Is Catnip Safe for Dogs? Despite being called “catnip,” this herb is actually entirely safe for your dog to ingest. That means that if your dog accidentally gets a bite of your cat's catnip, there's no need to call the vet in a panic. Of course, you shouldn't give your dog catnip in excess—but that's like most foods.
Luckily, the curiosity is relatively harmless, and if your dog eats catnip they should be fine. In fact, a small amount of catnip may even have some health benefits for your canine friend.
The answer is yes, catnip is completely safe for dogs to ingest! The catch is that catnip often has the opposite effect on dogs as it does on cats. While it acts as a very effective stimulant for cats, it is actually a sedative for dogs.
The compound nepetalactone present in catnip has a calming effect on canines. Sprinkle dried catnip on your dog's bed or toys to alleviate anxiety symptoms. You can also use catnip-infused sprays for a quick and easy solution. Catnip for dogs is also beneficial for the occasional bout of digestive upset.
Similar to cats, catnip does not affect all dogs. For those that do react to catnip, you should be able to see results in about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the dog and the amount eaten.
1. Sedative: Catnip contains nepetalactone, a chemical that acts as a sedative for dogs. Catnip can help calm your dog's nerves and promote better sleep.
If your dog is having trouble falling asleep at night, catnip might help, as it acts as a mild sedative. This could make it easier for your dog to sleep at night.
The toxic effects of catnip poisoning in cats is short-lived, lasting only a few hours after the occurrence of vomiting or diarrhea. Without further exposure to the plant, the feline will make a full recovery in a few short hours.
Not all dogs respond to catnip, but many do and it usually takes about 30 minutes to see a reaction. Doggijuana is a non-addictive catnip. There are no added ingredients that are harmful for your pet.
It's best to give your dog catnip to help him relax, and not as a daily treat. “Catnip shouldn't be a daily supplement,” Dr. Wooten said. “It is better used for specific stressful events.”
How long does catnip work on dogs? The strongest effect of catnip lasts for about 15 minutes in dogs. They will still enjoy the relaxing effect after the 15 minutes but at a gradually declining rate.
It is thought to cause no harm or addiction. Dogs are not able to "respond" to catnip as do cats. The herb is harmless when ingested. It is possible that some pets may have vomiting from eating too much of it as they would with eating any plant or herb.
As a member of the mint family, catnip has historically been used as a digestive aid in humans, soothing ailments such as heartburn and flatulence. It can help relieve an upset stomach in dogs as well.
It's usually just given once before the ride or stressful situation," Wismer says. If they're going to respond to it (and not all dogs do), they don't require much: Animal Care Clinic recommends approximately 1/2 teaspoon. If your pupper needs a little help sometimes to mellow out, talk with your vet first.
Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
The catnip in no way enters the cat's blood stream, unlike human street drugs. A human analog that causes similar effects [as catnip on cats], as in a comparable high, would be LSD or marijuana.
It is always wisest to use a small pinch of catnip because, again, a little goes a long way. You don't need to sprinkle any more than a quarter-sized patch of it. There is no such thing as “too much” for catnip toys because your cat does not ingest these products.
Don't Give Too Much of a Good Thing
Still, there is very little chance of your cat overdosing on catnip. It is completely non-toxic (even when ingested), and if a cat looks like she's had too much, simply take the catnip or catnip toy away from her. She'll be back to herself in no time.
While there's no fixed amount that you should give to your dog, remember that too much catnip can lead to an upset stomach. For that reason, we recommend no more than half a teaspoon of dried catnip or a few leaves at a time.
Dogs don't get high from catnip in the way cats do – dogs get mellow. Catnip is great to give your pup if he suffers separation anxiety or is scared of loud noises or strange situations.
WHAT IS DOGGIJUANA? It's catnip! Catnip is a plant in the mint family that contains the essential oil known as Nepetalactone. In cats, it is thought that when smelling the catnip, the Nepetalactone targets the receptors in the brain and causes euphoria.
It's called anise (or aniseed), also known as “dog nip,” and when given in moderation, it can have a stimulating effect on dogs. Anise, mixed in homemade treats, can be used during training sessions to get dogs psyched and motivated to learn.
Catnip doesn't have any long-term effects on the brain, it's not addictive and it's considered very safe.
However, catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when smoked or taken by mouth in high doses (many cups of catnip tea, for example). It can cause headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill. Not enough is known about the safety of applying catnip directly to the skin.