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Pet safety

Is Valerian toxic to dogs?

Valeriana officinalis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists valerian as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Valeriana officinalis is not on the ASPCA toxic-plant list and is generally regarded as low-toxicity, but it is not formally listed as non-toxic either, so it is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet. Notably, valerian acts as a catnip-like attractant and stimulant for many cats; large ingestions typically cause only mild vomiting or sedation.

What to do if your dog ate valerian

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move valerian out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of valerian to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten valerian, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is valerian toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is valerian toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists valerian as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Valeriana officinalis is not on the ASPCA toxic-plant list and is generally regarded as low-toxicity, but it is not formally listed as non-toxic either, so it is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet. Notably, valerian acts as a catnip-like attractant and stimulant for many cats; large ingestions typically cause only mild vomiting or sedation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats valerian?

Valeriana officinalis is not on the ASPCA toxic-plant list and is generally regarded as low-toxicity, but it is not formally listed as non-toxic either, so it is treated as uncertain; verify with a vet. Notably, valerian acts as a catnip-like attractant and stimulant for many cats; large ingestions typically cause only mild vomiting or sedation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to valerian.

What should I do if my dog ate valerian?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is valerian toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Valerian is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full valerian pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to valerian?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full valerian pet-safety