Anxiety "valerian"

[lilyandjazz]

Hi,

I have a kelpie who has severe thunderstorm/fireworks anxiety.

It has been suggested to me that i give her 500 Valerian on new years eve to help calm her down.

I have done some research, but it all relates to people not dogs.

Has anyone used these tablets before and do they have any side effects ?

Thanks

Mel

[Cavandra]

Yes you can use Valerian on dogs. You can make cool Chamomile tea instead of water. You can give Bach flower Rescue Remedy.

[stormie]

Perhaps speak to your vet about getting some valium to have on hand in case the natural therapies don't work, particularly as you say the phobia is severe? Valium is quite safe to use and works really well with anxiety

[Poodle wrangler]

I'd go for the pharmaceutical option if it's severe and it' only this one night.

Our vet often suggests cheaper human drugs, but I always ask first as you also have to adjust dosage and some human meds are toxic to dogs.

[Lowenhart]

We've used Valerian for a hyper dog - made almost no difference.

But no side-effects either. :rolleyes:

[haven]

If you're using Valerian be very aware of the correct dosage. In larger amounts it can have the opposite of the desired effect!

In humans it can have mild side effects such as headaches, stomach cramps, dizziness, anxiety and mental apathy.

There isn't a great deal of scientific information to prove that Valerian is effective for treating anxiety and some studies seem to indicate that it is more effective when given in a regular dose over a period of days or weeks rather than as a once off.

How effective it is is also largely going to depend on your dog. I've used Valium for anxiety on one of mine without success but found that things like DAP and natural therapies such as bach flower remedies and various herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements to be extremely effective.

The problem with Valium is that it has a very short life, the effects are only going to last a couple of hours at most.

[sas]

I've used it with a dog before, didn't see a difference.

Stormie, would you reccomend something like Beta Blockers as well?

Edited December 30, 2007 by sas