Kratom for Dogs
Is Kratom Safe for Dogs?
Abdullah Mamun
Published on July 11, 2022
Updated on May 1, 2025
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TL;DR: Kratom is not considered safe for dogs. There is no scientific evidence supporting its use in pets, and accidental ingestion can lead to serious health issues. If your dog eats kratom, contact a veterinarian immediately. Always store kratom products securely and avoid giving them to animals without professional guidance.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not offer veterinary or medical advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA for use in humans or animals. If your dog has ingested kratom, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has sparked plenty of curiosity in recent years - but not just among people. More and more pet owners are asking questions like: Can dogs take kratom? or Is kratom toxic to dogs? 

Whether your dog ate kratom by accident, or you're just exploring what’s safe (and what’s not) for your pet, this guide is here to help you understand the risks, uncertainties, and what the science says about kratom and dogs.

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

  1. Kratom is a Southeast Asian plant not approved for veterinary use.
  2. There is no scientific evidence supporting the safety of kratom for dogs.
  3. Some kratom alkaloids may affect dogs differently than humans.
  4. Accidental ingestion may pose risks; call a vet immediately if your dog consumes kratom.
  5. Never give kratom to your pet without explicit veterinary guidance.

A Quick Refresher: What Is Kratom?

Kratom comes from a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain natural compounds known as alkaloids (primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine), which interact with receptors in the human body.

In people, kratom has a long history of traditional use. But when it comes to animals, especially household pets like dogs, very little is known about how these alkaloids affect them. 

kratom powder and capsules

Can Dogs Take Kratom?

Short answer? No, at least not without serious risk.

There is no peer-reviewed research confirming that kratom is safe for dogs. In fact, giving kratom to your dog may lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences.

Unlike humans, dogs have different liver enzymes, metabolic rates, and neurological responses. Substances that are mild for us could be toxic - or even fatal - for them.

Important

Just because something is "natural" doesn’t mean it’s safe for pets.

Is Kratom Toxic to Dogs?

There isn’t a large body of research specifically on kratom toxicity in dogs, but veterinary toxicology experts generally advise against exposing pets to:

  • Unknown alkaloid combinations
  • Substances with psychoactive effects
  • Any human supplement or botanical without veterinary approval

While kratom toxicity in dogs hasn't been studied in detail, there have been reported cases of dogs becoming ill after ingesting kratom, often by accident. In such cases, symptoms can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Lethargy
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Agitation

If your dog ate kratom, call your vet or an animal poison control hotline immediately. Early intervention makes a difference.

Why Do People Ask If Dogs Can Have Kratom?

Some pet owners may wonder if kratom could serve as a natural alternative to certain medications or supplements. However, this is not backed by any formal studies, and veterinarians do not recommend kratom for pets.

Searches like “dog kratom,” “my dog ate kratom,” or “is kratom bad for dogs” usually come up after:

  • A dog accidentally ingests kratom powder or kratom capsules
  • Someone considers using kratom for a dog’s discomfort or anxiety (without vet approval)
  • A household has kratom products that aren’t stored safely

If you're using kratom in your home, always keep it safely out of reach of pets and children - just like you would with any supplement or medicine.

a shiba inu dog sleeping in the living room at home

Dog Ate Kratom - What Should You Do?

Here’s what to do if your dog accidentally ingested kratom:

  • Don’t panic, but act fast.
  • Identify how much was consumed (if possible).
  • Contact your veterinarian immediately or call an emergency animal poison control hotline:
    • ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
    • Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
  • Bring the product label or packaging to your vet if available. The more information you can provide, the better the care your dog will receive.

Important

Even small amounts of kratom can lead to symptoms in dogs, depending on their size, age, and sensitivity.

What Does the Research Say About Kratom and Dogs?

As of now, there are no FDA-approved veterinary uses for kratom. No published veterinary studies have evaluated kratom’s safety or efficacy in dogs, cats, or other common pets.

What we do know:

  • The FDA has issued warnings about kratom's use in humans due to safety concerns.
  • Kratom alkaloids have psychoactive properties.
  • Dogs may process these compounds differently, increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Bottom line? Until clinical studies exist, it's best to avoid kratom for pets entirely.

a large dog laying on the grass

In the U.S., kratom products are legal at the federal level but banned or restricted in some states. However, these laws are written for human use - not animals.

Regardless of legality, kratom products are not regulated for veterinary use, and no dosage guidelines, safety margins, or approval processes exist for dogs.

Tip for pet owners

If you're using kratom for personal use, label and store it clearly to prevent accidental ingestion by your pets.

FAQs About Kratom and Dogs

Q: Can dogs eat kratom leaves?

A: They shouldn’t. While kratom is a natural leaf, it may be harmful to dogs and is not recommended for animal consumption.

Q: What happens if a dog eats kratom?

A: Symptoms may include vomiting, agitation, tremors, and increased heart rate. Contact your vet immediately if your dog ingests kratom.

Q: Is kratom used in veterinary medicine?

A: No. There are no approved veterinary uses for kratom, and it is not considered safe for dogs or other animals.

Q: My dog ate kratom but seems fine. Should I still call a vet?

A: Yes. Symptoms may take time to appear, and early treatment can prevent complications.

Kratom and Dogs: Final Thoughts

So, is kratom safe for dogs? Based on the current evidence (or lack thereof), the answer is: No, it’s not considered safe. Kratom’s effects on dogs are largely unknown, and using it without veterinary supervision is a risk not worth taking.

If you’re a kratom user and a pet owner, take extra precautions to store kratom securely and keep it well out of reach. And if your dog has already gotten into your kratom stash, don’t wait - call your vet right away.

When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s always better to be cautious, informed, and proactive.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as veterinary or medical advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health or exposure to supplements like kratom.

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