Can Dogs Eat Peppermint?

As the winter holidays approach, we often find ourselves enjoying Peppermint tea instead of the fall Pumpkin beverages. One can also find Peppermint in candies and essential oil. But is Peppermint safe for dogs? Let’s find out! 

Can dogs eat Peppermint? Yes, dogs can eat Peppermint if it is fresh or dry herb Peppermint. However, dogs should stay away from Peppermint candy or Peppermint products that contain pennyroyal oil or xylitol. Both xylitol and pennyroyal oil are toxic to dogs. Also, steer clear of Peppermint essential oils as well as flavored Peppermint like chocolate Peppermint.

Can dogs have Peppermint?

Yes, dogs can have Peppermint if it is the dried or fresh herb variety. However, dogs should stay away from certain types of Peppermint as well as any man-made forms of Peppermint which we will discuss next.

Is Peppermint bad for dogs?

Yes, Peppermint can be bad for dogs if it is in the form of Peppermint candy, Peppermint candy canes, and Peppermint essential oil. 

There are many reasons why Peppermint candies are bad for dogs.

Peppermint candy can be a choking hazard for dogs

Peppermint candies are usually hard. When dogs try to consume it, the hard Peppermint candy can get lodged in the dog’s throat and become a choking hazard. 

Most dogs don’t chew their food before swallowing it. If you know your furry family member tend to swallow their food without chewing, please avoid feeding them Peppermint candy.

Peppermint candy wrappers can cause intestinal blockage and obstruction

All Peppermint candies are wrapped in a white clear wrapper. So if your furry friends accidentally ate a Peppermint candy, they may have ingested the Peppermint candy wrapper as well. Our canine friends are smart, but they won’t know to peel off the Peppermint candy wrapper first before consuming it. 

If the Peppermint candy along with its wrapper gets down to the stomach and intestines, it can get stuck in the dog’s digestive tract. This can cause bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage, both of which are life-threatening. 

If you suspect your K9 friends have consumed Peppermint and the wrapper, contact your vet right away. Intestinal blockage or bowel obstruction requires immediate medical attention and emergency surgery in severe cases.

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Peppermint candy may contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs

Some Peppermint candies are made to be sugar-free candies and this is toxic to dogs because sugar-free candies use a sugar substitute called xylitol. When xylitol gets absorbed in the dog’s body, it acts quickly. 

Your canine family member may experience the following symptoms of xylitol poisoning: 

• Low blood sugar. 
• Liver failure. 
• Shaking profusely. 
• Seizures.
• Loss of coordination. 
• Lethargy. 
• Vomiting. 
• Diarrhea. 
• Muscle tremors or spasms. 

Xylitol poisoning can be extremely fatal so if you suspect your canine friend consumes Peppermint candy with xylitol, call the poison control as soon as you can. Call your vet as well and bring your dog in for a check-up or examination. If your vet recommends that you bring your pooch to the pet emergency room, you can do that as well.

Peppermint candy is a candy that dogs don’t need

Peppermint candy is simply candy! The round mouth-sized Peppermint candy you get after you finish your meal at a restaurant to freshen your breath contains a high amount of sugar. It can be from inverted sugar or cane sugar. Sugar, no matter what type, is harmful to dogs. 

Do you notice the red color on the Peppermint candy? That color is made from Red 40 or Red 40 lake, which are artificial dyes. There are many sources that state that red dye 40 may cause seizures in dogs. In general, dogs should not consume any food product that contains artificial dyes. 

Peppermint candy can also contain Peppermint oil which is not safe for doggy consumption and can cause dogs to get sick.

Did you know… Pop Tarts are a sugary snack that also contains Red 40 in its list of ingredients. So are Pop Tarts safe for doggy consumption? Check out Can Dogs Eat Pop Tarts? to find out!

Is Peppermint toxic to dogs?

While Peppermint isn’t toxic to dogs, the Peppermint candy with xylitol can be toxic to dogs. If you’d still like to offer your dog Peppermint candy, make sure to check the ingredients and avoid those that contain xylitol or flavoring like chocolate.

Is Peppermint good for dogs?

If you’re planning to use dried or fresh Peppermint herb you picked from the garden, then Peppermint can be good for dogs. Peppermint herb, in the fresh or dried form, is known to help dogs with gastrointestinal upset or upset stomach. This helps support their gastrointestinal tract and stimulate their appetite. 

Some dog owners give their dogs Peppermint herb if they are experiencing motion sickness since Peppermint herb can help soothe their stomach.  

Before you give your dog some fresh or dried Peppermint herb, be sure to contact your vet first. Dried or fresh Peppermint herb can provide some health benefits to your furry friends but make sure to consult with your dog’s vet and ask how it can help your specific dog. 

So, is Peppermint ok for dogs as long as it is a fresh or dried Peppermint herb? Let’s find out when you shouldn’t give your pups Peppermint herb. 

Is Peppermint safe for dogs?

Peppermint is safe for dogs that are normally healthy and not receiving any medical treatment. If your four-legged friends are receiving homeopathic treatments, it’s best not to give them any form of Peppermint. 

That’s because Peppermint is an antidote that can counteract homeopathic treatment and stop it from working. So if your dog is undergoing any type of treatment, ask your veterinary professional first before giving him or her Peppermint. 

If your vet confirms that Peppermint is safe for your furry friends, remember to only give them Peppermint in moderation. 

If you’re giving your dog Peppermint to help soothe their stomach or help with gastrointestinal upset and it isn’t working, do not increase the Peppermint dosage without asking your vet first. Too much Peppermint can actually worsen their GI distress.   

Also, giving your dog too much Peppermint when you feel it isn’t working can be harmful to your dogs’ health as it can counteract the positive health benefits of Peppermint and can worsen your dog’s illness or disease. 

Always ask your vet first because every dog is different. Each dog may respond to Peppermint differently as well.

Do dogs like Peppermint?

No, dogs do not like Peppermint. Peppermint has a distinct minty taste that does not suit the dog’s taste buds. Our furry friends like plain food without any flavoring or spices and Peppermint is the complete opposite.

Are dogs allergic to Peppermint?

Dogs aren’t necessarily allergic to Peppermint. It’s that Peppermint contains essential oils that don’t sit well with dogs and can cause poisoning in dogs.

Peppermint and Dogs

Can dogs eat Peppermint candy?

No, dogs should not eat Peppermint candy as it is packed full of carbohydrates, sugar, and calories. Additionally, Peppermint candy has a minty taste that our dogs do not like or prefer. 

Keep in mind that Peppermint candy was made for human consumption and it is a candy that is not canine-friendly. 

Can dogs have Peppermint candy?

As we can see, dogs should not have Peppermint candy. Avoid giving your dog Peppermint candy at all costs.

Is Peppermint candy safe for dogs?

No, Peppermint candy is not safe for dogs. Not only will dogs not enjoy the flavor of the Peppermint candy, but if the Peppermint candy contains pennyroyal oil or xylitol, it can be toxic to dogs. 

So, is it safe for dogs to eat Peppermint candy? No, it is not safe for dogs to eat Peppermint candy and it’s best to keep Peppermint candy out of your dog’s reach.

Is Peppermint candy bad for dogs?

Yes, Peppermint candy is bad for dogs. Even though Peppermint candies are small, they contain ingredients such as sugar in concentrated doses that may be too much for your furry friends. 

Dogs aren’t used to the taste of Peppermint candy either so they may react by vomiting, having diarrhea, or having upset stomachs or gastrointestinal issues.

Is Peppermint candy good for dogs?

So, Peppermint candy is not good for dogs. Be careful of Peppermint candy that contains xylitol as this sugar alternative ingredient is extremely toxic to dogs. 

It’s not always easy to determine if the Peppermint candy has xylitol in them. So we’re giving you a list of different names xylitol goes by: 

• Xylo-pentane-pentanol.
• Sucre de Bouleau.
• E967.
• Birch sugar. 

Just 0.1 grams of xylitol for every 2.2 pounds of their weight can be dangerous to dogs and can cause seizures and be fatal in severe cases.

Dogs that ingested 0.5 grams of xylitol for every 2.2 pounds of their body weight can cause liver failure.

Can dogs eat Peppermint candy canes?

No, dogs should not eat Peppermint candy canes. Peppermint candy canes contain a high amount of sugar that your dogs don’t need. In just one Peppermint candy cane, there are: 

• 12 grams of carbohydrates. 
• 10 grams of sugar. 

That’s 10 grams of sugar that our furry pals do not need. Too much sugar consumption can lead to health issues like diabetes, weight gain, dental issues, and even pancreatitis. 

Additionally, in just one Peppermint candy cane, there are 50 calories. That’s a lot of calories for our canine friends and smaller dogs are more easily affected.

Can dogs have Peppermint candy canes?

As we can see, dogs should not have Peppermint candy canes. Are Peppermint candy canes bad for dogs? Yes, Peppermint candy canes are bad for dogs because it is a sugary sweet candy that does not provide any health benefits to our furry friends. Instead, Peppermint candy canes are detrimental to our dog’s health.

It’s an empty-calorie candy that is not dog-friendly. The combination of high carbohydrates, sugar, and calories would negatively affect your dog’s overall health.

Can dogs eat soft Peppermint candy?

No, dogs should not eat soft Peppermint candy. It doesn’t matter whether the Peppermint candy is soft or hard, the ingredients in Peppermint candy are not safe or healthy for dogs. Soft Peppermint candy also contains tons of sugar in concentrated doses that are harmful to our canine friends.

Is Peppermint plant safe for dogs?

The Peppermint plant is generally safe for dogs. Is Peppermint plants bad for dogs? Yes, if you’re growing English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), then it is not safe for dogs since it contains a chemical called pulegone which can damage your dog’s liver if consumed in large amounts.

Is Peppermint plant toxic to dogs?

Yes, certain types of Peppermint plant is toxic to dogs. Is Peppermint plant poisonous to dogs? Yes, Peppermint plant is poisonous to dogs. There are two Peppermint plants you should be aware of that are toxic and poisonous to dogs.

They are the English pennyroyal and the Wintergreen.

The English pennyroyal (also known as Mentha pulegium) is toxic to dogs. That’s because English pennyroyal contains volatile oils, including pulegone, which is extremely toxic to dogs. 

If your furry friend consumes the Peppermint plant, be sure to monitor him or her very closely. He may be at risk of Pennyroyal toxicity. 

Signs and symptoms of Pennyroyal toxicity include: 

• Nausea.
• High blood pressure.
• Increase heart rate.  
• Kidney failure or kidney damage.
• Renal damage.
• Liver failure or liver damage. 
• Loss of consciousness. 
• Seizures (in severe cases). 

If you suspect your pooch has Pennyroyal toxicity, you’ll need to call your vet right away and bring your pup to the nearest veterinary hospital. 

In addition to English pennyroyal, Wintergreen is also toxic to dogs as well. Many confuse Wintergreen with mint, but these two are completely different. The reason why Wintergreen is dangerous to dogs is that the Wintergreen leaf contains an aspirin-like chemical.

When dogs accidentally consume Wintergreen, they are at risk of aspirin poisoning. 

Signs of aspirin poisoning in dogs include:

• Difficulty breathing. 
• Increased respiratory rate. 
• Dog’s blood may become way too acidic. 
• Cellular damage can lead to high body temperature. 
• Walking drunk or has a wobbly gait. 
• Muscle tremors.
• Liver failure.
• Kidney failure.
• Seizures (in severe cases). 

You may be interested in: My Dog Is Acting Drunk And Wobbly (Should I Be Concerned?)

Again, if you suspect your furry family member has aspirin poisoning, we highly recommend that you contact your vet right away and bring your pooch to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. 

Can dogs eat Peppermint leaves?

Yes, dogs can have two or three Peppermint leaves. Fresh or dried Peppermint leaves are fine for dogs and can help dogs suffering from an upset stomach.

Can dogs eat Peppermint oil?

No, dogs should not eat Peppermint oil. If your pooch consumes a large amount of Peppermint oil, he or she may be at risk of poisoning and may experience the following symptoms: 

• Vomiting. 
• Diarrhea.

Did you know… The color and texture of your dog’s vomit can tell you why he or she vomited. Check out our Dog Vomit Color Guide to learn more and keep it handy whenever your precious pup isn’t feeling well

Can dogs have Peppermint oil?

Dogs should not have Peppermint oil as it is diluted and considered a toxic substance for four-legged friends.

Is Peppermint oil bad for dogs?

Yes, Peppermint oil is bad for dogs. Avoid putting Peppermint oil on your dog’s skin or allowing your dog to lick it. Peppermint oil can cause skin irritation in dogs and may irritate your dog’s sensitive nose too. 

Ingesting Peppermint oil can cause dogs to vomit and become lethargic.

Is Peppermint oil harmful to dogs?

As you can see, Peppermint oil is harmful to dogs. Keep it away from your dogs. 

Is Peppermint oil ok for dogs?

No, Peppermint oil is not ok for dogs. Do not apply the Peppermint oil on your dog’s skin or allow your dog to lick it. Don’t bother using Peppermint oil for fleas either as Peppermint oil does not get rid of pests like fleas.

Is the smell of Peppermint oil harmful to dogs?

Yes, when dogs smell Peppermint oil, it can irritate their sensitive nose since Peppermint oil is very strong. 

Is Peppermint oil good for dogs?

No, Peppermint oil is not good for dogs so it’s best to keep it away from your four-legged friends. 

Is Peppermint essential oil safe for dogs?

No, Peppermint essential oil is not safe for dogs. Many dog owners use Peppermint essential oil to help reduce stress after a long workday or use it to relieve inflammation. If you do this and your dog comes into contact with the Peppermint essential oil, they may be at risk of poisoning.

So, is Peppermint essential oil bad for dogs? Yes, Peppermint essential oil is bad for dogs because it contains highly concentrated formulas that are harmful to dogs and can cause toxicity. Dogs may start to vomit, have diarrhea, or feel lethargic.

Are dogs allergic to Peppermint essential oils?

It’s not that dogs are allergic to Peppermint essential oils, but rather Peppermint essential oils are simply toxic to them. All forms of Peppermint essential oil are toxic to dogs, whether they are used in a diffuser, applied to the dog’s skin or the owners’ skin, or licked up.

Is Peppermint extract safe for dogs?

No, Peppermint extract is not safe for dogs. Keep Peppermint extract away from dogs.

So, can dogs eat Peppermint?

Avoid letting your dogs eat Peppermint as a treat as it isn’t really dog-friendly. There are plenty of other canine-friendly treats or snacks to give your dog so skip the Peppermint. If your dog isn’t feeling well, consult with your vet and ask for the best treatment for your canine friends. 

For your dog’s safety, do not give them Peppermint without consulting your vet first.

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding dietary needs.

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint

https://time.com/5069554/candy-cane-story/