Dogs Eating Mint: Safety, Health, and Care Tips

Dogs eating mint can be a bit of a concern, but it's not always a cause for alarm.

Mint is not toxic to dogs, but consuming large amounts can cause stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Some dogs may experience mild symptoms, such as drooling and pawing at the mouth, after eating mint.

However, if your dog ingests a large amount of mint, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for signs of more severe symptoms, like lethargy or difficulty breathing.

Dogs can be sensitive to the effects of essential oils and liquid potpourri, which contain chemicals that are rapidly absorbed orally or through the skin. Many of these chemicals are metabolized through the liver, making puppies and dogs with liver disease more susceptible to their effects.

Only a couple of licks or a small amount on the skin could be harmful to a dog, depending on the ingredients in a specific product and how the pet is exposed.

Puppies and dogs with liver disease are more sensitive to the effects of essential oils and liquid potpourri.

If your dog ingests peppermint candy, which includes candy canes, breath mints, and gum, it's not safe. And anything labeled sugar-free might potentially contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs even in relatively small amounts.

Toxicity can occur as quickly as 15 minutes after ingestion and causes life-threatening low blood sugar levels and can lead to liver failure.

If your dog eats too much peppermint, they may experience gastrointestinal signs including vomiting and diarrhea.

Dried peppermint is more concentrated than fresh leaves, so only a tiny amount is considered safe.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding mint to your dog safely:

Feeding mint to your dog can be a bit of a gamble, and it's essential to know the risks involved.

Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting and diarrhea, due to overconsumption of mint.

Mint oils, in particular, can be toxic to dogs, even if applied topically, and can cause excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dogs have very sensitive stomachs, so even a moderate change in their diet can cause digestion problems.

In severe cases, mint oils can cause seizures and liver failure.

Be cautious when using mint-flavored aroma diffusers, as they can disperse fine particles of oil into the air, leading to wheezing, coughing, or breathing difficulties in dogs.

Wintergreen, often marketed as mint, is actually toxic to dogs and contains an aspirin-like chemical that can cause vomiting, confusion, kidney issues, and liver failure.

Here are some specific types of mint that are non-toxic to dogs:

However, even safe types of mint can cause issues if eaten in excess. Peppermint oil, for example, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and gas if ingested in large amounts.

If you do decide to give your dog peppermint oil, make sure to use it in moderation and dilute it with coconut oil to avoid any adverse reactions.

Some forms of spearmint, like fresh and dried spearmint leaves, are safe and nutritious for dogs in small amounts, but others, like mint candy, are poisonous.

If your dog eats too much peppermint, they may experience gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea.

Dried peppermint is more concentrated than fresh leaves, so only a tiny amount is considered safe for your dog.

Chocolate, when combined with peppermint, is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures and death in high amounts.

Intriguing read: Dogs Eating Leaves

To prevent your dog from eating mint, keep an eye on them in areas where mint is grown or used, such as in gardens or in the kitchen.

Mint can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested mint, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Keep mint plants out of reach of your dog by placing them in a secure location, such as a high shelf or a room that your dog does not have access to.

Can My Dog Eat Candy?

Candy mints in any kind or form can be harmful to your pet.

They contain high amounts of sugar which is very unhealthy for dogs.

Sugar-free candy mints aren't any better, they contain artificial sweeteners that aren't good for your dog.

Eating a small amount of xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can cause liver failure and may prove lethal.

The peppermint oil in these candies is also toxic to your dog and can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Recommended read: Dogs Eating Sugar

Fresh leaves can be a great addition to your dog's diet, but make sure to choose the right kind. Your dog can generally eat a couple of fresh peppermint leaves to help relieve an upset stomach.

Dried peppermint leaves are even more potent, but use them with caution. They can be used to help cure car sickness for your dog.

However, avoid giving peppermint-flavored candies or sweets to your dog, as the artificial sweeteners can be very harmful. They can also choke on the candy, leading to intestinal blockage.

Peppermint extracts are not recommended for dogs either, as the concentration level can be very high and cause an upset stomach.

If you suspect your dog has eaten pennyroyal or mint candy, contact an emergency vet asap, even if your dog has no symptoms.

Pennyroyal contains pulegone, which causes liver damage in dogs, and can lead to vomiting, weakness, and seizures.

There are over 100 varieties of mint, but only one, pennyroyal, is toxic to dogs.

If you can't identify the mint plants in your garden, it's best to be safe and throw them away.

Spearmint is safe for dogs, in the right forms and amounts, but always check with your vet first.

Candy wrappers can't be digested and can cause a life-threatening gut blockage in dogs.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute in candy, can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, liver failure, seizures, or death in dogs.