Using Valerian as a Natural Sedative for Dogs: Proper Usage Guidelines

Both humans and dogs can benefit from valerian’s calming effects. You will learn what you need to consider before using valerian as a natural sedative for your dog.

Stress can affect even dogs, which is bad for them. Valerian (Valeriana officiinalis) is a natural remedy that can help. It’s a stronger herbal sedative than chamomile and St. John’s wort. It is not just for humans. Dogs can also benefit from valerian, provided that it’s used correctly.

Tip: Try to find other ways to relieve the stress of your dog before reaching for valerian preparations. For example, you could eliminate the sources of stress.

Use and effects of Valerian for dogs.

When you take painkillers you are only treating the symptom, “pain,” and not the root cause. This is the same as the use of valerian in dogs. The plant’s medicinal properties are only useful if all other stressors have been eliminated. If you don’t, your dog will feel stressed as soon as valerian wears out.

Valerian doesn’t take effect instantly, but after a period of time and regular use – as part of, for example, a two week course of treatment. Valerian is not a good addition to a dog’s long-term diet! The valerian contains ethereal oil. They can cause intolerance over time.

How much valerian should I give my dog?

Discuss the dosage with your veterinarian in advance, as it depends on factors like:

Weight

Size

Breed

State of health

For example, it is possible to calculate the daily intake for two weeks.

Side Effects: Can valerian harm dogs?

If you give your dog the wrong dose, it can have adverse effects such as increased restlessness and nervousness or even worse, low blood pressure or digestive issues. Please do not give valerian to your dog if they have stomach problems, mucous membranes that are damaged, or gastritis.

How to give valerian to your dog

You’ve discussed with your vet the possibility of giving valerian to your dog and have received instructions on dosage? Now you have to “slip in” the sedative. The smell of the plant may initially seem strange to your pet. He doesn’t know you are trying to help. There are many different dosage forms such as valerian tablets, drops, essential oil, and dried root.

Initially, you should only introduce small doses of valerian to your dog. At first, mix only small amounts with his food. He may not even eat the food if you don’t. They have a great nose and can detect if their food is different.

You will find helpful tips in our guidebook, “Dog Must Take Medication: This Is How He Swallows the Pill,” on how to give the medication to your four-legged companion.

Alternatives to valerian

You can also give valerian to your dog by rubbing it on his chest. You can rub 2 to 8 valerian drops onto your dog’s chest. This will also work. Your darling will inhale the vapors. A valerian cushion also works. The pillow is stuffed with valerian roots and emits the strong aroma of the plant. It has a relaxing and balancing effect on your dog. The valerian remedy is similar to other valerian remedies. You should use it only sparingly.