What does catnip do to dogs? While it might raise some eyebrows as catnip is, as the name implies, specifically for cats only, it still can work on a dog. Catnip itself is a plant belonging to the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae.
In general, cats react to catnip by rolling around on the ground, rubbing against the plants or objects in contact with it, drooling, and purring. Younger animals tend to be more responsive to catnip than older animals. This article will deal with some of the effects of catnips on dogs; keep reading below to know more!
What Does Catnip Do to Dogs?
Catnip is a plant that has a natural chemical called nepetalactone. The most common use for catnip is a recreational drug for cats. It can also be used as a herb to repel insects.
In mammals, catnip has different effects depending on their sex, age, and species. In general, cats react to catnip by rolling around on the ground, rubbing against the plants or objects in contact with it, drooling, and purring. Younger animals tend to be more responsive to catnip than older animals.
While catnip does not produce the same effects in dogs, it can still have a calming effect on them. Many dog owners report that their dogs become more relaxed after sniffing or chewing on catnip. This can be helpful for dogs who are anxious or stressed. In some cases, it promotes sleep.
Is Catnip Safe for Dogs?
While catnip is generally considered safe for cats, there is limited research on its effects on dogs. Some anecdotal evidence suggests that catnip may have similar effects on dogs as it does on cats. At the same time, other reports claim it does not affect dogs.
Catnip includes vitamins such as A, E, and C, along with magnesium, that could potentially give health benefits and might even be helpful to a dog’s digestive system as it has various essential oils to improve stomach health.
Given the lack of scientific evidence, it is difficult to say whether catnip is safe for dogs definitively. However, suppose you do choose to give your dog catnip. In that case, it is essential to do so in moderation and to be supervised to ensure that your dog does not consume too much of the herb.
Does catnip calm dogs down?
Does catnip calm dogs down? Catnip can indeed be used in various ways to calm down dogs, including rubbing it on the dog’s neck and face, sprinkling it on the dog’s bedding or scratching post, giving them a chew toy with catnip sprinkled on it, or placing a pot of dried leaves near them while they are resting indoors.
In simple terms, Catnip can be used to calm down dogs. It has been proven to have sedative properties and can be used as a tranquillizer for animals.
Some people believe that catnip is ineffective when calming down dogs. In contrast, others think it can be very effective in some cases.
Check this article to learn why do dogs eat grass.
Will catnip put a dog to sleep?
As catnip has properties equivalent to that of a tranquillizer, it can calm down dogs and help them with sleeping issues. However, it only sometimes works. The effects of catnip on dogs vary depending on the dog’s size dog, the amount of catnip ingested, and the frequency with which it’s ingested.
If the catnip is given to a dog of small size with appropriate amounts, the dog can sleep relatively well. Unlike the effects of catnip on cats which makes them excited, catnip used on dogs will instead make them calm and eventually relax.
Conclusion
Catnip may excite cats and make them hyperactive if they are feeling too low or anxious; a dog, on the other hand, may experience the opposite and become calm with appropriate amounts given to them.
However, dogs should only be given moderate amounts of catnip to ensure they do not experience any adverse side effects.
