Peppermint can be present in your home in many forms, especially during the holiday season. You might enjoy keeping a peppermint plant or having a supply of peppermint candies year-round. Many people also use peppermint essential oil for various purposes. And in December, we can’t forget the classic candy.
Peppermint is never necessary for your dog, and it can be harmful depending on how much your dog is exposed to and any other ingredients in the product.
Peppermint plants
Most dogs are unlikely to bite a peppermint plant in your house or yard, but some dogs are more adventurous than others. Chewing a few peppermint leaves is unlikely to cause any harm other than perhaps some stomach upset.
If your dog chooses to eat a whole peppermint plant, he is more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Peppermint Candy
If your dog ate peppermint candy, check the ingredients for that exact product. A simple peppermint candy with sugar isn’t a problem for most dogs unless they eat a ton of it.
Xylitol, or birch sugar, is the secret killer that may be hiding in peppermint candies. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, causing dramatic drops in blood sugar, liver failure and seizures. Depending on the dose and size of the dog, consuming xylitol can cause death.
If the peppermint candy your dog ate was sugar-free, contact your vet or emergency vet immediately.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil is highly concentrated, increasing both the aroma we humans love and, unfortunately, the risks to our dogs.
Licking or swallowing a small amount of diluted peppermint oil is unlikely to have harmful effects. Exposure to high doses or undiluted oil can cause toxicity. This can happen if the dog licks off the oil or if it is applied to his skin.
Symptoms of peppermint oil toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Weakness / lethargy
- Poor coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Mouth ulcers
- Shortness of breath
- Attacks
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to peppermint oil or peppermint essential oil and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact a pet poison hotline. The Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 are excellent and have all the latest information on toxicity in pets. These services charge a fee, but they are worth every penny.
The hotline will guide you on what you can do at home, and will also be available to guide your veterinarian in treatment decisions.
What to do if the dog eats sweets
If your dog ate a treat, check the box for a full list of ingredients. Sugar-free treats are the most likely to harm your dog, so look for xylitol or birch sugar.
If the candy contains xylitol, call your veterinarian or emergency room immediately.
If you are unsure about the ingredients in the candy, call the Pet Poison Hotline. They will help you determine if your dog needs urgent care, a routine appointment during office hours, or if you can supervise at home.
If the candy does not contain any toxic ingredients, you can keep an eye on your dog at home. He may experience a slight stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea, but he may also be completely fine. Smaller dogs are at a higher risk of developing symptoms than larger dogs, and the amount of candy your dog has eaten will also affect his risk.
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