Does Catnip Work on Dogs? Learn Its Effects on Canines

What does catnip do to dogs?

Catnip works on some dogs, causing relaxation and mild sedation. While cats become more active and playful when given catnip, dogs generally appear more relaxed. They may sniff or rub around the catnip, but much less so than cats do. Instead of running around or playing with toys, your dog may sit or lie down, close their eyes, or take a nap. Catnip may be a good choice for overly anxious or excitable dogs that get stressed from situations like a thunderstorm, a car ride, or a trip to the vet or dog park. After giving your dog catnip, you should notice its effects within 30 to 60 minutes.

Catnip may not have any effect on certain dogs. Some dogs have more nepetalactone receptors than others, which affects how they react to the compounds found in catnip and other herbs. Some dogs may become a little playful, some may relax or sleep, and others may not react at all. Each dog’s system is different. Nepetalactone is the chemical compound found in catnip that causes a feeling of euphoria in cats.

Catnip affects dogs differently than it does cats. The sensory receptors in dogs and cats react differently to nepetalactone, the active compound in catnip. In cats, nepetalactone attaches to their nasal passages and brain, which causes their euphoric, playful, and energetic response. Catnip attaches in the same way for dogs, but they don’t react like cats do; instead, they become more relaxed, calm, and sedated.

Can dogs have catnip?

Yes, catnip is safe to give to dogs. Catnip is generally non-toxic when given to dogs in moderation. It’s important to remember, though, that too much catnip can give dogs an upset stomach. Catnip can help dogs wind down after exercise, play periods, or stressful experiences, and it tends to sedate them, rather than energize them the way it energizes their feline counterparts. Check with your vet before giving a small amount of catnip to your dog. Catnip can interact negatively with other medications your dog might be taking, like prescription sedatives, anti-anxiety, or anti-seizure medication, so they may recommend against it.

Benefits of Giving Catnip to Dogs

Stress and anxiety relief Unlike the euphoria that it causes in cats, catnip may help calm dogs and promote relaxation. Using catnip for your dog may be a good idea if your dog has periods of excessive energy or gets stressed at things like cars honking, thunder, or other dogs barking. Using catnip as a way to encourage stress relief in dogs hasn’t been studied or proven, but these effects have been reported by various dog owners. If your dog has extreme anxiety or stress issues, check in with your vet. They might recommend anti-anxiety medication, which can be more effective than catnip. It’s good to be sure that your dog is actually experiencing stress or anxiety before giving them catnip to help them. Certified dog & cat trainer Russell Hartstein notes that “some telltale signs of stress in dogs include crouching down, lowering their posture, or the hair on their back standing up. They could vocalize their stress through whining, barking, wheezing, sweating, or panting excessively. They may also hide behind a parent or another dog, but will move away from anything that's causing them fear, anxiety, or stress.”

Better sleep Catnip’s main compound (called nepetalactone) is also found in Valerian root, which is often given to dogs as a natural sedative that helps them sleep and/or reduces anxiety.

Improving gastrointestinal issues Humans drink catnip tea to soothe stomach aches, diarrhea, cramps, and gas, so it makes sense that it could have that effect on dogs, too.. The essential oils in catnip have been known to soothe a dog’s digestive system, as well as relieve gas, indigestion, and promote healthy bowel movements. Catnip also works as a diuretic, so they can flush out excess water. Be careful not to give your dog too much, though. If dogs ingest too much catnip, it can cause loose stools or other signs of GI distress. A starting dose of 1/8 tsp for small dogs,1/4 tsp for medium dogs, and 1/2 tsp for large dogs is recommended.

Flea and mosquito prevention Nepetalactone, along with catnip’s other essential oils, have been shown in a study by Iowa State University to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the compound in most commercial insect repellents. Similar results have been found in connection with repelling fleas, but it’s best to check with your vet first about giving your dog catnip essential oil as a flea repellent.

Helps heal wounds Catnip essential oil has an ingredient called thymol, which is known to have antiseptic properties. A 2023 study done by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Khon Kaen University in Thailand revealed that the essential oils in catnip have an antimicrobial effect against certain bacteria in common canine skin infections. Applying the oil to minor skin irritations or wounds may help your dog heal faster, but the results are not widely proven.

Reward positive behavior When you’re trying to train your dog or teach them basic commands, offering them a small amount of catnip as a reward can help them remain calm. Once relaxed, they’re less likely to feel anxiety during training sessions and more likely to focus on positive reinforcement, so their training is a success; it’s also a way of showing your dog how much you love him.

Encourage play Some dogs react to the scent and the texture of catnip. These dogs have a better chance at relaxing and may be more able to enjoy a longer playtime period with toys. Keep in mind that dogs generally don’t react to catnip like cats do—instead of feeling euphoric or getting excited, they tend to relax and feel mildly sedated. Using catnip with a snuffle mat toy, for instance, can mentally stimulate dogs so they have a more beneficial playtime.

Risks of Giving Catnip to Dogs

Digestive issues While catnip is known to benefit digestion in dogs, if they consume too much, it can lead to diarrhea or vomiting. Giving your dog a small amount of catnip is non-toxic, but it’s important to monitor them for any of the above digestive issues.

Interacts with certain medications Before giving catnip to your dog, be sure it won’t adversely interact with any medication they’re currently taking. Catnip can interact with anti-anxiety and anti-seizure medications, as well as sedatives, by overly sedating the dog. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog catnip to find out if their medication will alter the effect catnip has on them. Calming dog treats are a good alternative to catnip when your pup needs to stay relaxed for a vet visit or a trip, and can’t ingest catnip because they’re on anti-anxiety medication.

Allergic reactions Some dogs may experience certain allergic skin reactions to catnip, like itching, rashes, or hives. Catnip essential oil can sometimes cause skin irritation when applied directly to a dog’s skin, since dogs are more likely to get skin allergies than cats. Other allergic reactions include breathing problems or an increase in lethargy. Be sure your dog doesn’t show any of these signs if you give them catnip; if they do, stop giving it to them immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Overconsumption Any herb or supplement you give to your dog can be harmful if it’s ingested in large quantities. Start by giving your dog between 1/8 tsp and 1/2 tsp of catnip, and continue to monitor them for any problematic reactions or behaviors. Keep catnip and any catnip toys secured in a safe location out of their reach to reduce the likelihood of them over-consuming catnip. Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows persistent vomiting or diarrhea, has an allergic skin reaction, or experiences excessive sedation or lethargy after using the catnip.

Heart and/or urinary issues Catnip can prove to be risky for dogs who have certain underlying conditions. Dogs with heart problems can suffer from heart or blood vessel damage since catnip is a diuretic. It can also cause increased urinary production for the same reason, and may worsen kidney function if they have kidney issues. Avoid giving catnip to your dog if they have any underlying health issues, and talk to your veterinarian if you’re not sure. Because diuretics remove excess fluid, they can sometimes cause dehydration or electrolyte imbalance in some dogs. It’s unclear whether catnip negatively affects pregnant or nursing dogs, so it’s best to check with your veterinarian if your dog is pregnant, nursing, or has an underlying health issue before giving them catnip.

Should you give your dog catnip?

Catnip can safely be given to most dogs in small amounts. Catnip is generally safe for dogs who don’t have any underlying health risks. It’s thought to have a calming, relaxing effect on dogs, but it’s important to monitor how much catnip you give them and pay attention to their behavior afterward. Avoid giving catnip to your dog as a replacement for prescribed sedatives or medications, and talk to your vet if you’re unsure.

How to Give Your Dog Catnip

Start with a small amount and go slowly. It’s important to see how your dog reacts to catnip and whether they exhibit any concerning behaviors, like lethargy or digestive issues. Consider the following guidelines for giving catnip to your dog, depending on their size: 1/8 tsp for small-breed dogs. 1/4 tsp for medium-sized dogs. 1/2 tsp for large dogs.

Sprinkle catnip onto your dog’s food. Add dried catnip or fresh catnip leaves to your dog’s wet food and mix them into the food. It’s also possible to add 1-3 drops of catnip essential oil per ounce of carrier oil (a base oil used to dilute the essential oil) to their food or water bowl, or use catnip spray, which you can make yourself. Be extra cautious with catnip essential oil, as it can be more potent than the dried or fresh variety. You can use regular catnip for your dog. There isn’t a specific catnip for dogs, but some dog owners like to give their dogs anise spice, which can also help with either relaxation or playfulness, depending on the dog. Pet grooming expert Nadia Lee suggests "researching catnip brands thoroughly. Look into how their products are made—are they organic? What’s the company’s backstory? By doing your research, you can find high-quality catnip that’s safe and enjoyable for your pet." If you choose to use fresh catnip leaves, it’s possible to buy a catnip plant or grow your own catnip.

Give your dog a catnip toy. Dog catnip toys have dried catnip inside and are usually refillable. They sometimes have bells or can make other sounds to further interest dogs. Avoid giving your dog a catnip toy made for cats, since they may have feathers or be too small, which can both prove to be a choking hazard for dogs.

Pair catnip with other toys and or use treats as alternatives. Even though catnip generally causes relaxation in dogs, it’s said to encourage more mental focus when they’re playing. Dogs do well with mentally stimulating toys like puzzle dog toys, while anxiety dog toys continue to help them stay calm and remain stress-free as needed.

What is catnip?

Catnip is an aromatic perennial herb called Nepeta cataria. The active compound in catnip that often causes cats to feel more playful, excited, or euphoric is called nepetalactone. Also known as catmint, catnip is a plant that attracts butterflies and bees and is most commonly found in Europe and Asia. It was originally used to make juices, teas, and tinctures to increase relaxation and mild sedation in humans. Catnip’s name is based on how cats paw at, lick, chew, and “nip” it excitedly. Since nepetalactone mimics feline pheromones, it doesn’t have the same effect in humans. Due to different olfactory (smell) receptors, it affects humans in other ways, from relaxation and better mood to improved sleep and as a digestive aid.