Does Catnip Work on Dogs? What Indian Pet Parents Should Know

July 2, 2026

TL;DR: Catnip doesn't make dogs playful the way it does cats — dogs lack the same scent-receptor response. The good news: catnip is completely non-toxic to dogs, and in some dogs it acts as a mild relaxant. If your dog stole the cat's catnip mouse, there's nothing to worry about. For dogs, choose rope, squeaky and chew toys instead.

No — catnip doesn't 'work' on dogs the way it works on cats. The famous rolling, purring, zoomies reaction is a feline-only response to a compound called nepetalactone, which binds to receptors most cats inherit genetically. Dogs simply don't have that response — so a catnip toy is just a soft toy to them.

Is catnip safe if my dog eats it?

Yes. Catnip is non-toxic to dogs, whether sniffed or nibbled. If your dog chews open a catnip toy and swallows some of the herb, the worst you'll usually see is a mildly soft stool. The bigger (small) risk is the toy itself — swallowed stuffing or squeakers — which applies to any small cat toy in a dog household.

Interestingly, catnip may calm some dogs

While cats get stimulated, some dogs experience the opposite: a mild calming effect. A pinch of dried catnip is occasionally used before stressful events like car rides or fireworks. The effect is subtle and varies dog to dog — if your dog struggles with anxiety, talk to your vet rather than relying on herbs.

What to give dogs instead of catnip toys

For chewers and teething puppies: the Rope Chew Toy Combo (₹199) or the big Rope Chew & Tug Collection of 6 (₹499).
For excitement and fetch: the Squeaky Toy with Horn (₹299) — sound is to dogs what catnip is to cats.
For variety: the 6-in-1 Dog Toy Combo Set (₹249) keeps a rotation going so no toy gets boring.

And for the cat in your house

If you have both pets, keep the catnip toys for your cat — they're a brilliant, safe way to get indoor cats moving. Dupih's Catnip Filled Plush Mice set of 6 (₹249) is a favourite. Read our full guide: Are catnip toys safe for cats?

Frequently asked questions

Why does my dog ignore catnip toys?

Because the scent does nothing for dogs — they respond to sound, movement and texture instead. Pick toys that squeak, bounce or can be tugged.

Is there a 'catnip for dogs'?

The closest is anise — some dogs get playful around its scent, which is why it's used in scent-training. Use sparingly and always dog-specific products.

My dog ate a whole catnip toy — what now?

The catnip is harmless, but swallowed fabric or squeakers can cause blockages. Watch for vomiting, poor appetite or lethargy and call your vet if any appear.