Have you ever offered catnip to your cat, only to have your dog lick it right up? Or maybe you’re wondering whether you can make your pup go wild the way a cat does when high on catnip. Either way, you may be wondering: is catnip okay for dogs?
Catnip is okay for dogs to digest in small amounts, but it doesn’t act as a stimulant the way it does for cats. For dogs, catnip has a sedative effect and may even help to aid digestion. However, too much catnip can cause stomach upset.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether dogs can eat catnip, what happens to a dog that has catnip, and some alternatives to catnip for dogs.
What Will Catnip Do to a Dog?
For cats, catnip can cause a plethora of behaviors and side effects. It typically gets them high and makes them playful and hyperactive. It can also cause aggression in some cats, and if eaten can act as a sedative.
For dogs, catnip doesn’t work in quite the same way and will not cause the euphoria or bursts of play that most people expect.
Mild Sedation
Catnip doesn’t impact dogs as drastically as cats. Some are completely unaffected, while others experience mild sedation.The sedative effect of catnip brings some people to use it as a holistic way to reduce canine anxiety.
However, its effects may be too mild to make a big difference. If your dog has anxiety, please speak to your veterinarian about your options. They may give the okay to try a couple pinches of catnip, or they may recommend other methods such as desensitization and counterconditioning, anxiety medication, or lifestyle changes.
Digestive Support
Catnip may also help to calm an upset stomach in dogs, though there isn’t FDA approval for this use and it isn’t a go-to treatment by veterinarians. It does make sense that it might work in some cases since we know catnip acts as a sedative and that canine anxiety can cause tummy troubles.We don’t recommend trying catnip as a treatment for an upset stomach though, as the wrong dosage may worsen the problem.
If your dog is having digestive issues, please see a veterinarian for help rather than trying at-home remedies. Your vet can work to diagnose the problem and determine if there are more serious, underlying health issues at play. Digestive upset in dogs can be a result of anything from allergies to emergent and life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Overdose on Catnip?
It’s recommended to only give your dog around half a teaspoon of catnip at a time and to wait at least a day before giving it again. If your dog has too much catnip, they may have tummy troubles, including vomiting or diarrhea. Overall, the plant is quite safe for both dogs and cats, and long-term harm is rare.
What is the Dog Version of Catnip?
Sometimes people call anise (also known as aniseed) the “dog version of catnip.” This seed comes from the Pimpinella anisum plant, which is a spice. It’s related to other herbs such as dill and cumin, but isn’t related to catnip (which is in the mint family).
The smell of the plant might make your dog excited or playful. Handlers often use it for nosework training, or teaching a dog to track scents, because it has a distinctive smell. However, it doesn’t impact all dogs–some will ignore the scent entirely or even dislike it. Unlike catnip, aniseed has no sedative effects on dogs.
Aniseed comes in a few forms:
- Whole aniseed
- Ground aniseed
- Aniseed essential oil
A couple of seeds or a pinch of ground aniseed can be placed in a toy to encourage play or even in food or treats–just be prepared for a hyperactive dog for the next few hours! The essential oil is very concentrated and should not be applied directly to your dog’s food or skin. Try just a drop on a toy or their collar instead.
Like catnip, aniseed is generally safe–but a little goes a long way. Too much can cause digestion issues.If your dog experiences negative side effects, take the aniseed away immediately and see a veterinarian.
Alternatives to Catnip for Dogs
There are plenty of alternatives to catnip that you can feed your furry friend. If you just want to give them a fun time or some enrichment, consider playtime outside, a new puzzle toy to engage their mind, or a walk in a new location.
If you’re looking for the calming effect of catnip, try a calming vest, positive reinforcement training to conquer their fears, dog calming pheromones, or anxiety medication from your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
The best treats for dogs are small scraps of cooked, unseasoned meat. Our go-tos are chicken and turkey! You can also try small bits of vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or cooked sweet potatoes. We even have homemade treat recipes if you’re looking to get a bit more creative.
Thanks for checking out our guide on catnip for dogs. Remember that dogs can have catnip in small amounts, but they won’t react like cats and may prefer other treats.