When we say dogs can have peppermint, it means they can have its leaves. When we think of offering them peppermint candies, our question is, Can dogs have peppermint? Well, peppermint is not toxic to dogs; it is the other ingredients of the candy that are toxic to dogs.
If you want your canine friend to have a refreshing and cool taste, peppermint can be a boon for him. It has more health benefits than we can imagine. Many people rely on its leaves for medicinal purposes and health improvements. If you want your dog to reap such benefits, follow some caution while feeding this herb to him. This article will make you certain about them.
Can Dogs Have Peppermint?
Peppermint, or the peppermint herb, is safe for dogs in small quantities. In fact, we humans include a few peppermint leaves in our foods and beverages. So it is obvious that dogs should take less of this herb than us. Consuming some small pieces of peppermint leaves can help your dog with several diseases and maintain their normal digestive function.
Anyway, it is important to check the quantity. Having more peppermint than necessary can be harmful to dogs since it is not dog food. Also, make sure your vet knows about the fact that you are introducing a portion of food to your dog.
Benefits Of Having Peppermint For Dogs
Peppermint, in the form of leaves, is safe for dogs. According to experts, mint leaves aid in digestion and relieve bloating and gas. Besides, its cooling sensation reduces stress and pain in the muscles.
Some dog owners even use peppermint to give their dogs fresher breath. Thanks to its antibacterial properties that kill germs from the mouth. It has some anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties too. All of these can treat allergies, colds, and infections in dogs.
Peppermint has a great role in reducing fatigue and boosting energy. As it is caffeine-free and relaxes muscles, you can offer it to your dog to improve his sleep. Also, it is calorie-free, which can be a healthy substitute for overweight dogs.
Can Peppermint Be Bad For Dogs?
Well, peppermint can not always be good for dogs, especially when they don’t take it the right way. For example, we think peppermint is good for dogs, so they can have peppermint-included products. Only peppermint in the product is safe for dogs, but its other ingredients make it harmful. Let’s dig into it deeper.
Consuming Too Much Peppermint Is Bad
A mint, named spearmint, is good for dogs. It looks fresh and green, and anyone will judge it as a healthy substitute. It only attracts danger when dogs eat it more than necessary. In that case, they have to suffer diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach upset.
Wintergreen Is Harmful To Dogs
We often see winter greens labelled as mint in the market. In reality, it is not a mint; in fact, it is toxic for dogs. Wintergreen has a chemical named methyl salicylate. This chemical is responsible for disrupting their GI tract and leading to liver and kidney issues.
Whether it is wintergreen leaves, can’t, gum, or oil, every form is harmful to them.
Dogs Should Avoid Mint Oil
Pennyroyal, a mint oil, is another risky substitute for dogs. It has a chemical called pulegone, which is harmful to body organs. Don’t get mistaken into thinking that dogs can have peppermint, which means they can have this mint oil too.
Peppermint Chocolates Are Not Good For Dogs
Peppermint chocolates, candies, and gums are not good for dogs. It is not because of the peppermint, but because of their other ingredients. For example, peppermint candies have an artificial sweetener called xylitol.
It is responsible for increasing the insulin level in dogs, which makes the blood sugar levels low. This can result in seizures and tremors if left untreated. Besides, xylitol has been the cause of body organ failures in many dogs.
Peppermint Chocolates Are Unsafe For Dogs
Peppermint chocolates contain theobromine and caffeine. Both of these ingredients can disrupt a dog’s nervous system and cardiovascular functions. Also, they can increase blood pressure, cause restlessness, and even cause seizures. Dogs dealing with urine infections should avoid peppermint chocolates strictly.
Dogs Should Avoid Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is another name for peppermint extract that comes from the peppermint plant. Its process includes steam distillation, which turns it into a concentrated oil. Unfortunately, this essential oil is a danger to our canine friends, both internally and externally. Consuming peppermint essential oil can make them drool, vomit, and have diarrhoea.
On the other hand, inhaling or coming into contact with peppermint essential oil is also unsafe for dogs. It releases an aroma because it acts as a diffuser, which disperses some oil particles in the air. If a dog inhales these particles, he will have coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Again, when a dog comes in contact with this oil, he will have irritation on the skin and the entire body. Moreover, applying this oil to their skin will make it enter their bloodstream, resulting in toxicity.
When Can Dogs Have Peppermint?
As said earlier, peppermint soothes the stomach, which aids in digestion. If your dog has trouble digesting foods, peppermint can act as a natural medicine for him.
If dogs are on antibiotics or any medications, they should avoid peppermint. It is because peppermint and medicines may not work together, and dogs won’t get any results at all. Besides, dogs that are going through homoeopathic treatments should not see the face of peppermint.
Peppermint can indeed treat allergies. But if a dog can’t withstand any plant-based foods or leaves at all, peppermint is not for him.
Let’s say your dog seems healthy enough to have a couple of peppermint leaves. Yet, you can’t offer him directly. Ask your vet for the final assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Peppermint?
How much peppermint can dogs have?
It depends on the breed. For example, a small breed shall not have more than a half mint leaf, a medium dog can have one mint leaf, and a large dog can have up to two mint leaves.
How do you offer peppermint to dogs?
Before letting your paw friend eat peppermint, make sure its leaves are fresh and organic. Then wash the leaves and make small pieces of them. Make sure you are offering the leaves based on their size and health condition.
Why do dogs like peppermint?
One of the main reasons dogs get baffled by peppermint is because of its smell. Besides, having some portions of it makes them breathe fresher, which they enjoy. That’s why some dogs get happy seeing mint leaves on their meals.
Can dogs eat peppermint every day?
As peppermint is a herb, you must let your canine friend eat it occasionally. If he makes puppy faces when he doesn’t see mint, you can let him eat half of a mint leaf every day. And of course, his vet must be certain about it.
Final Verdict
After learning about some potential side effects of peppermint, we still have the question, Can dogs have peppermint? The answer is yes if it is the mint leaf, not peppermint chocolates, candies, or other products.
Sometimes, the peppermint leaves can be harmful to dogs when they eat more than two leaves of them. In that case, dogs go through vomiting, diarrhoea, and an upset stomach. Avoiding these symptoms can lead to serious health issues like lethargy, seizures, and tremors. So whenever you see your canine friend have more mint leaves than necessary, inform his vet and offer him medications as prescribed.
