Is Catnip Safe For Dogs?

Catnip helps cat to reduce stress. It makes them happy as well as feels calm. But is it safe for dogs also.

If yes, will it helps dog to calm down. Will it reduce stress?

We will try to give your every possible question’s answer related to it.

Before going into that question. It is better to know what catnip is and why it is given to cats.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip also known as Nepetacataria, is a herb that is from mint family. It affects cat’s mood or behaviours.

It’s plant is found mostly in North America. It has light green leaves with lavender flower.

It flower is used mostly for treating coughs and for natural bug spray.

What Does Catnip Do To Cats?

Catnip has an element called Nepetalactone which causes moods or behavior change in cats.

These behavior changes may be like rolling on floor, playing, raise in sex hormone, feeling energetic or happy, less stress.

Catnip helps them to calm down reduce anxiety or stress. It works the same way as the marijuana works for human being.

Catnip comes in dry form, fresh from plant and it is also available in catnip spray. Its effect lasts for 10 minutes or more sometimes depends on cats.

Is Catnip Safe For Dogs?

According to vet, it is safe for them to use. It will have no side-effect on them. It will end their anxiety.

It will make them feel relaxed and happy. Giving them in limits will be good.

Giving them, too much can make them addictive, and can cause allergy to them.

What Does Catnip Do To Dogs?

Dogs and cats have an organ named vomeronasal inside their nose.

Vomeronasal organ main work is to analysis the scent which animal smell from its nose.

And as we told you earlier catnip has component called Nepetalactone, it is a type of scent found in catnip.

When cats smell them they start losing their mind. It makes them feel happy and calm.

Dogs also have vomeronasal organ in them. But they don’t react to catnip.

Should You Give Your Dog Catnip?

Yes, you can give them but if your dog has allergic problem than avoid giving them this. And if your dog is on certain medication. Then, ask your vet before giving them. When should you give them catnip?

• When they are feeling anxiety- Taking them can make dogs feel relaxed which eventually make them free from anxiety.

• When they are terrified too much- After giving catnip to dog, it makes free from fear. Relax them and make them happy.

• When they are hesitating to go outdoor- It is normally seen that dogs love going outdoor, hiking or travel from cars. But some dogs get terrified going outdoor or some dogs fear going from car. Catnip resolve this all.

• Facing insomnia- By relaxing them it helps them to sleep better.

• Facing physical pain- Help to relieve their arthritis pain or any other pain to some extent. But for short interval, it will be better to show them to vet.

How To Give Your Dog Catnip?

Start giving then first, less and slowly. You can sprinkle it on their food.

If they start liking or feeling relaxed in small amount of catnip. Then you can continue.

And if it shows some side effects like uncontrollable actions or allergy, then stop giving it to them.

Dr. Lindsey Wendt from The Wildest collective, gave following guidelines for dogs to take catnip.

1/8 tablespoon for small breeds dogs

1/4 tablespoon for medium sized dogs

1/2 tablespoon for large dogs

She also told that not to give dogs cat toy as it will lead them to exposure of catnip. That will be highly dangerous for them.

Things To Know Before Giving Them Catnip?

Don’t give them in regular basis. Instead, give them when they are terrified or not feeling uncomfortable.

Don’t feed them the plant as it can cause allergy to them or lose their mind.

If they are taking any medicine, then ask the vets before using them.

Avoid using catnip essential oil as it will be harmful to them.

Conclusion

Catnip are useful for cats as it end their anxiety, make them feel relaxed. Make them happy and tension free.

And you can give it to dog, it does not react the same way to dog as it does to cat.

But can work to some extent. It will make them feel relax and happy.

End their anxiety, cope with insomnia, and stop them being afraid.

But they shouldn’t be given too much as it can cause allergy to them.

Start by giving them from small quantity. And then go to their body size wise quantity.

If they are on medication for some disease ask your vet about this.

Source- https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/what-is-catnip

Source- https://www.thewildest.com/dog-health/catnip-for-dogs