Chew Test Ever Wonder What Does Catnip Do to Dogs?
Most people have heard of catnip; even those who don’t have a cat are familiar with this mint-related plant and its euphoric effect on our feline friends. Dog lovers sometimes wonder if there is something like catnip for dogs. Unfortunately, there isn’t and some dog owners started asking themselves; is catnip bad for dogs? Or can dogs have catnip?
Dogs can safely ingest catnip in moderate amounts when given once or twice a week. Although it should only be given to fully-grown adult dogs and is not recommended for puppies. In most cases, catnip’s effect on dogs is different compared to cats. Most cats become hyperactive and energetic. The opposite is true for dogs; they become mellow and less active.
A moderate amount of catnip is not harmful to dogs, it can even be beneficial in some ways. However, this doesn’t mean you can give your dog off-the-shelf catnip products or toys that are meant for cats. These products were never designed to withstand your dog’s bites and are usually small enough to become choking hazards.
How Can Dogs Have Catnip?
Typically, catnip is sprinkled over dog food or infused into the food itself. It can also be given in capsule form, though be sure to apply proper pilling techniques to avoid choking your pooch.
Catnip can be given to dogs at a rate of ½ a teaspoon every couple of days. To start, we recommend once or twice a week, about 3 to 4 days apart. Then, if your dog exhibits no adverse reactions, you can increase it to three times a week with 1 to 2 day breaks.
You should always consult your vet before giving your dog any ingestible products that are not dog food. Just like cats, each dog can have different reactions to catnip. Please check with your Vet whether catnip is suitable for your dog.
What Does Catnip Do to Dogs?
First let’s understand what catnip does to cats. Within catnip is a compound called nepetalactone. This compound binds to a cat’s vomeronasal organ located in its nose and is typically associated with pheromones. Contrary to popular belief, ingestion of catnip will produce a sedative effect for cats. However, when a cat SMELLS catnip, it causes a behavior like being in heat. Both male and female cats can experience this to varying degrees. The cat can become excessively friendly, repeatedly roll around, drool, and sometimes exhibit aggressive behaviors.
So, what does catnip do to dogs? Your dog also has a vomeronasal organ, but a dog doesn’t react to nepetalactone. While a cat goes crazy after smelling catnip, your dog won’t change its behavior after smelling it. When ingested by a dog, catnip can act like a sedative. This calming effect can be very helpful when you know your dog is about to go through stressful situations, experiences increased anxiety, or gets worked up during groomer visits. Catnip can also help some dogs sleep.
We must reiterate the possible harm of giving your dog catnip toys made for cats. Most of these products were designed for cats and are smaller in size. They can become choking hazards or cause gastrointestinal obstruction from swallowing, chipping and breaking.
Instead, give your dog dried or fresh catnip! It has magnesium, vitamins C and E, and essential oils that can help keep your pooch’s digestive system healthy. Remember to consult your Vet before giving your dog anything to eat other than dog food.
Conclusion
Is catnip bad for dogs? Not in moderation. Can dogs have catnip? Yes, they can! But please keep it to dried or fresh varieties. What does catnip do to dogs? Nothing when they smell it. It works like a sedative when fed, which can be helpful in certain stressful situations for your pooch.
