiety-related digestive upsets in dogs. He cautions, however, that its saponin content means high doses may cause nausea. Tilford suggests giving the tincture in doses of between 0.25 and 0.50mL/30lbs. of a dog's weight 2 to 3 times per day. Valerian tincture is available at health food stores and online.
Warning
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In very rare instances, valerian will cause anxiety in dogs instead of calming them. For those animals, skullcap, passionflower, or even catnip may be effective alternatives.
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