What Happens if Canines Ingest Catnip?

Catnip: it has the word cat in it, so naturally, we don’t think of dogs when we hear about it. But what if your canine companion were to get into some catnip? What would happen? How would they react? Would it even be safe? Let’s find out!

How Catnip Effects Dogs

Catnip is not toxic for your canine, so no need to worry about that. Even though, as stated before, it has the word cat in it – it’s still dog-friendly. Catnip is full of minerals like magnesium, vitamins C and E, tannins, and flavonoids. Additionally, it contains essential oils, which can help in assisting in your pup’s digestive system as well as help relieve any gastrointestinal upset. All of this can come in handy for any pups out there that get carsick.

Furthermore, catnip has been shown to have a calming effect on dogs (which may come as a surprise since it seems to have the opposite impact on cats). So, if you have a particularly anxious pooch, catnip might be just what they need to feel calm and relaxed. Or, for other pups, catnip might be your secret weapon to help them handle stressful situations like going to the vet or the groomer.

As always, though, talk to your furry friend’s vet first about adding catnip to their lifestyle to ensure it’s a good fit for them.

Should I Get Catnip Toys for My Pup?

Since most catnip toys are made for cats, they come in very small sizes, which is hazardous for your pooch since they could end up choking on them. Or, if they’re able to swallow the toy, it could cause a blockage in the intestinal tract. Bottom line, keep cat toys away from your pooch – which is easier said than done if you’re someone who owns both a cat and a dog. If this is the case, you’ll need to be sure you’re selecting toys that are safe for all the animals in your care.

So, while catnip is entirely safe for your four-legged friend, you need to be sure you’re using it in ways that are safe for fido.