Peppermint for Dogs: Weighing the Pros and Cons

There are few human foods that you can provide as an occasional treat to your dog. The only examples are carrots and cooked eggs. You could feed them a couple of slices of an apple. However, should dogs have peppermint? The thing is that they tend to snack on these mint leaves at times.

By and large, it is not beneficial for them. They should not even be having those bites. The herb does not provide them with any health or nutritional benefit.

Is peppermint even safe for dogs?

Most dog parents are worried about the quantity of peppermint that would be right for their babies. So it is when they see that their dog has a surprisingly fresh breath and bits of peppermint candy around their mouth. Thus, you need to know about the type of peppermint likely to cause issues for your naughty one.

Well, the following are the most prominent versions of the herb that you get in the market:

• mint leaves
• peppermint candy
• peppermint essential oil
• peppermint chocolates

Well, if your dog has over a couple of mint leaves, it can lead them to suffer the following issues:

• irritation of the nose and mouth
• vomiting
• diarrhea

It is something that veterinarians have to say. There are a lot of plants that are not safe for dogs. However, peppermint is not on this list. Still, it is unlikely that your dog would even be attracted to the same.

 

You can occasionally include two teaspoons – at the most – of washed, dried, and chopped mint leaves in your dog breath treats. So, this particular form of peppermint is safe for dogs.

Peppermint candies are not an option for your dog. Veterinarians say that hard candies contain xylitol, which is poisonous for dogs.

This chemical can reduce their blood sugar levels and lead to coma and seizures if not treated appropriately. Also, remember that if your dog eats these candies with paper on them, it can lead to intestinal blockage.

Peppermint essential oil is also not good for your dog. Because every essential oil is poisonous to your dog. These concentrated organic plant compounds can lead to the following symptoms in your dog:

• irritation in the throat and mouth
• drooling
• vomiting

Doctors say that if they even inhale peppermint essential oil, it could lead to the following issues:

• wheezing
• coughing
• difficulty in breathing

Peppermint chocolates are not an option for your baby as chocolates are poisonous for dogs. In addition, chocolate contains two chemicals, theobromine and caffeine. These chemicals stimulate their neurological and cardiovascular systems and consider detrimental to dogs.

Does peppermint calm a dog’s stomach?

Peppermint is used to deter fleas and freshen up your dog’s breath. As most dog parents administer peppermint to soothe stomach upset and nausea in dogs, veterinary doctors advise against helping peppermint as a home remedy for canines.

Because if you give them the wrong quantity, it could be poisonous for them, and you would have to provide them with immediate medical care in such cases. If your dog has mild intestinal distress rather than a severe condition, you can feed them a bland diet that is easy to digest.

At least, this is what most doctors recommend in such a situation. You can do this for a couple of days. It would be the best treatment for an upset stomach.

However, if this approach does not solve your dog’s issue, reach a doctor.

What should you do in case your dog eats peppermint?

 

Doctors insist that if your dog has ingested peppermint, you must take them to the doctor as quickly as possible. If you get there within an hour of ingestion, the doctor will induce vomiting.

They would then use activated charcoal to bind any toxin that may still be there in their systems. You must only try performing such treatment at home if instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.

How can peppermint benefit a dog?

Peppermint leaves might assist in soothing the upset stomach of your dog. Doctors state that a couple of dry or fresh peppermint leaves can be given to your dog for relief if they are experiencing an upset GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

Also, you can give your little one a few of these leaves if they get car sick. However, dried leaves tend to be stronger than the fresh ones. So, remember that they would need fewer dried leaves to feel the effects in this case.

It can stimulate their appetite as well.

Mint is fine for dogs, and they can eat fresh leaves of mint. But it’s a specific plant. Spearmint and peppermint are some varieties of plants that can be safe if given in moderation. But, avoid feeding them pennyroyal mint as it could be toxic for the canines.

You could confuse peppermint with other mints. 

Peppermint by itself is not poisonous for dogs. However, some other members of the family are so. For example, the mint plant named Penny Royal is a common mint and toxic to dogs.

Often, dogs eat this plant in their parents’ gardens and develop symptoms. The thing with this plant is that it’s used in preparing some foods. Since all these plants are a part of the mint family, it is easy for you to get them mixed up. After all, they share a lot of similar traits.

A few other things to know about dogs eating peppermint

Apart from what we have said so far, peppermint can help your dog’s system fight allergies as well as help with their digestion. However, peppermint extract is dangerous for dogs, and peppermint intake in any form needs to be in moderation.

Since peppermint candies contain ingredients in concentrated doses, they can be excessive for your dog. Please remember if your dog is not accustomed to eating peppermint, it may have a bad reaction even with a small amount.

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs?

As you know, peppermint candies contain xylitol which can be potentially fatal for your dog. Following are some signs of your dog suffering from xylitol poisoning:

• vomiting
• collapsing
• weakness and lethargy
• seizures
• staggering

When should you stop giving peppermint to your dog?

Before you try any treatment plan for your dog, always speak to the doctor. If your dog is undergoing homeopathic treatment, it would not be a good candidate for such peppermint.

Experts say that peppermint is an antidote, and this is why you must stay away from it, as it could stop the homeopathic remedy from functioning effectively. As we have said, peppermint is not poisonous to your dog. Thus, if you use it in moderation, you will see a few red flags.

Conclusion 

Holidays are one time of the year when you feel tempted to share that special treat with your pets, such as dogs, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club). However, as opposed to humans, most dogs do not have a craving for a wide range of tastes in their mouths as such.

Therefore, if you change their diet all of a sudden, it can contribute to them suffering gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. It may be the reason why a lot of experts recommend that you keep your dog off peppermint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay for dogs to have peppermint?

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says that peppermint has the potential to be extremely dangerous for your dog. It says that among various reactions having peppermint can cause your dog to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting.

Why is peppermint toxic to dogs?

When your dog’s system absorbs peppermint oil, it can be bad for its liver. Every essential oil can contribute to liver problems in dogs. If your dog already has liver issues consuming peppermint oil can cause those organs to fail.

How much peppermint is toxic to dogs?

Peppermint leaf is not toxic for dogs, but this does not mean they can have as much of it as they or you want. At the most, you can feed them 1-2 leaves daily, but do so when the doctor instructs you to do so.

Why can dogs not smell peppermint?

The sense of smell is superior in the canines, and the scent of peppermint oil could irritate or overwhelm them. It usually has a strong odor, and it irritates your dog.