Is Catnip Bad For Dogs?
You must love mint—I know! Yet, you likely don’t know much about catnip, a perennial herb from the mint family. It is often used to make tea, relieve coughs, and manufacture natural bug sprays. The biggest question is whether it is suitable for your dog.
With the following knowledge, you’ll be better at making informed judgments.
What is Catnip and How Does it Work?
Alternatively called catmint, cat owners widely use catnip to initiate specific behavioral changes in cats. The cats rely on the vomeronasal gland in the mouth to collect scents from the herb to the brain. This scent contains nepetalactone oil that mimics feline sex hormones, triggering overt signs of relaxation, affection, and joy.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Mint? Is Mint Good or Bad for Dogs?
While dogs can use catnip, the effects are generally mild. This herb is no-toxic, safe, and healthy for your dog, particularly when used correctly. It plays multiple roles, including the following.
Anxiety and Emotional Distress
Catnip can help calm the nervous system, address anxiety, and stabilize your dog’s emotions. It takes approximately 30 minutes to start working in the body, ensuring your dog is relaxed and calm.
Sleep Issues
Catnip is an excellent solution to sleep issues among dogs. It acts as a mild sedative that allows the dog to fall asleep more effortlessly. In addition, it can help improve sleep patterns among dogs.
Antiseptic
Catnip boasts excellent antiseptic and antibacterial properties that facilitate a smooth healing process. Ensure that you apply this oil directly to the wound.
Prevent Fleas
You can rely on catnip to stop fleas and mosquitoes from disturbing your dog. Once you notice your dog is scratching or biting itself, give it a catnip. It will help reduce the number of fleas and mosquitoes on the skin.
Digestive Complications
Catnip is a perfect solution to digestive issues in dogs. It regulates and calms the digestive tract muscles, relieves digestive gases, and prevents fecal matter’s passing quickly. In addition, this element will address digestive upsets, mainly where there is blood in the stool or vomit. Most vets will also recommend it for diarrhea.
How Should I Give Catnip to My Pet?
Catnip should be reserved for acute conditions in your dog. That means you should not give it out as a health supplement. You’ll sprinkle an eighth to a half a teaspoon of the essential oil in your pet’s food or drinking water. Yet, you need to introduce it gradually as you monitor changes in your dog. You must also avoid doing so daily.
Related: What Essential Oils are Bad for Dogs?
Final Words
Catnip is a healthy herb that offers multiple health benefits to your dog. Using it correctly guarantees better sleep and emotional stability. Besides, it has no adverse side effects on your dog.