Just like people, dogs can exhibit a whole range of nervousness, stress, inner tension, anxiety and terror. Some dogs you can’t rouse with a marching band, they are so calm and trusting, they make a cucumber look nervous. Some dogs are so jittery, pacing the floor, yipping and whining at anything new in the environment. And yet others are terrified at almost everything that moves - a car ride, the vacuum cleaner or even loud noises, especially thunder. Many dogs go crazy whenever their humans leave them - barking & whining & chewing up anything in sight. This is so common, it’s been given the name of “separation anxiety.” And then there’s the dog that looks calm on the outside, but on the inside is a bundle of nerves.

Herbs are the ideal calmers because they are gentle in their activity and don’t make your dog “crash” as more harsh tranquilizers do. herbal activity is short-lived and animals don’t wake up groggy and stumbling around.

And, although it’s not a known problem with animals, it’s nice to know that herbal calmers are not addictive. Theres is no cumulative effect with herbs, meaning that the herbs don’t stay in the body and create a residue of activity from previous doses. Additionally, some herbal calmers, particularly oats, are tonics - they are an overall balance to the nervous system.

Remember to try these herbs before you need them to get a feel for your dog’s individual reaction to them. And perhaps the most important, when your pet needs one of the herbs, take some of the same herb for yourself. When you are calm and relaxed, your dog will be too. Just be sure to consult with your physician or herbalist before taking a new herb, especially if you are taking prescription medication.

The following are my favorite choices for the “serenity challenged” dog:

Oats: This is the first herb that I consider, not because it is such a powerful antidote to nervous jitters but, rather, because it is such a good general nervine and so easy to give to a pet. Cooked oatmeal added to your dog’s food will help the nerves as well as provide a source of fiber. You can also grow oat grass (in a flowerpot inside during the winter). when it’s a few inches tall, clip and serve - or just let your dog graze on the grass. Or you can make a tea from oat straw and soak your dog’s food in it. If you choose to make a tea, be sure you are using organic oat straw. Another way to reap the benefits of oats is to boil about a pound of shredded organic oat straw in 2 quarts of water and add this to your dog’s bathwater. This makes a wonderfully calming and healing bath with high levels of skin-soothing salicylic acid. If non of these delivery systems suits your fancy, oat is available in pill and tincture form, or you can use the wild oat flower essence remedy.

St. John’s Wort: This herb is terrific for anxiety and tension, but it can be used whenever your dog is depressed or needs some nerve healing. For separation anxiety, St. John’s Wort is the first choice and it is sometimes combined with Valerian.

Valerian: It is specifically used to reduce tension and anxiety, overexcitability and hysterical states. Is it any wonder that this herb was a favorite of anxious Londoners during World War II? Although the plant smells like dirty socks, most pets love it as a sprinkle or tea atop their food. (Come to think of it, most dogs love
the smell of dirty socks!!). Valerian is also available as a tincture or in capsules/tablets.

Chamomile: While Roman chamomile and German chamomile have slightly different medicinal qualities, in general they both treat anxiety in the same manner. Chamomile is a potent sedative used to reduce anxiety in stressed animals. It has the added advantages of calming your dog’s belly and helping him sleep.
Chamomile, then, is an herb to consider before any long car ride - it will ease an upset stomach and may put your dog to sleep for the duration of the trip. Some pets enjoy chamomile tea straight as much as we humans do. Or you can soak a small treat in the tea - and it is available in capsule/tablet and tincture forms as well.

Kava Kava: A traditional herb used in Polynesian ceremonies, kava kava reduces anxiety, relaxes tension (including muscle tension), and calms restlessness without a loss of mental sharpness or kinesthetic senses (strength and balance) or the muscles. Kava Kava is a good herb of choice for a tense dog, such as one getting ready for competition or one about to get a chiropractic adjustment. Kava kava is available in capsule, tincture, ground and powdered forms. The ground and powdered forms can be made into a tea or sprinkled onto food.

Lavender: Another favorite calming herbs, lavender is used as a sedative. It’s especially helpful to quiet the incessantly barking dog. Moisten your dog’s food with lavender tea, or try the aromatherapy approach: Waft its fragrance into your pet’s environment. You can even apply a few drops to the area behind the dog’s ears. For a car trip, put a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball and hang it from the rearview mirror; you can also hang the scented cotton in the room that is your dog’s favorite hiding place.

Other herbs to consider are:
Catnip - has wondrous effects on cats, but is calming to all critters. It’s especially good for a nervous stomach.
Skullcap - good for nervous tension and has additional benefit for the epileptic patient.

E-mail me for sources for these herbs if you’re interested. After all, a happy dog makes a happy owner!