Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Urtica dioica
Dogs: Mild Cats: Mild

Plant Information

Common Nettle, Urtica

Urticaceae

wild

Mildly Toxic

Toxicity Details

leaves, stems (stinging hairs)

Histamine, formic acid, serotonin

Immediate

mild

Symptoms to Watch For

  • Localized pain
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Drooling
  • Pawing at face

What to Do

Apply cold compress to affected area. Antihistamine may help. Usually resolves within hours.

About Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle causes immediate localized pain through tiny hairs that inject histamine and other irritants. While not systemically toxic, the sting is very painful for pets.