Catnip Essentials For Dogs: A Guide To Safe Use
Catnip essential oil is a minty plant extract that's been used medicinally for centuries. Catnip essential oil is obtained by steam distilling the leaves of the catnip plant, and the resulting liquid is typically a clear, pale yellow color. Catnip Essential Oil can be used in various ways. It can be mixed with carrier oils to make soothing massage oil, diffused into the air for aromatherapy purposes, or applied topically on an external itch or sore muscle. In this guide, we'll focus on using catnip essential oil topically as it has traditionally been applied. There are several ways to use catnip essential oil.
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You can make a soothing massage oil by combining 1 ounce of fractionated coconut oil, 1 ounce of shea butter, and 4 ounces of carrier oil. Lavender Oil is often recommended or you can experiment with various oils. You can also combine 15 drops of catnip essential oil with any carrier oil you wish, essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil are recommended and applied topically on an external itch or sore muscle. If you're using the mixture as an ointment, dilute it with a little bit of olive or jojoba oil if you want to use it on your pet's skin.
Benefits of using catnip essential oil for dogs
1) For skin infections
The anti-inflammatory and calming properties of the catnip essential oil are ideal for treating skin infections such as ringworm, hot spots, mites, and flea allergies. Use a few drops of the essential oil to dilute a 4-ounce carrier oil such as olive or jojoba. You can also dilute the essential oil in a separate container with water then add it to your dog's shampoo or bath. If your dog frequently has skin issues then you might want to mix the catnip essential oil with a carrier oil that has antifungal properties (such as chamomile or lavender) and apply it twice daily over problem areas such as between their toes.
2) For stomach upset
If your dog suffers from frequent bouts of stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or colitis then catnip essential oil can help calm them as well as ease upset stomach pains. Simply mix a few drops of the essential oil with a carrier oil, you can experiment with various oils including lavender and tea tree to find one that works best for your pet. The mixture can be applied topically over their abdomen or taken orally by adding the diluted essential oil to their food.
3) For giving nervous pets a calming effect
At times dogs suffer from anxiety and stress which can cause symptoms such as separation anxiety, aggression, fears, and even sudden phobias. While there are many over-the-counter remedies for dogs that can help, catnip essential oil may also be used to calm them. To use it safely it is recommended to use a diluted form of the essential oil. To make an effective recipe for your nervous pet, mix 25 drops of catnip with any carrier oil you wish (you can use lavender or tea tree for this) and apply a few drops of the mixture over their back, chest, or foot pads. If you're using the mixture as a supplement then you'll need to administer it orally, this can be achieved by adding several drops of the diluted mixture into their food twice daily.
4) For arthritis and joint pain
Catnip has long been a part of traditional herbal remedies and is particularly useful for treating inflammation. If your dog suffers from arthritis or sore muscles then you can apply the diluted essential oil over the affected body parts. You can also make an effective massage oil by mixing 1 ounce of fractionated coconut oil, 1 ounce of shea butter, and 4 ounces of carrier oil, lavender is often recommended, or experiment with various oils including arnica and peppermint.
5) As a flea repellant
If your dog has fleas then catnip essential oil may help repel them. To make a flea repellent simply blend 2 ounces of carrier oil with 15 drops of the essential oil and massage the mixture into your dog's coat. If your dog doesn't seem to respond well to the mixture then you can use a stronger concentration of the essential oil by adding more drops. You can also apply it externally on your dog's ears, nose, paws, and tail and their bedding.
6) For relieving itchiness
If your pet suffers from chronic itching which may be caused by skin infections or fleas then mixing 1 ounce of fractionated coconut oil, 1 ounce of shea butter, and 4 ounces of carrier is a great way to alleviate itching.
Is catnip oil safe for dogs?
The catnip essential oil is safe to use during pregnancy but should be avoided in the first 4 weeks of pregnancy as it may cause contractions. If used in the later stages of pregnancy then there's a possibility that your dog could receive a skin irritation but it shouldn't cause complications. There have been cases where cats have become immune to the essential oil so make sure that you use the concentrated forms when you're helping your pet with an external condition or illness. Use pure undiluted catnip oil on your dog's skin, inhalations and oral intake are recommended for pregnant dogs as well as nursing dogs.
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A dog experiences a ‘high’ or reacts to catnip if it is particularly susceptible to nepetalactone, the active ingredient in catnip. Nepetalactone is thought to be a repellant for some pests including ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, and an attractant for other animals such as cats. It acts as an enrichment tool for pets. Catnip also appears to have a similar effect on dogs and can act as a natural repellent against fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. If you're using catnip oil on your dog's skin, then perform a patch test before applying it to a larger area of their body. This is strongly recommended as catnip oil can cause skin reactions in some dogs, particularly those who are immune to the essential oil.
FAQs:
1) Can cats use catnip oil?
If you want to use it on your cat then you will need to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba. You can also combine it with a carrier oil for massaging your pup's skin. The essential oil can also be mixed in with their food if you want to give them a calming effect but it's recommended that you only use small amounts of the essential oil until they become accustomed.
2) Can dogs be allergic to catnip?
Cats can certainly be allergic to essential oils most cats will be immune by the time that they're 6 months old. If you find that your dog doesn't respond to catnip then you'll need to administer a diluted form of the essential oil. It's also possible for some dogs to have an adverse reaction, particularly if they have sensitive skin or suffer from a condition such as atopy (dog allergies). If you're using it for a soothing effect then make sure that you don't overdo it and ensure that your dog is always supervised when they're near or handling the essential oil.