Herbal Remedies for Canine Anxiety: What Works and What’s Just Fancy Grass?

 

If your dog has ever turned into a quivering mess during a thunderstorm, turned your front door into a scratching post when you leave for work, or simply lost their mind because the vacuum dared to exist—congratulations, you have an anxious pup!

Anxiety in dogs is no joke. But with the overwhelming number of calming products on the market, it can feel like you’re on a wild goose chase trying to find what actually works and what’s just overpriced lawn clippings.

So, let’s cut through the fluff and break down the best herbal remedies for canine anxiety—what works, what doesn’t, and how you can help your pup chill out without resorting to a full-blown spa day (unless they demand it in which case, good luck).

What Actually Works (AKA: The Good Stuff)

1. Chamomile – Not Just for Your Grandma’s Tea 

Chamomile isn’t just for humans who pretend to have their life together. It’s a natural sedative that can help calm nervous pups, ease an upset stomach, and even help with mild aggression. It works by relaxing muscles and reducing stress hormones—perfect for dogs who act like the world is ending every time you grab your car keys.

How to Use It:

Chamomile can be found in calming treats, tinctures, or as a tea added to their food. If your dog’s anxiety is through the roof, a high-quality herbal supplement (like our Shadow’s Sleepy-Time Cookies) might do the trick.

2. Valerian Root – The Ultimate Chill Pill

Think of valerian root as nature’s answer to a doggie Xanax—without the weird side effects. It’s a powerful calming herb helps with nervousness, separation anxiety, and even noise phobias.

Bonus: It’s also great for hyperactive dogs who act like they’ve had three espressos before breakfast.

How to Use It:

It’s available in tinctures, supplements, or baked into [Horton Hears a Thunder]. Just be warned: valerian root smells very strong. (If your dog suddenly starts sniffing their bowl like it’s a gourmet meal, you’ll know why.)

3. Passionflower – Not Just for Hippies

Passionflower sounds like something you’d find at a music festival, but it’s actually a powerful herb for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It helps increase GABA (a neurotransmitter that calms the brain), which means fewer freakouts over the mailman’s existence.

How to Use It:

It’s often included in calming supplements, treats, or tinctures. It pairs well with valerian root and chamomile—like a dream team for stressed-out pups.

4. CBD – The Trend That Actually Works

Yes, CBD isn’t just a fad. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety in dogs, ease pain, and even help with seizures. It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (fancy science for “helps the body relax”). Just make sure it is actual CBD and NOT hemp, as they come from different parts of the plant and have different effects on the nervous system.

How to Use It:

CBD oils, chews, and treats are widely available. Just make sure you get a high-quality, pet-safe product with no added junk. (Shameless plug: Horton Hears a Thunder because your dog deserves the best.)

What Doesn’t Work (Or Works About as Well as a Screen Door on a Submarine)

❌ Lavender Essential Oil (When Used Incorrectly)

While lavender can be calming, many essential oils are toxic to dogs if applied directly to their skin or ingested. Diffusing it in small amounts might help, but don’t turn your home into a lavender-scented sauna. Lavender is also VERY toxic for cats

❌ Random “Calming” Chews That Are Just Flavored Air

Not all calming treats are created equal. If the ingredients list is full of fillers, artificial flavours, and a microscopic amount of actual calming herbs, you might as well be feeding your dog expensive kibble. Look for products with proven calming ingredients like chamomile, valerian, and passionflower.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Give Your Anxious Dog?

If your dog’s anxiety turns them into a trembling, panting mess, don’t fall for the hype of every so-called “calming” product. Stick to herbal supplements that work—like those containing chamomile, valerian root, passionflower, or CBD.

But keep in mind that all dogs react differently to herbs, and this is NOT a cure for anxiety it is simply designed to help the nervous system ease into a state of calm.

And hey, if you’re looking for a safe, effective, and downright delicious way to help your pup relax, check out our Horton Hears a Thunder. Made with all-natural, anxiety-fighting herbs, they’re the perfect way to help your dog chill—without the prescription price tag.

Because let’s be real, a relaxed dog = a happy owner. And we could all use a little more peace and quiet.

Shop Now & Give Your Pup the Zen They Deserve!