Catmint is not toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists catnip (Nepeta cataria) and its close relatives in the catmint family as non-toxic to dogs, so if your pet nibbled on a plant in the garden or got into a bag of dried catnip, there’s very little cause for alarm. That said, eating a large amount can cause mild digestive upset, and the plant affects dogs quite differently than it affects cats.
How Catmint Affects Dogs
While catmint sends many cats into a burst of playful energy, it tends to do the opposite in dogs. The compounds in the plant, particularly the oil that gives catmint its distinctive smell, act as a mild sedative in canines rather than a stimulant. Many dogs simply mellow out after exposure. Not every dog reacts noticeably, but those that do typically become calmer and a bit drowsy.
Some dog owners actually use small amounts of dried catmint on purpose to help anxious dogs relax before stressful events like car rides, thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits. Veterinarians have observed that it can ease separation anxiety in some dogs as well. It’s not a guaranteed fix, and the effect is mild, but it’s generally considered safe to try.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Too Much
The main risk with catmint isn’t poisoning. It’s an upset stomach from eating more plant material than the digestive system can comfortably handle. A dog that eats a large quantity of catmint may develop loose stools, vomiting, or general digestive discomfort. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a day.
If your dog raided the garden and devoured an unusual amount, watch for signs like prolonged vomiting, diarrhea that doesn’t clear up, excessive drooling, or noticeable lethargy. These reactions are uncommon but worth monitoring. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or your dog seems unusually weak or disoriented, a call to your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control line (888-426-4435) can help you figure out whether something else might be going on.
Safe Amounts for Intentional Use
If you want to try giving your dog catmint as a calming aid, start small and see how they respond. General guidelines based on size:
- Small dogs: 1/8 teaspoon of dried catmint
- Medium dogs: 1/4 teaspoon
- Large dogs: 1/2 teaspoon
You can sprinkle the dried herb onto food or mix it into water. Some owners use catnip-infused sprays on bedding or in a crate. If you’re using catmint essential oil, dilute it heavily: 1 to 3 drops per ounce of a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. Never apply undiluted essential oil directly to your dog’s skin or food, as concentrated plant oils can irritate the mouth, stomach lining, and skin.
Start with the smallest amount and wait to see how your dog reacts over a few hours before offering more. Some dogs show no response at all, which is perfectly normal. Others may become noticeably relaxed or sleepy. If you see any digestive issues like loose stools, back off the amount or stop altogether.
Catmint Plants in the Garden
If you grow catmint or ornamental Nepeta varieties in your yard, there’s no need to fence them off or remove them on your dog’s account. Occasional nibbling is harmless. Most dogs aren’t particularly drawn to the plant the way cats are, so the bigger concern for many gardeners is actually keeping neighborhood cats out of the flower beds rather than keeping dogs away.
The one thing to be cautious about is any pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer you may have applied to the plants. A catmint leaf itself won’t hurt your dog, but chemical residues on that leaf could. If you know your dog likes to chew on garden plants, keep the area around catmint free of chemical treatments.