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Ouch Away for dogs

Holistic Support for Dermatitis, Mange and Yeast Infections

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Is Pennyroyal Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Herbs For Pets 3 min read

Is Pennyroyal safe for dogs and cats? The answer is it depends.

In NHV Ouch Away Spray and Target Spray, Pennyroyal serves a specific purpose due to its insect-repelling properties. NHV’s supplements are vet-formulated, ensuring Pennyroyal and other herbs are used in safe dosages. However, when used alone, Pennyroyal may pose risks to pets. Therefore, it’s crucial to administer any herbs under the guidance of a veterinarian.

What is Pennyroyal?

is pennyroyal safe for dogs Close up on pennyroyal in the field.

Pennyroyal, also known as American pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegiodes), European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), and Mountain pennyroyal (Mondardella odoratissima), is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. It has a long history of use as an insect repellent due to its strong odor, which insects find particularly unpleasant. All species of pennyroyal are commonly referred to by various names, such as mosquito plant, tickweed, pudding grass, squamint, lurk-in-the-grass, and run-by-the-ground.

While Pennyroyal has been utilized for its potential bug-repelling properties and in folk remedies, it’s essential to recognize that pennyroyal can be harmful if not used appropriately.

Potential risks of Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal oil, in its concentrated form, can pose a risk to pets if ingested or applied on its own. This is because Pennyroyal contains pulegone, a compound toxic to the liver and nervous system.

However, there’s a safe way to utilize Pennyroyal’s properties for pets. At NHV, we understand the potential harm. That’s why we only use Pennyroyal in our Ouch Away Spray and Target Spray in a highly diluted, veterinarian-formulated blend.

Your little one’s safety is always our priority. For this reason, a third-party lab tests all our supplements to ensure that they are harmless to your pet.

Pennyroyal primarily serves as a natural insect deterrent in our topical sprays, with its scent deterring pesky insects. Rest assured, the dosage is meticulously measured to guarantee your pet’s well-being.

Pennyroyal usage in NHV supplements

Dog Scratching Itchy Ears because of insects. Is Pennyroyal safe for dogs?

All our supplements are tested by a third-party lab. So you can rest assured that they are safe for your little one to consume. 

Pennyroyal, when used safely and appropriately, offers additional benefits for furkiddos. It can act as an antiseptic and analgesic (pain reliever) and even aid in treating skin conditions and providing itch relief. This versatility is why our vets have incorporated it, in safe amounts, into our skin support supplements:

NHV Ouch Away Spray: A natural herbal remedy designed to help alleviate dermatitis, skin infections, and irritations. Additionally, this gentle spray promotes hair growth and aids in combating infections, providing relief for your furkid’s skin health.

NHV Target Spray: This natural flea and tick repellent helps manage and prevent external parasites, safeguarding furkiddos from discomfort and potential health issues.

So, is Pennyroyal safe for dogs and cats?

While the direct usage of concentrated pennyroyal oil is a no-go, its inclusion in a veterinarian-formulated product like NHV’s sprays is perfectly safe and can even be beneficial!

Always Remember:

If you’re ever unsure about a product containing pennyroyal, or any other ingredient for that matter, consult your veterinarian. They can advise you on the safety of any pet product and recommend alternatives if needed.


If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask our Pet Experts!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: March 22, 2024

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