Catnip for dogs?
 

Tina has coughed up hairball a couple of times. The vet gave me a tube of stuff that cats take for hairballs. I did a search for dogs taking this stuff (it has a little catnip in it) and here is just one of the answers I got. Apparently it isn't harmful and seems to have some benefits. Tina has been coming to us and letting us pick her up and pet her after only 3 days. That is precious! I wonder why vets never tell us about this for dogs? Any thoughts?


Q:
Is catnip harmful to dogs?
A:
QUICK ANSWER
Not only is catnip not harmful to dogs, but most canines like it because it provides a number of benefits. Catnip contains minerals that are good for dogs, as well as essential oils that contribute to a healthy digestive system. CONTINUE READING

FULL ANSWER
While catnip acts as a stimulant for cats, it works in the opposite way for dogs, and it is occasionally used as a sedative for them. Catnip is also used to treat intestinal and stomach ailments that sometimes afflict dogs. It's good for relieving gas, and its antispasmodic properties help alleviate cramps and diarrhea. In addition, catnip contains a compound that can be an effective antiseptic when applied to a dog's cuts and scratches.

Sources: pets.thenest.com

We had this discussion with our vet last year. Sophie (almost 8 year old yorkie) has an obsession with catnip. We rarely buy her dog toys anymore because she just steals the cat nip scented toys we were buying the cats. Her favourite toy is a canvas tube stuffed with catnip. We joke that she can't go a day without gnawing on it! We asked our vet if it was safe and she said it was fine and listed hose benefits.

She did say the only thing to be careful is if you're giving toys infused with catnip to just watch for small parts/bells. Since the toys weren't designed for dogs and to be chewed on they can be a choking hazard to a dog. This wasn't something we had to be worried about as one of our cats is a chewer (I swear my cat thinks she is a dog and Sophie thinks she is a cat...mixed up animals lol) we tend to avoid toys with little parts anyway!

Glad to hear catnip isn't harmful to dogs. I have a cat and I had stopped giving her catnip because Duchess kept eating it.