Anything more than one or two peppermint plant leaves causes irritation of the mouth and nose, vomiting, and diarrhea, says Amber Karwacki, DVM and partner doctor at Heart + Paw veterinary clinics.
Peppermint (mentha balsamea) may soothe your dog's nausea and upset stomach, but in large quantities it can also cause liver or kidney problems. Similarly, spearmint (mentha spicata) can freshen your dog's breath and repel fleas, but larger doses could cause diarrhea or vomiting, so proper portioning is key.
Peppermint is practically everywhere once the winter months roll around. But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet. According to the ASPCA, eating peppermint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other reactions.
They may also consider using it on their pets to prevent fleas. But, if you're a pet parent, you might wonder, “Is peppermint oil safe for dogs?” The answer is no. Peppermint oil is toxic to dogs. It should never be ingested or used on their fur or skin.
Is Peppermint Oil safe for your dog? Marketers might promote peppermint oil for dogs to keep fleas away. But as a responsible pet parent, you should know that peppermint is toxic for dogs. It should not be ingested in any form, nor should it be applied topically on dogs.
Peppermint oil is one such essential oil that is sometimes recommended for use in pets, specifically for killing fleas. Despite its popularity though, peppermint oil has very little scientific research for use in animals or for killing fleas and it can actually pose a major risk to your pet.
Applied topically, peppermint oil can seep through their fur and skin and cause liver damage. Even when used aromatically, the smell can overwhelm their sensitive noses and cause difficulty breathing or increased heart rate.
How to Safely Use Peppermint Oil for Dogs. Dilution is key! Using undiluted peppermint oil can be very harsh on the skin and mucous membranes, so always dilute your peppermint oil. For topical applications, peppermint oil should be diluted in a carrier oil by a ratio of 0.5%-2% oil and 98-99.5% carrier oil.
That said, taking excessive amounts of the oil orally can be toxic, so remember that a little bit goes a long way. All you need is one to two drops at a time. For some people, ingesting it may cause side effects, which may include heartburn, flushing, mouth sores and headache.
Worse than this, many peppermint candies for humans also contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is harmless to humans but toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause severe seizures or fatal liver failure.
Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs. Plus, this bland meal is easy to prepare. All you need are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, along with some rice.
Some of the creams and shampoos, smell appealing to wildlife.) Castor, peppermint, and spearmint oils are odors that digging and burrowing animals dislike. (This can include groundhogs, mice, moles, rats, skunks, voles, and others.)
You can also combine fennel with catnip to treat your pet's nausea. Other herbs that help with indigestion and nausea include peppermint, dill, and one of my personal favorites, ginger.
The short answer is yes, you can give your dog tums.
Peppermint Candy
Not an option. "Many of the hard candies contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs," Karwacki says. "Xylitol causes their blood sugar to drop, which leads to seizures and coma if not treated properly." Additionally, if dogs eat peppermint candy with the wrapper on, it can cause intestinal blockage.
Peppermint Oil vs Extract
Peppermint oil is the pure essential oil derived from peppermint leaves. Peppermint extract is a mixture of peppermint essential oils and alcohol. Peppermint oil is quite strong, so you need to dilute it for most uses. The oil is about four times as strong as the extract.
The usual dose of peppermint oil for adults and children aged 12 and over is 1 capsule, taken 3 times a day until your symptoms get better. You can increase this to 2 capsules, taken 3 times a day, if 1 capsule has not helped your symptoms. Do not take it for longer than 2 weeks unless prescribed by a doctor.
If you believe that your dog has ingested or come in contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), a 24/7 animal poison control center, immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the prognosis and outcome for your dog.
Many CBD oil products for humans contain essential oils for flavor and scent. Several of these – including citrus, peppermint, wintergreen, and cinnamon – can be dangerous for dogs and cats when ingested or even used topically.
When peppermint oil absorbs into your dog's system, it can be harmful to their liver. In fact, all essential oils can lead to liver problems in dogs. Peppermint oil can even lead to liver failure in dogs with preexisting liver problems. The liver lacks an enzyme that helps break down essential oils.
Essential oils as dog pee repellent
Like every other animal, dogs don't like certain smells which is why a smell deterrent is always a great choice to keep dogs away from certain areas or exhibit certain behaviors. Some such smells include peppermint, citrus, and lavender.
Cinnamon is non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. In small amounts, which means one teaspoon or less per serving as an occasional treat, it is perfectly safe and may even offer health benefits. However, in large quantities, it may irritate the mouth or stomach, cause low blood sugar or even liver disease.