| Verdict for dogs | Caution |
| Severity | 1 / 5 — Low risk — fine in moderation for a healthy pet. |
| Safe amount | A taste at most |
| Category | Plants |
| Source | ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; VCA Animal Hospitals — pet health library · reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: high |
Catnip is not toxic to dogs; it simply does nothing to most of them. Eaten in quantity it can cause an upset stomach, which is the only real reason to keep it out of reach.
Don't make it a habit. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a lost appetite over the next day and call your vet if it doesn't settle or your dog seems unwell.
Never induce vomiting and never give any medicine unless a vet tells you to — it can do more damage than the poison. What we will and won't tell you.
If you're sharing food because you want to treat them, a treat formulated for dogs does the job without the guesswork.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never appears on a toxic or unsafe verdict and never changes one.
Can cats eat catnip? — Generally safe for cats.
Not toxic, but be careful — catnip isn't poisonous to dogs, and it comes with caveats that matter. Catnip is not toxic to dogs; it simply does nothing to most of them. Eaten in quantity it can cause an upset stomach, which is the only real reason to keep it out of reach.
Watch for: Most pets are fine after a small amount; Vomiting, loose stools or a skipped meal if they had a lot; Any new food can upset a sensitive stomach — introduce it in a small amount. Some signs lag by a day — call, don't wait.
The safe amount is a taste at most, as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Large amounts mainly cause stomach upset; if that doesn't settle within a day, call your vet.