Is Catnip Bad for Dogs? [The Answer May Surprise You!]

Many of us have heard about catnip and how it makes cats crazy, but what happens if a dog gets ahold of some? Is catnip safe for dogs, bad for dogs or is it safe female cats display not for dogs? With so many families housing both cats and dogs, this situation is bound to arise.

 

 

If your dog gets ahold of catnip should you worry that he'll eat it? Luckily, the answer is no, although there is some concern. So what exactly will catnip do to your dog? Will it have any effects? We know that most cats go crazy for catnip, but why, what’s in it?

 

 

Believe it or not, catnip is actually just one plant. Its botanical name is Nepeta cataria and it comes from the same mint family as the mint plant (Lamiaceae). The essential oil extracted from the leaves and stem of the plant, nepetalactone, is the active ingredient in catnip responsible for sending most felines into a frenzy.

 

 

Also referred to as “catmint”, catnip effects between 70-80% of cats (it’s hereditary!). The remaining 20-30% of cats and kittens under 6 months are unaffected. Cat owners can use the catnip plant growing, for training purposes, stimulating the mind, promoting physical activity, and reducing anxiety. If you want, you can purchase a catnip plant and add it to your garden.However, most commonly you will find it dried out and incorporated into different, dog catnip or products.

 

 

Did you know that catnip is not just beneficial for cats? It can provide benefits for dogs as well (and even humans). But, what exactly on catnip acts on a dog responds what will it do for a dog? Will it make it completely safe for dogs to act like cats on catnip?

 

 

 

 

How Does Catnip Affect Dogs?

Surprisingly, some canines actually like catnip, although, it will not send them into a euphoric state as it does for most cats. However, there are still many benefits dogs stand to gain.  Like most other plants, catnip is comprised of different elements and many of them can be quite beneficial food for both pets and canines. Catnip has vitamin C and E along with other minerals such as magnesium, flavonoids, and tannins.

 

 

Additionally, catnip contains beneficial essential oils. These elements can benefit dogs and cats in the following ways:

 

 

Canine Sedative

Did you know that catnip works as a stimulant for cats in general, but it can also be used as a mild sedative for dogs? However, for this calming effect to take effect, the dog must ingest the catnip rather than simply smell it.

 

 

This calming effect not all dogs is easily achievable by crushing up dried catnip and adding it to the dog’s foodor water.  Just a little goes a long way! However, the effect is hard to predict.  While most dogs experience catnip exhibit a calming effect, some dogs get nervous and other dogs get hyperactive.

 

 

Both circumstances can become a handful. If your dog gets nervous when you leave the houseor go to the vet, maybe a little catnip can help.

 

 

 

 

Digestive Aid

Catnip may help dogs with digestion. Obviously to reach the digestive tract the catnip dog safe the dog must ingest the catnip. It may help with indigestion, cramps, diarrhea, and flatulence. Some people report using small amounts of the catnip for dogs, to help calm their doggy’s with upset stomach and tummy.

 

 

 How Much Catnip Can a Dog Have?

When it comes to giving catnip to dogs, it's important to exercise caution. While catnip is generally safe for dogs, it's not something they need or benefit from in the same way cats do. A small amount, such as a pinch or two, can be given occasionally as a treat or to help with digestive issues or anxiety. However, large amounts may cause digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

 

 

Always consult your vet before introducing any new substance, including catnip, into your dog's diet to ensure it's safe for their specific health needs.

 

 

Is Catnip Bad For Your Dogs?

In moderation, catnip appears safe to use on a dog’s skin or internally. However, you should avoid giving your canine any catnip toys made for cats. Actually, you should avoid giving your dog cat toys altogether. In some cases, it is not the catnip you need to worry about, but the toy itself. 

 

 

Toys for cats are designed with cats in mind, not dogs. Cat toys can be small and contain small parts. You know how dogs like to rip up their toys, right? Well, there have been many incidences of dogs chewing up cat toys and choking on them or getting parts stuck in their intestines. 

 

 

This doesn't necessarily mean your dog can't play with a dogs safe catnip toy. Some creative canine owners have found that you can take any toy, made specifically for cats high is catnip safe for dogs and rub it with catnip or catnip spray. Presto! Now you have a catnip safe toy made for dogs!

 

 

Sounds like a good way to get some more use out of an old dog toy or you can buy a new toy, top it off with some fresh catnip, and surprise your best friend with it.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Is Catnip Bad for Dogs

 In conclusion, while catnip is often associated with cats, it turns out that it’s not inherently bad for dogs either. In fact, when given in moderation, catnip can offer some surprising benefits for your canine companion, such as a mild calming effect or digestive aid. However, it’s important to exercise caution—overindulgence can lead to digestive upset, and cat toys designed for felines may pose a choking hazard for dogs.

 

 

As with any new treat or supplement, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing catnip to your dog’s routine. With careful use, catnip can be a safe and enjoyable addition to your dog’s life.

 

 

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