# Is Catnip Harmful to Dogs? Safety, Effects, and What to Do Catnip is not harmful to dogs in most situations. The plant and its dried leaves are considered non-toxic to dogs, and dogs lack the receptor response that makes cats roll around in it. Problems are more likely to come from concentrated catnip oil, large amounts of plant material, or a toy your dog chews apart and swallows. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is listed as toxic to cats, not dogs, and the toxic principle is nepetalactone [1]. - Dogs do not show the classic euphoric catnip response because that reaction is tied to feline biology, not canine biology [2][3]. - Eating a small amount of dried catnip or a catnip leaf is usually not a poisoning emergency. - Catnip oil is far more concentrated than the plant, so a spill or a chewed bottle deserves a call to a veterinarian or poison control. - Never induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Catnip Harmful to Dogs if Eaten? The short answer is that catnip is not considered toxic to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists catnip as toxic to cats, and its plant record names nepetalactone as the toxic principle [1]. Dogs are not cats, and the plant is not flagged as a canine toxin. That does not mean a dog can eat unlimited catnip with no consequences. A dog that empties a bag of dried catnip may vomit or have diarrhea simply because it ate a large amount of plant fiber and volatile oil. The same is true for many herbs and houseplants. Quantity and the form of the product matter more than the plant itself. If your dog licks a catnip toy or eats a few leaves off a catnip plant, you can usually watch at home. If your dog eats a whole plant, a full bag of dried catnip, or any product labeled as catnip oil or catnip essential oil, call for advice. ### Is Catnip Toxic to Puppies? Puppies are not more sensitive to catnip in a way that changes the basic answer. Catnip is not listed as toxic to dogs, and there is no separate puppy warning in the plant record [1]. A puppy's small size does mean that a large amount of any plant material can cause more stomach upset than it would in an adult dog. Puppies also chew and swallow things they should not, including toy parts, string, and plastic. If your puppy ate a catnip toy, the toy itself may be a bigger concern than the catnip inside it. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line if you are unsure what was swallowed. ### Is the Catnip Plant Toxic to Dogs? The growing catnip plant is not considered toxic to dogs. It is the same species, Nepeta cataria, that appears in the ASPCA plant record, and that record flags toxicity for cats, not dogs [1]. A dog that nibbles catnip in the garden is unlikely to be poisoned by the plant. Keep in mind that a dog can still have a sensitive stomach. Eating a lot of any fresh plant can lead to vomiting or loose stool. If your dog grazes on several plants in the yard, the catnip may not be the only thing involved. For a broader list of plants to watch, see [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs). ### Is Catnip Oil Toxic to Dogs? Catnip oil is a different product from the dried plant. It is a concentrated essential oil, and concentrated oils can irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach. A small lick of diluted catnip oil is not the same as drinking from the bottle. Catnip essential oil has been studied for antimicrobial activity against organisms that cause canine skin infections, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis [4]. That research looked at activity against microbes in a laboratory setting. It does not mean you should apply catnip oil to your dog or give it by mouth. Essential oils can be harmful when used the wrong way, and the dose for any medical use must come from a veterinarian who calculates it from your pet's weight and health. If your dog spills or drinks catnip oil, or if you applied it to the skin and your dog licked it off, call a veterinarian or poison control. Bring the bottle so you can read the ingredients and concentration. ### Is Catnip Dangerous for Dogs to Eat From Toys? Catnip toys are usually safe if your dog only licks or nuzzles them. The risk goes up when a dog shreds the toy and swallows the filling, the fabric, or a squeaker. A swallowed toy part can cause a blockage, and that is a surgical problem, not a poisoning problem. Check catnip toys for loose seams, exposed stuffing, and small plastic pieces. If your dog swallows a chunk of toy, call your veterinarian even if the catnip inside is harmless. Signs of a blockage can include vomiting, not eating, and a painful belly. ## Why Dogs Usually Do Not React to Catnip The catnip response is a feline behavior. Cats rub their faces and heads on catnip, roll on the ground, and may become playful or relaxed. Research on domestic cats shows that this response involves the body's own opioid system, and that rubbing transfers plant compounds onto the face and head where they can repel mosquitoes [3]. The response is tied to feline neurophysiology. Dogs do not share that response. The molecules in catnip that trigger the behavior in cats are not known to produce the same effect in dogs [2][3]. A dog may sniff catnip, eat it, or ignore it completely. Some cats do not respond to catnip at all, and the response varies between individual cats [5]. That variation is another reason not to expect a predictable reaction in dogs. If your dog seems excited after smelling catnip, it is more likely curiosity or the smell of the cat than a true catnip high. ## What Nepetalactone Does in the Body Nepetalactone is the compound named as the toxic principle in catnip [1]. In cats, it triggers the classic behavioral response, and that response runs through the opioid system [3]. In dogs, there is no documented equivalent reaction. When a dog eats catnip, most of the effect is local. The plant material and its volatile oils touch the stomach lining and can cause mild irritation. That is why vomiting or diarrhea can happen after a large meal of catnip, even though the plant is not a recognized canine poison [1]. Catnip essential oil contains nepetalactone along with other compounds. In one analysis, cis- and trans-nepetalactone made up about 57 percent of the peak area of the oil [4]. That concentration is why oil products deserve more caution than a pinch of dried leaf. ## Signs to Watch For and Their Timeline Most signs after catnip ingestion are stomach-related. They can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and a decreased appetite. These signs often show up within a few hours of eating a large amount of plant material. Signs from catnip oil can be more intense. Mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and stomach discomfort can appear quickly after a lick or spill. If oil got on the skin, you may see redness or itching at the contact site. Signs from a swallowed toy are different. Vomiting that keeps going, refusing food, a tender abdomen, and lethargy can point to a blockage. These signs may start within hours or take a day or two to become obvious. Call for advice if signs are mild and your dog is otherwise bright and drinking. Call right away if signs are severe, if your dog is a puppy, or if you do not know how much was eaten. ## What to Do Right Now Stay calm and remove your dog from the catnip or the oil. If oil is on the skin, wash the area with mild soap and water and keep your dog from licking it. Call one of these numbers for guidance: - Your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic - ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 - Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 Have the product label, the estimated amount eaten, and your dog's weight ready. If your dog ate a toy, describe the toy and whether any pieces are missing. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a dog vomit can cause harm if the swallowed item is sharp, if the dog is already struggling to breathe, or if the wrong substance is involved. Your veterinarian will decide whether vomiting is safe and helpful. Do not give human medications, milk, bread, or home remedies to soak up the catnip. These can complicate treatment and delay real care. ## How Veterinarians Treat Catnip Exposure Treatment depends on what your dog ate and how it looks. For a small amount of plant material and mild stomach upset, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring at home, a bland diet, and plenty of water. Some dogs need fluids under the skin or in a vein if they are dehydrated from vomiting. If a dog ate catnip oil, the veterinarian may flush the mouth, wash the skin, and give medication to settle the stomach. Activated charcoal is sometimes used for certain poisonings, but it is not right for every case. Your veterinarian will decide based on the product and the timing. If a toy was swallowed, the plan changes. Your veterinarian may take X-rays or an ultrasound to look for a blockage. Some objects pass on their own with monitoring. Others need surgery or an endoscopic removal. A dog with a blockage often needs intravenous fluids and pain control before and after the procedure. For skin exposure to catnip oil, treatment may include gentle bathing and a topical product to soothe irritation. Do not apply any other oil or ointment unless your veterinarian recommends it. ## Outlook for Dogs Exposed to Catnip The outlook is excellent for most dogs that eat a small amount of catnip. Mild stomach upset usually settles within a day or two with supportive care. Dogs that eat a large amount may need a short course of fluids and anti-nausea medication. Dogs that drink catnip oil can have more serious stomach irritation, but most recover with prompt veterinary care. The outcome depends on the amount, the concentration, and how quickly treatment starts. Dogs that swallow a toy have the most variable outlook. A toy that passes through the gut without causing a blockage usually means a full recovery. A blockage that is caught early and treated with surgery also has a good prognosis in most cases. Waiting too long raises the risk of serious complications. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives Keep catnip products out of your dog's reach. Store dried catnip in a closed container in a cabinet, not on a low shelf. Put catnip oil bottles in a locked or high cabinet, and wipe up spills right away. Choose catnip toys with strong seams and no small detachable parts. Check toys often and throw away any that are torn. If your dog likes to shred toys, give catnip toys only during supervised play, then put them away. If your dog enjoys foraging in the yard, fence off the catnip patch or plant it in a hanging basket. If your dog eats plants often, review the yard for other risks. Some common plants are far more dangerous than catnip, and a few are covered in [Are Tarantulas Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-poisonous-to-dogs-understanding-the-risks). Watch what your dog eats around the house, including cat food and cat treats. Cat food is not made for dogs and can cause its own problems, as explained in [Why Cat Food Is Bad For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/why-cat-food-is-bad-for-dogs). If you feed raw or home-prepared food, review safe handling and storage in [Is Raw Food Safe for Dogs and Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/is-raw-food-safe-for-dogs-and-cats). If your dog needs a calming or enrichment product, ask your veterinarian for options made for dogs. Do not borrow a cat product or use an essential oil on your dog without veterinary guidance. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers the general case. Your dog's age, weight, health conditions, and the exact product involved all change the advice. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog and ask follow-up questions. Call your veterinarian the same day if your dog ate a large amount of catnip, ate a catnip toy, has mild vomiting or diarrhea that is not improving, or has skin irritation from catnip oil. Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, has a swollen or painful belly, is struggling to breathe, is collapsing, has a seizure, or has swallowed a toy with a missing piece. These signs can point to a blockage or a serious reaction. Call a routine visit if your dog has a single episode of vomiting after nibbling catnip and then acts normal. Your veterinarian can decide whether an exam is needed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can catnip kill a dog? No, catnip is not considered a deadly poison for dogs. The plant record lists it as toxic to cats, with nepetalactone as the toxic principle, and dogs are not the species at risk [1]. Death from catnip alone would be very unusual. Serious problems are more likely from a swallowed toy or a large amount of concentrated oil. ### Will my dog act hyper after eating catnip? Probably not. The rolling, rubbing, and euphoric behavior linked to catnip is a feline response that runs through the cat's opioid system [3]. Dogs do not have that same documented reaction. If your dog seems excited, it is more likely reacting to the smell of the cat or to the novelty of the plant. ### Should I make my dog vomit after it eats catnip? No, do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting can be dangerous if a toy or sharp object was swallowed, and it can cause problems if your dog is already weak or struggling to breathe. Call your veterinarian or a poison control line and follow their instructions. ### Is catnip essential oil safe to put on my dog's skin? No, do not apply catnip essential oil to your dog unless a veterinarian prescribes it. Catnip oil has shown antimicrobial activity against canine skin pathogens in laboratory testing [4], but that is not the same as a safe at-home treatment. Essential oils can irritate skin and cause stomach upset if licked off. Any dose must be calculated by a veterinarian from your pet's weight and health. ### Do catnip toys cause poisoning in dogs? The catnip inside a toy is not the main hazard. The real risk is the toy itself if your dog chews it apart and swallows fabric, stuffing, or a squeaker. Those items can cause a blockage that needs surgery. Check toys for damage and supervise play. ## Related Articles - [Why Cat Food Is Bad For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/nutrition/why-cat-food-is-bad-for-dogs) - [Are Tarantulas Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-poisonous-to-dogs-understanding-the-risks) - [Are Tarantulas Dangerous to Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-dangerous-to-dogs) - [Is Raw Food Safe for Dogs and Cats?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/is-raw-food-safe-for-dogs-and-cats) - [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs) - [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Is Cat Grass Safe for Dogs? Benefits and Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/cat-grass-safe-dogs) - [Is Rat Poison Dangerous to Cats and Dogs? Vet Emergency Guide](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/emergency-and-first-aid/rat-poison-dangerous-cats-dogs) - [Is Marijuana Toxic to Pets? Risks and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/marijuana-toxic-pets) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/catnip). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Behavioral differences among domestic cats in the response to cat-attracting plants and their volatile compounds reveal a potential distinct mechanism of action for actinidine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36008824/). BMC biology, 2022. 3. [The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33523929/). Science advances, 2021. 4. [Antimicrobial effects of catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) essential oil against canine skin infection pathogens](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38680153/). Veterinary world, 2024. 5. [Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28302120/). BMC veterinary research, 2017. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)