Best Calming Herbs for Hyper Dogs That Actually Work Wonders
If you’ve ever had a hyper dog bouncing off the walls at all hours (yep, been there), you’re probably wondering how to safely take that energy down a notch. As someone who’s worked as a Veterinary Assistant with a deep focus on pet nutrition, I’ve had my fair share of conversations with stressed-out pet parents. You’d be surprised how many folks ask me about natural options before jumping to medications. One of the most common questions I get is: “What are the best calming herbs for hyper dogs?” So, I thought, why not break it all down? This article is your go-to guide for safe, effective herbal solutions to soothe your overactive pup, especially when you want something that aligns with nature rather than pharmaceuticals.
Why Some Dogs Just Can’t Seem to Chill
Let me tell you—hyperactivity in dogs isn’t just a “bad behavior” thing. It can be driven by diet, breed tendencies, lack of stimulation, or even anxiety. I’ve met many dogs at the clinic who were labeled as “problem pups,” but once we dug deeper, we found that their energy was a sign of unmet needs. One German Shorthaired Pointer I remember literally zoomed through the clinic lobby every visit until his owners adjusted his diet and started using calming herbs. Night and day difference!
So before we reach for a sedative, let’s look at what nature has to offer. These herbs are commonly used in holistic veterinary practices and have been supported by anecdotal evidence—and in some cases, even small clinical studies. But remember, always chat with your vet before starting any herbal treatment, especially if your dog is on other meds.
Top 5 Best Calming Herbs for Hyper Dogs
1. Chamomile
This isn’t just your grandma’s bedtime tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing, and anti-anxiety effects. It’s gentle enough for most dogs and can be given as a tea, capsule, or even added to treats. I’ve seen anxious pups mellow out just by adding chamomile to their evening routine. One sweet little Shih Tzu named Bella used to bark non-stop when left alone—but chamomile-infused treats helped reduce her separation anxiety noticeably.
2. Valerian Root
Now this one is a bit more potent, and it smells… let’s say earthy (okay, stinky). But wow, does it work for high-energy dogs. Valerian root is known for its sedative properties and is especially helpful for dogs with thunderstorm phobia or travel anxiety. A Doberman mix I worked with was terrified of fireworks—Valerian made his Fourth of July much more manageable without knocking him out cold.
3. Passionflower
This is one of my go-to herbs when I recommend calming supplements. Passionflower works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which basically helps the nervous system chill out. It’s especially great for dogs that have constant nervous energy and can’t settle down. It’s often found in combo supplements for a reason.
4. Lemon Balm
Not only does it smell amazing, but Lemon Balm also has mild sedative effects and can help reduce excitability and restlessness. It’s ideal for small to medium dogs with mild anxiety. I actually grow it in my backyard, and yes—I’ve brewed it into tea for both myself and a particularly jittery Jack Russell who used to board with us.
5. CBD (Hemp-Derived, THC-Free)
Okay, not technically an herb in the traditional sense, but CBD deserves a spot here. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help manage stress and anxiety. Make sure you go for products that are specifically formulated for pets—THC is a big no-no. I’ve seen older, arthritic dogs not only calm down but also move better thanks to CBD oil.
How to Introduce Herbs Safely Into Your Dog’s Routine
Start slow—seriously. Even the gentlest herbs can cause digestive upset if you dive in too fast. I always tell clients to:
- Introduce one herb at a time so you can watch for reactions.
- Use the lowest effective dose based on your dog’s weight.
- Opt for organic, veterinary-approved supplements.
- Keep a log of any changes in behavior or digestion.
And if your pup is already on medication, don’t play mad scientist—herbs can interact with certain drugs. When in doubt, check with your vet (or better yet, a holistic vet if you have one nearby).
Other Natural Techniques That Complement Calming Herbs
While herbs can work wonders on their own, combining them with other calming strategies often boosts their effectiveness. I’ve found this especially true with anxious or high-strung breeds—think Border Collies, Huskies, or even nervous Chihuahuas. Sometimes it’s not about doing more, but doing things *smarter*.
Daily Routine = Predictability = Calm
One of the best non-herbal “tools” I’ve seen work wonders is simply creating a consistent daily routine. Dogs, like us, feel safer when they know what to expect. Feeding times, walks, rest, and play—if those stay predictable, their stress levels drop. I had a Boxer named Tyson who used to get the zoomies every evening around 7 PM. Turned out he was just overexcited about dinner. A set mealtime plus some calming Lemon Balm tea about 30 minutes before? Instant mellow vibes.
Calm-Boosting Enrichment Activities
Sometimes, hyper behavior is actually boredom in disguise. Here are a few enrichment tricks that pair beautifully with calming herbs for hyper dogs:
- Snuffle mats — Encourage natural foraging behavior, great for mental stimulation.
- Lick mats with calming ingredients — Try mashed banana, peanut butter (xylitol-free!), or pumpkin mixed with chamomile or CBD oil.
- Frozen puzzle toys — These keep the brain engaged and the paws busy.
I worked with a young Aussie mix named Luna who’d tear up furniture if left alone. Once we added Valerian-root-infused treats with a frozen puzzle toy, her destructive behavior dropped by about 80%. It’s amazing what the right combo can do.
What to Look for When Buying Herbal Calming Products
Not all calming supplements are created equal—trust me, I’ve read more labels than I can count. Quality, dosage, and sourcing matter big time. You want to make sure what you’re giving your dog is actually helpful and not just filler.
Key Things I Always Tell Pet Parents to Check:
- Transparency in sourcing: Organic and non-GMO ingredients are ideal. Look for companies that name where their herbs are grown or harvested.
- No mystery blends: Some labels say “proprietary blend” without listing actual quantities. That’s a red flag. You want to know how much of each herb your dog is getting.
- Third-party testing: This is huge for CBD products especially. Make sure there’s a COA (Certificate of Analysis) available from an independent lab.
- Veterinary-formulated or reviewed: Not every brand is made with pets in mind. A good formula will mention consultation with a vet or holistic practitioner.
One brand I personally like (and no, this isn’t sponsored) uses a combo of Passionflower, Chamomile, and L-Theanine—and it actually lists out milligrams per dose. That’s the kind of transparency I love to see.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Calming Herbs
I’ve seen a few well-meaning pet parents unknowingly sabotage their efforts by rushing into herbal remedies. So let’s save you the guesswork. Here are some no-no’s to steer clear of when using the best calming herbs for hyper dogs:
- Overdosing “just to be safe”: More is not always better. Some herbs like Valerian can cause drowsiness or GI upset in large amounts.
- Mixing multiple calming supplements without guidance: This can lead to interactions or even overstimulation. Stick to one new thing at a time unless your vet says otherwise.
- Using adult human products: A lot of human herbal blends contain caffeine, xylitol, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
And a quick story—there was this adorable lab named Cooper whose owner gave him her nighttime tea without checking the ingredients. Poor guy ended up with an upset tummy because it had peppermint and green tea. Lesson learned: always double-check what’s in it, even if it sounds harmless.
Signs That Your Herbal Regimen Is Working
The results aren’t usually dramatic like flipping a switch, but over time, you should start to notice some pretty heartwarming changes. Based on what I’ve seen at the clinic and with my own pups, here are a few green flags:
- Your dog settles faster after stimulation (visitors, walks, excitement).
- They sleep more soundly and wake up less reactive.
- Barking, pacing, or whining becomes less frequent.
- They start choosing rest over constant movement or pacing.
One senior Beagle I used to see had terrible separation anxiety. After a month of CBD and routine enrichment games, she went from crying all day to peacefully napping by the window. It’s not magic—but it feels like it when it works.
When to Seek Professional Help for a Hyper Dog
Even with the best calming herbs for hyper dogs and a solid daily routine, some pups still need a little extra help. And that’s totally okay. Sometimes, what looks like hyperactivity is really rooted in something deeper—chronic anxiety, neurological issues, or even undiagnosed pain.
In my experience at the clinic, I’ve seen dogs misdiagnosed as “just hyper” when they were actually dealing with thyroid imbalances or even mild seizures. So, if your dog’s energy seems off the charts even after trying natural remedies, or if their behavior suddenly changes, it’s time to call your vet or a veterinary behaviorist.
Signs You Might Need Professional Input:
- Your dog’s hyper behavior is getting worse, not better.
- They’re destructive, self-harming, or showing signs of aggression.
- Nothing seems to calm them—not even a combo of herbs and enrichment.
- You suspect their energy is tied to physical discomfort or medical conditions.
It’s not about giving up—it’s about getting the right support. I once worked with a sweet rescue named Peanut who was bouncing off the walls no matter what we tried. Turns out she had an underlying adrenal issue. Once that was addressed medically, all the herbal support started actually helping.
Combining Herbal Calm with Long-Term Behavior Training
Herbs are awesome, don’t get me wrong—but they work best when paired with gentle, reward-based training. Think of the herbs as a tool to help your dog learn how to be calm—not just a quick fix. When your dog’s nervous system isn’t in overdrive, they’re way more capable of learning new behaviors.
For example, if you’re dealing with leash reactivity (barking, lunging), a Passionflower supplement can take the edge off enough to make desensitization training more effective. One doodle I worked with went from dragging his owner down the block to walking politely after just a few weeks of training + herbal support.
Training Techniques That Pair Well With Calming Herbs:
- Mat training: Teaching your dog to relax on a designated mat builds calm behavior over time.
- Clicker reinforcement: Positive feedback helps rewire that jumpy brain, especially when they’re feeling slightly more relaxed thanks to the herbs.
- Calm greetings: Practice low-stimulation meet-and-greets with known dogs and people. Herbs like Lemon Balm or Chamomile can help tone down the excitement beforehand.
Just like people, dogs can’t learn when they’re stressed. By calming their nervous system, you’re setting the stage for real behavior change—not just masking the symptoms.
My Go-To Calming Herb Routine for Dogs (From the Clinic & Home)
Alright, let’s pull it all together. When clients ask me what I personally recommend for their wound-up pup, here’s a general outline I often suggest (after reminding them to run it by their vet, of course):
- Morning: A calming chew with Passionflower + L-Theanine + a touch of CBD.
- Midday: Enrichment activity like a snuffle mat or frozen lick toy to prevent restlessness.
- Evening: A small serving of chamomile tea (cooled) or treats containing Valerian Root.
This combo gives a gentle rise and fall of calm throughout the day and avoids any one herb overwhelming the system. It’s a routine that’s worked wonders for dozens of pups I’ve helped—including my own Border Collie mix who used to treat thunderstorms like the end of the world.
References
Disclaimer
The information in this article is based on my personal experiences as a veterinary assistant with a focus on nutrition, as well as evidence-based research and holistic care practices. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new herbs or supplements to your pet’s routine—especially if your dog is taking medications or has existing health conditions.
