It is known that catnip is a herb for cats that makes animals hyperactive, bringing a sense of satisfaction to these animals. And for dogs, is there any herb equivalent to catnip for cats? To answer this question, this post will talk about herbs to be used to entertain dogs.
Dog catnip equivalent
The equivalent of catnip for dogs is Anise. Anise is a spice. It has a woody texture and is used in many humans’ dishes because it has a sweet aroma. The use of aniseed seeds has been found to make dogs hyperactive and accelerated, the same happens when cats are under the effect of catnip.
But can you offer free Anise to the dog? The ideal is to avoid exaggeration, offering small amounts at the correct intervals can avoid health problems for the dog.
Because the high amount of Anise ingestion can irritate the dog’s stomach and can even slightly depress the animal’s nervous system. Bringing hams to the dog’s heath.
How can I offer Anise to the dog?
Anise can be offered in the form of a snack. There are several recipes that can help tutors in making these kinds of snacks. It is important to consult a veterinary nutritionist so that he can guide the ideal amount and the ideal period to offer these treats to dogs.
In addition, the veterinarian can also indicate healthy recipes to avoid imbalance in the dog’s diet. Thus, avoiding health problems related to the imbalance of diet in animals.
Dogs by nature are already full of energy, often it is not necessary to use this type of spice to make them more agitated. The ideal is for this animal to play more, often a simple game with a ball can excite and bring a sense of euphoria to the dog.
What is catnip?
Catnip is an herb that became known as catnip due to the euphoria reaction presented by cats when smelling this herb. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone that stimulates receptors that result in cats feeling euphoric and happy.
Catnip not only affects domestic cats but also wild cats. However, there is a small percentage of cats that have no response to the smell of catnip.
Currently the catnip is used alone or associated with specific toys for cats. Tutors love to see how much fun the animal has with toys and how much this type of grass encourages these animals to play.
Types of snacks that dogs can eat
Snacks are extra food for the dog’s diet. They shouldn’t be offered very often, but they can be used to treat the dog. Snacks can be used in dog training as positive reinforcement. But what Snacks can be given to a dog?
There are several commercial snacks made by industries to be supplied to dogs. They are snacks with high palatability and that are not so bad for the dogs health.
However, the excess of these snacks associated with the animal’s diet and lack of exercise practices can make the dog gain a lot of weight.
If the dog feeds on the natural diet, there are some natural snacks that can be indicated by a veterinary nutritionist. Natural diets are an excellent option for dogs that do not eat industrialized foods, or dogs that already have some disease.
Natural treats are prescribed to vary the animal’s diet, in accordance with the dog’s food balance, avoiding calorie extrapolation and weight gain.
Foods to Avoid in Dogs
Some foods are harmful to the dog’s health such as:
- Chocolate;
- Coffee;
- Garlic;
- Onion;
- Star fruit;
- Others.
The list of foods that should not be consumed by dogs is huge, so before providing any food to the dog, you should research safe sources if this food is not toxic leading to diseases in dogs.
The ideal is that dogs do not feed on human food, without a veterinarian indication. Commercial food or natural food indicated by a veterinary nutritionist for dogs, are already balanced and it is not necessary to add other foods.
Conclusion
There are foods that can replace the excitatory effect of catnip from cats to dogs. Anise is a type of spice used in human food and contains chemical particles that can excite dogs, leading them to a feeling of euphoria and contentment. For the use of this type of snack, consultation with a veterinary nutritionist is indicated, so that there is an evaluation of the patient so that the need to add this type of food to the dog’s diet is evidenced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dog catnip equivalent
What happens to a dog that eats weed?
The dog can become intoxicated and thus present complications that, if not monitored and treated, can lead to death.
Main symptoms of weed ingestion by dogs:
- Dilated pupils;
- Tremors;
- Too much drooling;
- Loss of motor coordination or involuntary movements;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomiting;
- Lethargy;
- Seizures.
What to do if the dog eats Chocolate cookies?
Take the animal to the vet so that it can be observed, and the appropriate medications are taken to avoid major reactions. If you can, take the cookie wrapper to show the vet.
What foods are toxic to dogs?
The most toxic foods for dogs and should not be fed to animals are:
- Chocolate;
- Coffee;
- Garlic;
- Onion;
- Star fruit;
- Others.
References
Carciofi, A. C., Takakura, F. S., De‐Oliveira, L. D., Teshima, E., Jeremias, J. T., Brunetto, M. A., & Prada, F. (2008). Effects of six carbohydrate sources on dog diet digestibility and post‐prandial glucose and insulin response. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 92(3), 326-336.
Truett, A. A., Borne, A. T., Monteiro, M. P., & West, D. B. (1998). Composition of dietary fat affects blood pressure and insulin responses to dietary obesity in the dog. Obesity research, 6(2), 137-146.
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