Dognip is an herbal product marketed as a calming aid for dogs. It contains a blend of herbs that are said to have a mellowing effect and help dogs relax. But what exactly is in Dognip and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and science behind this popular dog supplement.
Active Ingredients in Dognip
The main active ingredients in Dognip are:
- Valerian root
- Chamomile
- Passion flower
- L-Tryptophan
- Ginger
- Melatonin
Let’s examine each of these key ingredients individually:
Valerian Root
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. The root has been used for centuries as a natural sedative. Studies show that valerian increases levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain which promotes calmness and relaxation. For dogs, it can help ease anxiety, restlessness, and excitability.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a daisy-like flower that has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal herb. Like valerian, chamomile has natural sedative and muscle relaxant properties. It contains compounds called flavonoids that bind to GABA receptors in the brain. Chamomile is commonly used for its anti-anxiety and sleep-promoting effects.
Passion Flower
Passion flower is a vine native to the Americas. The above-ground parts of the plant are used to make medicine. Passion flower increases GABA levels in the brain similarly to valerian and chamomile. Studies indicate it can reduce anxiety and have a calming effect.
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in foods like turkey, chicken, milk, oats, bananas, and chocolate. The body uses tryptophan to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions. Supplementing with L-tryptophan has been shown to decrease anxiety, fears, and aggression in dogs.
Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant originally from Asia. It has a long history of use as a medicinal herb. Ginger contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Research indicates ginger can reduce nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and blood pressure. It likely stimulates serotonin receptors to create a calming effect.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. As a supplement, it mimics the body’s own melatonin production and can help induce sleep. Melatonin also acts as a powerful antioxidant with calming effects throughout the body. It is commonly used to relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep in dogs.
How Do These Ingredients Work Together?
Most of the active botanical ingredients in Dognip work by increasing GABA activity in the brain. GABA is the body’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it blocks nerve impulses and calms nervous system activity.
By boosting GABA levels, ingredients like valerian root, chamomile, passion flower and L-tryptophan help create feelings of relaxation and sedation. The anti-anxiety effects of ginger and melatonin provide additional calming support.
Together, this blend of herbs targets anxiety, hyperactivity, restlessness and excitability from multiple angles for a powerful calming formula. The ingredients work synergistically to activate GABA receptors and support the body’s natural relaxation response.
Other Inactive Ingredients
In addition to the key active botanicals, Dognip contains several inert ingredients including:
- Flaxseed – Provides dietary fiber
- Beef liver powder – Adds nutritional value
- Pork liver powder – Adds nutritional value
- Mixed tocopherols – Source of vitamin E
- Phosphoric acid – Helps stabilize product
- Choline bitartrate – Dietary choline source
- Ascorbic acid – Vitamin C antioxidant
- Brewer’s yeast – Nutritional supplement
- Yucca schidigera – Herbal extract with anti-inflammatory effects
- Garlic – Herb with many medicinal properties
- Natural bacon flavor – Flavoring
- Natural smoke flavor – Flavoring
These inactive ingredients help give the product a palatable taste dogs love. They also provide nutritional balance and antioxidants. Flaxseed adds valuable omega-3 fatty acids while the liver powder supplies protein, iron, and vitamin A.
Overall the inactive ingredients complement the active botanical blend to create a well-rounded supplement.
Safety and Dosage
Dognip is generally considered very safe for dogs. The ingredients are all-natural herbs, amino acids, and additives that are non-toxic at proper dosages. However, it’s still important to administer Dognip as directed.
The product website gives the following dosage guidelines based on your dog’s weight:
| Dog Weight | Dosage |
| Under 15 lbs | 1/4 tsp |
| 15 – 40 lbs | 1/2 tsp |
| Over 40 lbs | 3/4 tsp |
Dognip should be administered 1-2 times per day. For best results, give the dosage about 30 minutes before situations that cause anxiety like car trips or vet visits. It’s also safe for long-term daily use for chronically anxious dogs.
Start with a lower amount and increase slowly as needed. Monitor your dog’s response for drowsiness or lethargy. Decrease dosage if sedation is too strong. Dognip should not interact with most pet medications but check with your vet first. As with any supplement, stop use if any side effects develop.
Benefits and Effects of Dognip
Dognip is intended to provide a number of calming benefits for dogs including:
- Reducing anxiety and nervousness
- Easing excitability and hyperactivity
- Promoting relaxation and sleep
- Relieving motion sickness
- Supporting a healthy mood
Pet owners use Dognip for helping dogs cope with:
- Separation anxiety
- Fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, travel
- Aggression and reactivity to strangers or other dogs
- Generalized anxiety and phobias
- Compulsive behaviors
- Excessive vocalization or barking
- Recovery after illness or surgery
The mellowing effects of Dognip typically last 4-6 hours. Most dogs become more relaxed, less anxious, and may get sleepy. It brings down excitability and hyperactive energy levels. Dogs should remain mentally alert on the proper dosage, just more calm and peaceful.
Dognip is not intended to sedate a dog or put them to sleep. It simply eases anxiety and induces a natural relaxed state for better well-being and behavior. Think of it like a nice cup of chamomile tea for your dog!
Customer Reviews
Dognip has generally very positive reviews online from owners reporting good results:
“This stuff is amazing. My rescue dog was a nervous anxious mess with terrible separation anxiety. The Dognip takes the edge off and helps him stay calm and settled. He can actually relax now.”
“I used Dognip to help my aging arthritic dog relax and sleep more soundly. It works great and she much more comfortable and content now. Highly recommended!”
“Dognip is the only thing that helps my dog with his storm phobia. 30 minutes after taking it he’s cool as a cucumber when the thunder starts rumbling. Total lifesaver for us.”
Of course every dog is different. Dognip may work better for some dogs than others. It’s not a pharmaceutical-strength anxiety medication. But as a natural calming supplement, many dog owners find it very effective for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and supporting restful sleep.
Cost Analysis
Dognip is available in two sizes:
- 5 oz bottle – approx 30 day supply: $24.99
- 10 oz bottle – approx 60 day supply: $44.99
This equates to a cost of:
- $0.83 per day for the 30 day supply
- $0.75 per day for the 60 day supply
Compared to prescription anti-anxiety medication for dogs, this is an very affordable option. It provides a safe, natural alternative without the cost of seeing your vet for anxiety medication.
Many pet owners also find Dognip prevents expensive destruction by dogs with separation anxiety. It can be more cost-effective than replacing destroyed furniture, shoes, etc.
For most dog owners, Dognip is a budget-friendly supplement and worth trying for helping an anxious, unsettled, or destructive dog.
Pros and Cons
Some of the main pros and cons of Dognip include:
Pros:
- All natural ingredients
- Non-addictive
- Generally safe with no known serious side effects
- Affordable price
- Convenient oral supplement
- Positive customer reviews
- Can be used short-term or daily long-term
- Available without prescription
Potential Cons:
- May not work for all dogs
- Can take trial and error to find effective dose
- May cause mild drowsiness
- Not a pharmaceutical-grade medicine
- Rare possibility of gastrointestinal upset
Overall, Dognip has more pros than cons for most dogs. It’s a low-risk product that provides anxiety relief without many of the side effects of prescription anti-anxiety drugs. Just be sure to follow dosage guidelines and monitor your dog’s response. Discontinue use if any sensitivity develops.
Conclusion
Dognip is formulated with a blend of natural herbs, amino acids, and nutritive powder designed to help relieve dog anxiety, restlessness, and excitability. The active ingredients like valerian root work together to increase calming GABA activity in the brain. While not a cure for serious canine anxiety, Dognip can provide gentle, soothing support without the need for prescription medication in many dogs. It offers a safe, affordable option to try for dogs suffering from various anxiety issues, hyperactivity, sleeplessness, and phobias. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if your dog has diagnosed behavior disorders requiring medical treatment. For mild to moderate anxiety or high-strung temperaments, Dognip may help your dog relax and get the calmness and comfort they need.