- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Catnip is a long-time favorite of our cats. But what about our dogs? Luckily, if your dog ingests catnip, no need to worry. Catnip is safe for dogs in moderation.
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is an herb in the mint family. It’s often a base for tea, but most famously, it’s stuffed into cat toys. If you have a cat and dog at home, your dog might enjoy playing with catnip toys.
Below, learn how catnip affects dogs, its benefits and risks, and what to do if your dog consumes too of the leafy green.
Does Catnip Affect Dogs & Cats The Same?
Although dogs and cats can safely ingest catnip, it doesn’t affect them the same. “Catnip typically doesn’t affect most dogs,” says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, veterinarian and spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance.
However, she says your dog might get calmer after eating it. This is the opposite effect it has on cats, who usually become energetic from catnip.
Is there catnip for dogs?
All catnip is the same plant, so there’s not one specifically for dogs, explains Dr. Brad Hinsperger, DVM, director of Kingsdale Animal Hospital. The catnip available for cats is also safe for dogs.
What Are the Benefits & Risks of Catnip?
Dr. Hinsperger says dogs may experience the following benefits if they consume catnip in moderation:
- Stress and anxiety relief: Catnip can have a calming effect on dogs, potentially reducing stress and anxiety in certain situations. This can be helpful if your dog experiences storm phobia, separation anxiety, or stress during other situations.
- Better sleep: If your dog has trouble sleeping at night, try giving them catnip before bed to help them relax.
- Flea and mosquito prevention: The oils from catnip may act as an insect repellent, so you could plant catnip around your home to deter fleas and mosquitos. You might also use catnip oil as a topical flea treatment, but consult your vet before doing this.
Because catnip can be beneficial, some dog parents like to give their dogs the plant or catnip oil with their food. A little bit can be okay if your dog likes it, but it shouldn’t be used as a daily supplement.
“Fortunately, catnip is very safe for dogs,” Dr. Hinsperger says. However, like anything, if dogs eat too much, they could get an upset stomach.
Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, of Behavior Solutions, also recommends monitoring your dog if they consume the live plant. However, she says dogs would have to eat a lot of the plant to be negatively affected.
Did My Dog Eat Too Much Catnip?
If your dog consumes too much catnip, they may vomit or have diarrhea. Avoid letting your dog have more. This should solve any issues.
If your dog eats catnip in moderation, there’s no need to take action. As with all dog treats, they should only have a small amount each day. For example, playing with a catnip toy for a few minutes daily is okay.
If your dog overeats catnip and has an upset stomach, you can offer them a bland diet until they feel better. Dr. Sinn says you shouldn’t need to contact a vet or take other steps unless your dog’s upset stomach persists.
How To Keep Your Dog From Ingesting Catnip
Dr. Sinn says you can prevent your dog from having too much catnip by keeping it secure.
If you have a cat who plays with catnip toys, put the toys away or keep them in a space your dog doesn’t have access to. If you have a catnip plant, keep it out of your dog’s reach.
While catnip can be calming for dogs, other alternatives are just as great, without the possibility of an upset stomach. These include:
