Mentha is a popular plant with highly fragrant leaves along with slight purple, pink or white flowers.Peppermint is the most common fragrant plant of the genus Mentha, of which most plant varieties are safe for dogs. Species like peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint are dog safe.Mentha does not provide any nutritional benefit to dogs, but some speculate that if dogs eat peppermint, it may help calm the stomach if upset. In most cases, moderation is key, and the dog should not eat more than a few leaves per day. Some herbs that a dog can eat are spearmint (which helps in cutting down the smelly breath of a dog), peppermint (which helps to calm down the upset stomach of dogs), and wild mint (full of antioxidants that could help with indigestion).Peppermint treats like peppermint candy, candy cane, and peppermint jelly beans, and the skin of peppermint, contains peppermint oil. The oils in these treats are very concentrated and can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Some peppermint treats may contain only less concentrated extracts than oil. Due to the high methanol content, this essential oil is extracted from the leaves and used as flavorings in breath fresheners, chewing gums, ice creams, tea, and the like.So, peppermint oil or essential oil extracted from the mint leaves is not toxic for dogs, and if dogs eat peppermint, they shouldn’t have a problem. As with any plant material, we must feed the dog only a few leaves occasionally.A candy cane is high in sugar and can cause periodontal and dental disease in the dog, and mints contain artificial sweeteners that can damage organs. Candy contains xylitol that is toxic and very dangerous for dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, coma, and even death. Some products with concentrated menthol can also cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.Dogs are the animals that are most susceptible to the effects of essential oils. When exposed to strong oils, dogs can vomit and become somewhat frustrated. However, the worst effect occurs when they inhale oil deep into the airways. When a dog inhales oils such as lavender or eucalyptus, the airways are damaged. This can make breathing difficult and can stop breathing altogether.Essential oils can be harmful. The greatest danger for pets when using essential oils is that they are absorbed into the bloodstream. If essential oils remain in the body long enough, they can cause health problems. Unfortunately, humans cannot always control the number of pollutants we put into our bodies and the same is with our pets.If you enjoy reading this article, you could also read about can dogs eat skittles and can dogs eat salt here on Kidadl.Is peppermint oil safe for dogs to breathe?Peppermint as a breath spray isn’t intended to be consumed by anyone. It will cause an assortment of reactions like breathing issues, indigestion, bulging, loose bowels, regurgitating, aggravation, bothering, sensitivity, and more.A dogs sense of smell is more than 10,000 times that of the humans’ sense of smell. When a dog smells peppermint, it can cause respiratory problems and inflammation of the nose and eyes.Peppermint is an appealing smell, it’s utilized broadly in fragrance-based treatment. Peppermint helps to calm and mitigate the brain, feelings, and body of a dog. Peppermint has a wonderful aroma and can also be utilized as a treatment for indigestion. But unfortunately, when a dog breathes in peppermint, it can again cause an upset stomach.A few plants’ oils are known to influence the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs. Different oils might aggravate the membranes and encompassing tissues causing irritation of the alveoli, which then, at that point, cause the need to relax. Utilizing spices as a spray fog is known to cause retching and loss of bowels.Dogs should be extremely specific with regard to what they eat.How much peppermint is safe for dogs?Peppermint is nontoxic to dogs, whereas peppermint oil in large quantities is toxic, no matter the form that they ingest it in.If given in moderation, it is alright, but excessive intake lapped up or inhaled could cause processing issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas.However, peppermint essential oil can benefit your dog skin, is a good mosquito and bug repellant, and can calm skin irritation.Can peppermint hurt my dog?Too much peppermint is not healthy for dogs and can be hazardous, especially in the form of essential oil in a diffuser.According to the experts, dogs eating too much peppermint can result in severe vomiting and diarrhea and can cause a few health problems for your dog. The risk increases if the person is not able to control the vomiting or diarrhea of the pet as dehydration doesn’t take long to set in.Mentha pulegium or English pennyroyal is the only type of mint that is considered harmful and toxic to dogs. The California Invasive Plant Council guarantees that this plant is moderately intrusive. The harmfulness of the plant comes from its pulegone content.Can dogs eat peppermint candy canes?Peppermint candy canes for dogs can be very dangerous.Most producers of peppermint candy canes utilize an added substance called xylitol. Peppermint candy canes contain xylitol to make them taste significantly better than they would normally.These peppermint candies are very harmful to dogs. Peppermint candies are so dangerous that even one or two candies can cause a dire situation.Peppermint candy canes are usually high in peppermint and can confuse the dog’s stomach. Even in small amounts, xylitol is toxic to dogs. Peppermint candy can pose a serious choking risk and can be sharp. Peppermint candy can also damage the throat and stomach of dogs.Why You Should Never Feed Your Dog Human CandyExperts say that an amount of sweetener is present in products such as candy, chocolates, gum, baked products, and the like, resulting in severe health problems for the dog.Xylitol can lower blood sugar levels in dogs and, in more severe cases, can cause liver failure. Symptoms of consumption include vomiting, lethargy, and impaired coordination in dogs. At some point, the dog may have a seizure. Liver failure can occur within a few days. Bad breath can be a sign of the following illnesses: dental or oral disease, kidney disease, or bowel disease.Eating xylitol can lead to the death of dogs if left untreated. For this reason, it is crucial to know exactly what ingredients go in everything we feed our pets, especially if the product is not intended for animal consumption.Dog Treat AlternativesHere are some alternative dog treats to feed your dog:Homemade dog treats:Healthy dog treats must always have natural ingredients. Also, adding spices and other additives to the dog’s treats can cause health problems that can be irreversible or difficult to treat. When preparing a food treat for a dog at home, make sure to avoid sugar and other harmful ingredients.Sweet potatoes:Sweet potatoes - boiled or roasted- are great for dog treats. Dogs usually love their taste as they’re very versatile. They can also be frozen as a dog food bowl supplement, made into a puree with other fruits, or a cube for hot days. They are rich in iron, potassium, zinc, and other minerals that are essential for a dog’s health. With a high fiber content, sweet potatoes help in a dog’s digestion process. Sweet potatoes are also a good replacement for regular potatoes which have too much starch.Fresh fruits:Fruits are great for dog treats and are rich in nutrients that control diseases. Fruits such as bananas, strawberries, watermelons, apples, oranges, and blueberries are ideal as treats and added to food bowls. Fruits such as grapes, avocados, unripe tomatoes, and peaches should be avoided. These can be toxic to a pet dog’s appetite.Chopped vegetables:There are many good vegetables for dogs. Vegetables provide your dog with healthy nutrients and help keep their bones and immunity strong. Pre-chopped vegetables are expensive, but they also contain preservatives that make your dog unhealthy so you must only give them fresh vegetables.Vegetables such as cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, lettuce, and carrots guarantee absolutely safe and healthy enjoyment for the dogs. These vegetables are generally compatible with many a pet dog diet and are less likely to cause stomach upset for a pet when given as a treat.Did You Know?Essential oils are becoming more and more popular as a natural remedy in recent years. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global essential oil market in 2018 was valued at $7.03 billion. It is expected to reach $14.6 billion by the end of 2026.Peppermint oil is one of the most popular essential oils.There are no scientific studies proving the health benefits of peppermint in dogs. It is very important for dog owners to consult the veterinarian before giving the dog peppermint. Peppermint is technically non-toxic to pets, but it can lead to unwanted consequences such as indigestion, vomit, and diarrhea.Peppermint oil on the dog’s skin can cause skin reactions, breathing problems, and bowel problems if the dog licks it. In humans, peppermint oil is used to aid digestion and relieve headaches, muscle aches, and itching. The mild antibacterial and antifungal properties of peppermint oil have been shown to be effective against some bacteria in some studies. Unlike humans, peppermint oil is widely considered toxic to pets, so your pet will not get the same benefits.If the dog has taken xylitol, then one should head towards the veterinarian or pet hospital for a quick check-up. Warning signs could include loss of coordination and shivering. Signs like bad breath can also be a red flag.The products intended for human use must not be given to the dogs, it can be very harmful to the pet. There is no scientific evidence yet that a dog benefits from eating peppermint as much as a human does.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for can dogs have peppermint, then why not take a look at can dogs have yogurt or Central Asian shepherd dog facts.
Mentha is a popular plant with highly fragrant leaves along with slight purple, pink or white flowers.
