Buzz
While your cat is happily playing with a catnip-filled toy, your dog may want to join in. A thought crosses your mind: Is catnip safe for dogs?
Simply put, catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an herb from the mint family that contains nepetalactone, a compound that excites cats when it stimulates their scent receptors (i.e., when they smell it).
Although it probably won’t cause your dog to feel euphoric, it’s not harmful—unlike chocolate, coffee, and several other common substances that are toxic to dogs.
According to the Kansas-based Animal Care Clinic, catnip is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that could enhance your dog's health. These include vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, flavonoids, and more.
What Effect Does Catnip Have on Dogs?
Not every cat becomes hyperactive after sniffing catnip. Some may appear more 'buzzed' than overly energetic, while others may not respond to it at all.
For dogs, catnip usually acts as a mild natural sedative. This makes it ideal for calming your dog during thunderstorms, fireworks, trips to the vet, or any other stressful moments. It might also assist with sleep or relieve an upset stomach. Rover.com’s The Dog People suggests sprinkling up to half a teaspoon of dried catnip on your dog’s food or placing a few catnip leaves in their water bowl.
While the herb is safe for dogs, it's always a good idea to consult your vet before offering it to your specific pet.
