5 Unique Ways To Use Catnip For Your Dog

Do you love your dog? Trick question! Of course you do! Does your dog love catnip (or as we call it, Juananip)? If you’re not sure about that, by the time you finish this article you will have heard of 5 unique ways to use catnip that will have your dog jumping and licking your face for joy!

So many dog parents that we talk with all the time are telling us, “We just really want to make treats at home for our dogs. We want to know what ingredients they are getting and we want them to be healthy.” They want the treats to be healthy AND their dogs to be healthy!

We created Doggijuana because we understand the benefits that dogs can gain from catnip. Catnip is a plant in the mint family and it contains an essential oil called Nepetalactone. Cats get excited when they sniff catnip and they get more excited when they chew it and can roll in it. Although we do know that some cats get very mellow.

Because dogs have catnip receptors in their faces and stomachs they benefit when the sniff or ingest catnip. Dogs don’t get high from catnip in the way cats do – dogs get mellow. Catnip is great to give your pup if he suffers separation anxiety or is scared of loud noises or strange situations.

5 Unique Ways To Use Juananip For Your Dog

Before we give our pups Juananip we like to have a play session. Fetch. Tug of war. A run around the house or yard. Spending quality time to your pup and tiring him out will also help a dog suffering separation anxiety.

Now on to ways to use catnip!

- Put some into one of our uniquely shaped dog toys. The bright colors and great “mouth feel” of the shapes keep your dog’s instinctual chewing focused on the toy and not your couch! The Juananip you put in the toy will help calm your pup and the toy will keep her entertained.

- Sprinkle some in your dog’s bed before you leave him home alone. The scent will soothe him and if he nibbles on a bit, that’s all right!

- Bake up some yummy dog treats. Check out this quick, easy, and healthy recipe we made in our own test kitchen. They are dog-approved!

- Mix some in with his dinner or use it as a food topper at dinner time. The taste of the Juananip will not interfere with his dinner enjoyment – in fact it just might make it more delicious!

- Grab your favorite yogurt (make sure it is NOT sugar-free because aspartame is not healthy for your pup) and get an ice cube tray. Mix some Juananip into the yogurt, spoon into the ice cube tray, freeze, then give your pup one to gnaw on. Better yet! Add in some cut up fruit or veggies into the yogurt/Juananip mix. Strawberries, apples, bananas, carrots, peas, and pumpkin are delicious and healthy. In fact, you could spoon canned pumpkin (with no spices!) into ice cube trays, mix in Juananip, freeze, and let your pup enjoy it.

BONUS TIP! Give your pup some of our treats. They are ideal for training sessions or just as a way to say, “I love you!”

Article by pet parent Robbi Hess who shares her life with high-energy poodles and three kitties and truly understands how catnip for dogs helps her pups chill!

We would LOVE to know how your dog gets his or her catnip fix! Share photos or videos on our Doggijuana Facebook page.