{"id":11591,"date":"2022-09-28T08:30:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T07:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11591"},"modified":"2022-10-27T12:39:20","modified_gmt":"2022-10-27T11:39:20","slug":"is-catnip-bad-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/is-catnip-bad-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Catnip Bad for Dogs: Positive and Negative Effects on Your Furry Friend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This question often comes up when talking about pets. Most people know that catnip can make cats act crazy or mellow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what about dogs? <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is catnip bad for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Can they get into trouble if they eat or chew on catnip?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is no. Keep on reading to find out more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='is-catnip-bad-for-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Catnip Bad for Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip is generally used to refer to the leaves and stems of the plant <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nepeta cataria<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mint<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> family. The oils in catnip contain nepetalactone, which is a chemical compound that can be found in other plants as well. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/what-does-catnip-do-to-cats\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a cat inhales or ingests catnip<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it can cause them to roll or run around, rub its head and chin a lot, or become more playful. It includes a wide range of essential nutrients such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin C<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vitamin E<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tannis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">magnesium<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">essential oils<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flavonoids<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people think that because catnip affects cats as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stimulant<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it might have a similar effect on dogs. It\u2019s both true and false. Catnip is not harmful to dogs and is beneficial in many ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may not become hyperactive like cats, but it helps relieve anxiety and stress and can be used as a training tool. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is safe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can provide several benefits when used in small amounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It doesn&#8217;t affect all dogs the same way, with some displaying no reaction. If you&#8217;ve never given your dog catnip, it&#8217;s best to start with a small amount to see how (and whether) they react. Too much catnip can have the opposite effect of what you&#8217;re going for, but catnip can be a helpful tool when used correctly. This leads us to our next point.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><b>Related article<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dog-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Dog Care 101: The Essentials<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id='how-does-catnip-work-on-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Catnip Work on Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11592\" src=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7.png\" alt=\"Is catnip bad for dogs\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7.png 1500w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-300x216.png 300w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-1024x737.png 1024w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-768x553.png 768w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-380x274.png 380w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-800x576.png 800w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-1160x835.png 1160w, https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/image1-7-140x101.png 140w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the effects of catnip on dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Now that we know catnip is dog-friendly, it&#8217;s time to explain why. Here are some of the most common scenarios:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='1-your-pup-is-anxious'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Your pup is anxious.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many dogs experience anxiety when going to the vet or groomer. Catnip can help soothe these nerves and ease anxiety in dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To give your dog the benefits of catnip, simply sprinkle some on their food, water, or toys about 30 minutes before the event that is causing them <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You get the best effect when dogs ingest the catnip. If your dog is prone to anxiety, catnip can act as a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sedative<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and help take the edge off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='2-your-dog-has-problems-with-digestion'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Your dog has problems with digestion.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and relieve symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can help stimulate appetite and promote <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When used in moderation, catnip is generally safe for dogs and can be a helpful natural <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remedy<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for digestive problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='3-your-dog-can%e2%80%99t-sleep'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Your dog can\u2019t sleep.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-many-hours-a-day-do-dogs-sleep\/?swcfpc=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs typically sleep between 14 to 22 hours a day<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so anything below that is a red flag. We mentioned that catnip acts as a sedative for canines, so it can help them <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sleep<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip can cause your dog to become drowsy and fall asleep when ingested. This is why many pet owners give their dogs catnip periodically before bedtime to help them get a good night&#8217;s sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='4-you-can-use-it-as-a-natural-antiseptic'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. You can use it as a natural <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antiseptic<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This goes for minor injuries only. Simply crush a few fresh catnip leaves and apply them to the affected area. You can also make a compress by soaking a cloth in a strong infusion of catnip <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tea<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply this to the injury for 10\u201315 minutes several times a day and if it doesn\u2019t help, make sure to go to the vet as quickly as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='5-you-can-use-it-as-a-flea-and-mosquito-deterrent'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. You can use it as a flea and mosquito deterrent<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As any pet owner knows, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/best-flea-treatment-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fleas<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mosquitoes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be a real nuisance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They are annoying and can also carry diseases that harm pets and humans. If you live in an area with many mosquitoes, you may want to consider planting catnip around the perimeter of your property.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This will keep mosquitoes from coming into your yard in the first place. You can also make a catnip-infused spray to use on your dog. Simply add a few tablespoons of dried catnip to a spray bottle filled with water and shake well. Then, spray your dog&#8217;s coat before going outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to note that you shouldn&#8217;t use catnip on your dog daily. While it&#8217;s fine to give them a little now and then (no more than half a teaspoon), giving them too much can have negative effects. It&#8217;s always better to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any kind of supplement to be <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">safe<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to know what the dog equivalent of catnip is? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/dog-equivalent-of-catnip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on this article<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to find out!<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id='how-long-does-catnip-last-on-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long Does Catnip Last on Dogs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effect of catnip on dogs is relatively short-lived,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically lasting no more than ten minutes. However, some dogs may be more sensitive to catnip than others, and the effects may last longer. Don&#8217;t rely just on catnip to quiet your dog. If done frequently enough, it may produce habituation, and the dog will grow less sensitive to it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As always, it&#8217;s best to consult your vet before giving your dog any supplement, including catnip. A good way to give your dog catnip is to put half a teaspoon in their water or food bowl. You can also purchase toys specifically designed for dogs and rub or spray them with the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">herb<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Just supervise your pup while they&#8217;re enjoying their catnip treat.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='frequently-asked-questions'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4 id='do-dogs-like-catnip'>Do dogs like catnip<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since it&#8217;s a sedative for them, most dogs seem to be in a daze or even fall asleep. No matter how your dog reacts, it&#8217;s clear that they&#8217;re enjoying themselves!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='how-much-catnip-can-i-give-my-dog'>How much catnip can I give my dog<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can give your dog about 1\/2 teaspoon of catnip when needed. A little goes a long way!<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='can-dogs-play-with-catnip-toys'>Can dogs play with catnip toys<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat toys are typically too small for dogs and can be a choking hazard. While it&#8217;s tempting to give your dog a toy that will make them feel good, it&#8217;s best to stick with toys designed specifically for dogs. That way, you know they&#8217;re safe and won&#8217;t cause harmful accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='key-takeaways'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is catnip bad for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Not at all! In fact, it\u2019s quite the opposite.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip can be good for your canine friend, providing many health benefits. However, like with anything else, moderation is key. Now that you know all about catnip and its effects on dogs, why not go out and get them their bag of herbaceous goodness?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>References<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.animalcareclinicjc.com\/news\/2021\/2\/2\/catnip-is-it-safe-for-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Care Clinic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/dog-health\/dog-food-dog-nutrition\/91421-can-dogs-eat-catnip-safe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogtime<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com\/is-catnip-safe-for-dogs#:~:text=Despite%20the%20name%2C%20catnip%20is,as%20a%20sedative%20in%20dogs.&amp;text=For%20some%20dogs%2C%20catnip%20can,act%20as%20a%20natural%20antiseptic.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy Paws Pet Insurance<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.holistapet.com\/dog-care\/is-catnip-bad-for-canines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HolistaPet<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myollie.com\/catnip-safe-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ollie Pets Inc.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rover.com\/blog\/is-catnip-safe-for-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rover.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This question often comes up when talking about pets. Most people know that catnip can make cats act crazy or mellow. But what about dogs? Is catnip bad for dogs? Can they get into trouble if they eat or chew on catnip? The short answer is no. Keep on reading to find out more. Is [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/is-catnip-bad-for-dogs\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Is Catnip Bad for Dogs: Positive and Negative Effects on Your Furry Friend<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":11594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11591","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11591"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11591\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11591"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11591"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11591"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}