Back in the day, there was only one way to get your canine friend high. I’m of course referring to belly rubs. In the past few years though, the word “anise” is giving belly rubs a run for their money. Anise for dogs has even earned the street name “catnip for dogs,” and “dognip.”
Read on fellow dog owners, because you’re about to get all of your dog-related anise questions answered; you’ll learn if anise really is dog nip, how anise affects dogs, all about anise and how it works, and where you can purchase anise.
IMPORTANT: Before I get any further, I want to let you know that anise in certain doses can be extremely harmful to your dog. I love dogs, and I want to make sure that your dog lives a long and happy life. So please, if you decide to try anise out, speak with your vet first.
Is there an equivalent to catnip for dogs?
Yes, anise is like catnip for dogs; just by smelling or ingesting a small amount of anise, your dog’s behavior and mood will shift. However, anise (dog nip) tends to make dogs more energetic, whereas catnip often calms cats down. The effects do vary by dog, with a smaller percentage experiencing a more calming effect after exposure.
How does anise affect dogs exactly?
We all know dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Now, take one of the best noses in the business and combine it with the potent scent of anise, and you will end up with a euphoric dog on your hands.
Anise also can help with digestion in dogs, thanks to its anethole oil, which is a natural antispasmodic.
This is a medical way of saying it relaxes muscles in the digestive tract, relieving pain and discomfort in conditions like constipation.
Does anise make dogs calm? High? Hyperactive?
There is some debate over whether anise makes dogs calm, high, or hyperactive. Some people say that anise has a calming effect on dogs, but the majority of those who have tested it, claim it makes their dog energetic.
The truth is that not all dogs get hit the same way by anise.
The effects of anise also depend on the amount consumed, and your dog’s ability to handle it. But don’t take my word for it, thankfully a few dog owners have captured the experience – here’s one gem…
Did you know anise is used to train scent dogs? It acts as a form of positive reinforcement, just one of many ways to use reinforcement training. This has to be a good indication that anise typically increases energy in dogs.
Is anise seed safe for dogs?
For most dogs, anise is safe in small amounts. But, if your dog consumes too much anise, it can be deadly. It’s like everything in this world – too much of a good thing can be bad, and in this case toxic. If you are considering anise for your dog, consult your veterinarian first.
Because of the natural antispasmodic properties of anise, if consumed in large quantities, it can cause lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and potentially death.
Anise is no joke.
So, what is anise?
Anise goes by many names, including aniseed, anise seed, sweet cumin, and anis (don’t laugh!) Whatever you call it, anise is a potent plant that can have powerful effects on your pup.
Anise is an herb (funny enough it’s part of the parsley family) that has a black licorice flavor and smell.
For a more “scientific” explanation – anise is an herbaceous plant that grows to be about 2 feet tall. Its leaves are green and feathery, and the flowers are small and white.
Anise seeds release a potent scent
The fruit of the anise plant is a schizocarp (now that’s a cool name,) which contains anise seed. When anise seeds are distilled, it produces a highly fragrant oil called anethole.
When a dog smells anise, the anethole oil in the herb seeds binds to receptors in the nose, which fires off signals to the brain, hitting the part that’s responsible for regulating mood, pain perception, and appetite.
Anise seeds can also be ingested in extremely small doses for the same effect.
Ways you can use anise with your dog
Aniseed, in raw form, can be found in many different places. But you will have a difficult time finding pre-made anise dog treats at your local pet store. Due in large part to its potential harm to dogs, if too much aniseed is taken.
There’s a lot you can do with the raw ingredient though, and it’s widely available. Here are a few ways you can use anise with your dog.
Raw anise seeds as a food topper or for toys
There are a few different ways that you can use anise for dogs. One way is to take raw anise seeds, ground them up into small sizes, and sprinkle them on their food – again, only a super small amount if your vet gives you the okay.
Some people take the ground up aniseed and place a tiny amount into a small sachet, then hide inside of toys – only in toys that your dog wouldn’t be able to eat it directly.
And until you know if anise makes your dog chill or behave like a loose cannon, you might want to avoid testing before bedtime.
Anise essential oils
There’s a lot of debate on essential oil consumption for dogs, and that it is a potential irritant to skin and fur. So to be safe, avoid giving it to your dog directly.
Below is one way you could still use anise essential oils.
Anise essential oil for dogs
Anise essential oils are the easiest way to test out the effects on your dog because it’s low cost and you can put a drop on anything.
Do not let your dog consume anise essential oil, instead, you’ll want to put a drop or two on your dog’s collar, inside a toy, or on a blanket.
How to make anise dog treats
Anise seeds to make dog treats
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the kitchen, this guide shows up and turns everything on its head with recipes that will get your dog feeling great.
As I mentioned above, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a brand selling anise dog treats, but, you can make homemade treats. And it’s rather simple.
First, you’ll need the raw ingredient – you can find anise seeds on Amazon or at your local spice store. And the rest of the ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen already.
Anise Dog Treats Recipe
Here’s a fun recipe to make anise homemade treats, special thanks to the folks at The Daily Wag:
Also: Star anise is NOT anise
First, make sure you are purchasing anise – not star anise. Similar name, and similar licorice taste, but star anise is toxic to dogs.
I know, what a cool decision by the science community to make two similar-sounding and tasting herbs have very different outcomes when consumed…
In the same vein, make sure to get anise from a reputable source. Some generic products might contain a mix of star anise.
Read the reviews, as questions, look at the ingredients on the package – double-check that star anise is not in the mix.
The last thing you want to do is give your beloved pup a treat that could potentially make them sick, or worse.
When in doubt, ask your veterinarian. They’ll be able to help guide you on whether anise is right for your dog, and what the best way to introduce it would be.
Alright, the suspense is killing me. Did you try this out? How did your pup react? Share comments and video or it didn’t happen.