Anxiety and stress in dogs: natural approach

What is anxiety and stress in dogs?

Anxiety in dogs manifests in various ways: trembling, panting, hiding, destructive behaviour, excessive barking or restlessness in response to triggers such as separation, car travel, thunderstorms or unfamiliar environments. Chronic stress lowers quality of life and can exacerbate behavioural problems.

The approach with the greatest scientific weight is a combination of behaviour therapy and — in severe cases — veterinary medication. Supplementary products may be used supportively in consultation with a veterinary surgeon, but do not replace professional guidance.

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What does the evidence say?

Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is traditionally used as a calming herb. A narrative review combined animal studies and questionnaire research in dogs and found positive signals for calmer behaviour [1]. A separate clinical assessment concluded, however, that evidence in pets largely remains limited to anecdotes and extrapolation from human research, without controlled studies of sufficient size [2].

Verdict: C — weak evidence, further controlled research lacking.

CBD (cannabidiol)

Two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigated CBD in dogs:

• After a single CBD dose, fewer stress-related behaviours were measured in separation anxiety and car travel [3].
• In a standardised sound anxiety test, no statistically significant effects on anxiety symptoms were found [4].

The outcomes are thus mixed. Both studies are small and short-term. Which formulations, populations and circumstances yield an effect — and how large that effect is — remains unclear. Adverse effects in these studies were mild, but long-term safety has not been investigated in dogs.

Verdict: C — mixed and preliminary evidence, methodologically limited.

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Overview per option

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Safety and points of attention

• CBD products for animals fall under the Commodities Act (Warenwet) in the Netherlands. Quality and purity of freely available products vary greatly; THC content must remain below the legal limit.
• Valerian is considered relatively safe at low doses, but is not registered as a veterinary medicinal product in the Netherlands.
• Both products are no substitute for behaviour therapy or veterinary medication in moderate to severe anxiety.
• Always consult a veterinary surgeon before use, especially in dogs already using medication — interactions are possible (see below).

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When to go to the veterinary surgeon immediately?

Moderate to severe anxiety occurring daily, leading to self-injury or resulting in aggressive behaviour requires professional behavioural guidance. Supplementary products are not a first step and provide insufficient support as the sole intervention.