You might be wondering, “can dogs eat peppermint?” if so, you are in the right place! Here, you will find all the answers to your 3:00 am questions about what human foods dogs can eat. 

In brief, no, dogs cannot eat peppermint. In this 3-minute read, you will learn everything you need to know about peppermint and dogs. So let’s get started!

Is Peppermint Safe For Dogs?

As mentioned above, peppermint is unsafe for dogs and should not be a part of their meals. But why? Well, below are the reasons why we do not recommend feeding your dog mint:

1. Toxicity

Firstly, peppermint is a low-nutrition food that brings little to no health benefits. Over this, you would be surprised to know that peppermint contains Menthol, which is a toxin for dogs. In fact, even inhaling the mint can cause harmful effects, let alone eating it! (article). In addition, you should especially avoid giving your dog peppermint oil, as it is highly concentrated and can lead to peppermint toxicity. 

2. Upset tummy

Another reason is that peppermint can cause digestive problems in dogs. So, if your dog accidentally ate peppermint in large amounts, you may observe health problems like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. In such a situation, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian immediately. 

3. Allergies

Lastly, if your dog is sensitive to certain food items, you better be extra careful with peppermint. It is because there is a high chance that even sprinkling it in your dog’s meals can trigger allergic reactions. 

a dog sniffing at peppermint leaves kept in a bowl

Symptoms of Peppermint Poisoning in Dogs 

Now that you know this human food is unsafe for dogs, below are the signs and symptoms you should look out for if your dog has consumed peppermint:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low body temperature
  • Loss of coordination

Conclusion

Our final thoughts on “can dogs eat peppermint?” is a BIG NO! Besides having low nutritional value, this human food is toxic to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal problems. Especially if you have a small-sized dog, even small amounts can lead to big disasters. Although there is no evidence of fatality with peppermint, it can definitely make dogs sick. So, to avoid that, it’s best not to add mint to your dog’s meals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat peppermint candy?

No, you should not feed your dog peppermint or any candy! This is because candies contain harmful ingredients that can even be life-threatening to dogs.

Is peppermint oil safe for dogs?

No, peppermint oil is not at all safe for dogs in small or large quantities. If your dog has consumed it, then you should contact your veterinarian immediately and look out for any signs of poisoning.

How much peppermint oil is toxic to dogs?

The toxic dose of peppermint oil for dogs can vary depending on factors like the dog’s size and sensitivity. It’s best to avoid it as oil is very concentrated and can cause harm in small amounts as well.

Can dogs have a lick of peppermint? 

A lick of peppermint might not make your dog sick or be toxic. It’s best to avoid it altogether. This is because some dogs might show allergic reactions if they cannot tolerate small amounts of peppermint.

Can dogs eat mint leaves?

Small amounts of fresh mint leaves are generally not severely toxic to dogs, but it’s best to avoid them. This is because every dog has different tolerance levels and might get sick even when inhaling the fresh smell of mint.

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