It is such a common thing that cats are crazy about a psychedelic drug that will give a calming effect on them, but how about catnip for dogs? Does it offer the same result to different animals?
Indeed, while talking about oils, herbs, and spices, you should consider the foresight and beneficial uses.
Therefore, before deciding to give dognip to your canine, it is better to have a closer look at the definition, effects, and safe ways to use catnip for dogs.
Keep on reading the following information to have acquaintance with this relaxing product.
Contents
What is the Meaning of Catnip?
Catnip for dogs or nepeta cataria belongs to the mint family. Therefore, both fresh and dried herbs will give the same aromatic smell.
Some other common names are catmint and catswort. This ornamental plant is useful for cat pleasure.
The catnip effect on dogs happens due to nepetalactone. It is a chief ingredient to give incitation that also exists in honeysuckle shrubs. Besides, this substance is useful for making homemade anti-mosquito liquid.
Moreover, the stems and leaves of catnip for dogs contain this chemical substance. The nepetalactone stimulates the cats to get a trippy sensation for about a quarter-hour.
One individual experiences different reactions depending on the dosage. However, the sedative effects on pooches may differ from kitties. Is catnip safe for dogs?
Generally, the catnip is safe because the compound is non-addictive for long-lasting use as long as you apply the proper consumption method. If the dogs consume too much, some signs that will occur are diarrhea and vomiting.
Some Benefits of Catnip
The question, is there catnip for dogs? Most dogs are bonkers for catswort, whereas some of them are not interested in this herb.
Although several pooches do not pay attention to the plant, there are three beneficial uses of catnip for dogs when they consume it.
Healing Discomfort Digestion
Catnip may decrease gas when any digestive problem occurs. After the dog consumes the herb, it prevents a painful muscle contraction and reduces the formation of a gaseous mixture.
The catswort contains an antispasmodic compound that relieves convulsions to obtain healthy digestion.
Calming Response
When the puppies feel anxiety and show several signs like fearful, stress, or excitement, catnip can help to give calming and relaxing effects on your canines.
Thus, the catmint tends to be a mild sedative herb instead of a stimulant since it offers the opposite result from what cats have.
Promoting Healthy Kidney and Urination
Catnip contains a mild diuretic substance to flow out bacteria and toxins from the urinary system.
Thus, it can prevent blockages and infections. For the best treatment, you might combine with cranberry powder to heal the infectious organs.
Positive Effects of Catnip for Dogs
Catnip is an aromatic herb that is rich in minerals. They include flavonoids, tannins, magnesium, vitamin C, and E.
It gives several positive effects such as diuretic, sedative, comfortable digestive tract, easy blood flow, and wound treatment.
As a diuretic effect, catnip for dogs helps to improve the urinary system. Therefore, it can pass debris and toxins from the body.
To relieve allergies and colds, you can use a few drops of catmint oil. Also, the herb functions as a nerve agent to reduce nervousness.
Moreover, the catnip becomes an agent that promotes menstrual discharge. This effect helps the blood to flow so it will control menstruation. Therefore, consuming this herb is not necessary when they are pregnant.
Catnip Dosage for Dogs
Giving catnip for dogs is safe to consume if you know the proper way to offer the herb to your pet. Although it contains a great compound, do not give too much portion to the canine.
If this case happens, the sedative product will not be beneficial but dangerous.
Therefore, preparing the right dosage is necessary to prevent any digestive problem, respiratory depression, and vomiting. Then, how much is it? For the initial use, introduce a little portion at a time.
Try to give 1/8 teaspoon of catnip for dogs and mix it into their food or drink. This small dosage is appropriate for a pup.
For a large canine, using 0.25 tsp is enough. Remember to take precautions before offering the herb to a sick pet.
Besides dogs that suffer from any diseases, pregnant pets should not try catnip. It is because consuming this herb will cause complications and premature labor. Importantly, choose catmint-free toys for them until they deliver the baby.
Additionally, a small dosage of catmint in the catnip toys is not harmful. However, be aware of the tiny pieces since your pet can eat the components.
Swallowing the little parts will cause blockage problems if they do not go away naturally.
Is there a catnip for dogs?
Consider the name of catnip for dogs that works on cats to give a stimulating response. However, some dogs are also obsessed with this herb.
Therefore, the trippy substance is available for your canines to make them mellow rather than excitement.
Indeed, there is an equivalent sedative compound for pooches called anise. In other words, aniseed is the catmint for canines.
This spice belongs to the parsley and carrot family that has the same taste like licorice. It comes from the Eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia.
Anise Seeds as Catnip
As we have mentioned before, anise is the real catnip for dogs. Its aroma attracts some canines, but others dislike it. The individuals that get interested in this herb will have the same effects as they consume catmint.
Additionally, by consuming anise seeds, the dogs will achieve an improvement in the digestive system.
Also, the plant can decrease flatus in the stomach. You can apply aniseed oil to the toys to evoke physical movement during playtime.
Otherwise, distinguish between anise, licorice, and fennel. These herbs serve the same characteristics, but they offer distinctive effects on dogs.
Pimpinella anisum can heal a cough, Glycyrrhiza glabra is useful for Addison illness, and Foeniculum vulgare is for arthritis.
Likewise, the other herb that is known as star anise is different from aniseed, although their name is alike.
Be careful about choosing the sedative extract for your pets and observe their response after consuming it.
Dog Snack Recipe
Can dogs eat catnip? They may feed on little crushed seeds or apply some drops of anise oil. If you want to add the herb to your pet food, choose aniseed powder for easy cooking.
As long as adding the extract in small quantities, physical issues will not happen to the canines.
One of the best ways to offer catnip for dogs is by combining it with their homemade snacks. For example, this simple recipe uses aniseed and some tasty ingredients. You might substitute the materials to suit your pet needs.
The main ingredients are 200 grams of flour, 7 ounces of oatmeal, 12 teaspoons of coconut oil, and two tablespoons of powdered anise.
Also, additional materials include beef stock, grated carrot, and baking powder.
Firstly, you should heat the oven up to 180 degrees celsius. After that, pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl to create the dough.
Next, form it into small pieces and arrange them on a baking tray. Bake the snack until golden brown. Now, the cookies are ready to serve.
Anise Essential Oil
The inner side of aniseed is useful to produce anise essential oils. It is the other method make use of catnip for dogs. One thing to remember, neither apply the product to the skin nor drink it directly.
Therefore, the proper way to use the oil is by applying it to the dogs’ toys so they can smell the aroma.
Besides, adding a few drops on the top of their food is safe. Then, the anise effects will work to arouse their excitement.
Indeed, how does the smell attract the dogs? Anise has an active compound, anethole, that produces a strong fragrance.
This phenolic ingredient provides medicinal uses for curing constipation, asthma, seizures, and stomachache.
Furthermore, anise consists of 85 percent of anethole that can suppress inflammation. Other uses of this natural compound are giving flavor, reducing free radicals, and improving the nervous system. Interestingly, it can control and destroy harmful insects due to its insecticidal feature.
Also, anethole exists in fennel and licorice, other herbs that have similar features to anise, so they can be alternatives if you cannot find aniseed in pet shops. Dogs may consume them as well.
How to Make Anise Oil
You can make anise essential oil from the fresh raw seeds. Firstly, grind the herb until releasing the oil and attractive aroma.
After that, discard the leftover crushed aniseed and put the extract into a bottle. Then, pour sweet almond to the container until it covers the liquid substance.
The next is whirling the bottle to overflow the anise for dogs. For the last step, cover the top with an airtight lid and keep it for a month in a sunny area.
Finally, have you tried to offer catmint or anise to the canine? Serve catnip for dogs into its favorite treats and bone broth for various ways to achieve the positive effects.
Hopefully, the herb works on your pet.