Pet emergency
My dog ate Nepeta 'Walker's Low' — what to do
Step by step
- Take nepeta 'walker's low' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate nepeta 'walker's low' — FAQ
Is nepeta 'walker's low' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Nepeta 'Walker's Low' (Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low') as mildly toxic to dogs. Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure.
How serious is it if my dog ate nepeta 'walker's low'?
Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Catmint/catnip (Nepeta) is on the ASPCA non-toxic plant list, but the ASPCA notes its compound nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea if a cat eats a large amount, and it may sedate or stimulate cats. Treated here as mildly toxic given that GI-upset caveat; not dangerous in normal exposure. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep nepeta 'walker's low' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is nepeta 'walker's low' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Nepeta 'Walker's Low' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide