Can Dogs Have Peppermint?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet without veterinary approval. 

When unwrapping a minty treat, it’s tempting to want to give your pup a lick, but can dogs eat peppermint? 

Peppermint may be refreshing to us, but not every “people food” is a good idea for pups. Here’s what you should know before sharing anything minty or even peppermint-flavored with your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Peppermint?

A small amount of plain, fresh, or dried peppermint leaves isn’t likely to harm most healthy dogs, but other types of peppermint can be dangerous.

Dogs should never eat peppermint candy, mints, gum, or anything sweetened with xylitol, which is extremely toxic to pets. Peppermint essential oil, sprays, and extracts made for humans can also irritate a dog’s mouth or stomach, and they caneven cause seizures at high doses.

Peppermint that’s already formulated into a dog-friendly product, such as minty dental chews or mint-flavored treats, can help take the guesswork out of giving peppermint to your dog.  

Is Peppermint Good for Dogs?

Pet-safe products containing peppermint may offer a few modest benefits. However, evidence in dogs is limited and should be treated with caution. 

Here are some potential benefits of pet-safe products with peppermint: 

• They can freshen breath. The minty aroma can help temporarily mask doggy breath, and some mint compounds have mild antimicrobial properties that may help reduce mouth bacteria. 

• They may aid digestion. In very dilute forms, menthol (a key compound in peppermint) has been shown to help ease digestive discomfort in dogs. 

• They provide antioxidant support. Peppermint contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants, which theoretically could help neutralize free radicals, although your dog likely won’t be eating enough peppermint to reap these benefits. 

Is Peppermint Bad for Dogs?

Most peppermint products made for people are a no-go for pups. Here’s why: 

• They may contain xylitol. Many sugar-free candies, gums, and breath mints contain xylitol, which can trigger a life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and even acute liver failure in dogs, sometimes within an hour or two of ingestion. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol.  

• They can be high in sugar and fat. Peppermint candies, baked goods, and desserts often contain a lot of sugar or butter, which can contribute to obesity, dental disease, or pancreatitis in dogs. 

• Peppermint essential oil can be toxic. Peppermint essential oil (including sprays, topical rubs, potpourris, and diffusers) is highly concentrated and can irritate a dog’s skin, mouth, or stomach. Ingestion of essential oils has been linked to vomiting, diarrhea, and, in some cases, neurologic symptoms such as tremors or seizures at high doses. 

• Plain peppermint can cause digestive upset. Even fresh or dried peppermint leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.  

In short, it’s best to give your dog a pet-safe dog treat that is formulated with peppermint. 

How Much Peppermint Can Dogs Have?

Because the evidence is thin on its benefits, always use peppermint in small amounts and pay close attention to your dog’s reaction. 

All treats combined (including those containing peppermint) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced dog food. 

If you’re offering anything containing peppermint for the first time, start with a small amount and watch for side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy. If you notice any of these, stop feeding your dog the product and call your vet. 

How To Safely Feed Peppermint to Dogs

The best way to safely feed peppermint to dogs is to stick to dog-safe products. Avoid candy, gum, oils, sprays, potpourris, or extracts. They may contain highly concentrated peppermint oil, xylitol, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. 

You can also try preparing a vet-approved dog treat recipe, like Carob Mint Cookies. 

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Too Much Peppermint

If your dog gets into a large amount of plain peppermint, they may end up with an upset stomach. Remove any remaining peppermint and keep a close eye on them for the next day.

Watch for signs of digestive upset, including:

• Vomiting 

• Diarrhea 

• Drooling 

• Loss of appetite 

• Lethargy 

Call your vet if symptoms persist or worsen. 

If your dog eats peppermint gum, candy, or any other product that contains xylitol, it is an emergency. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline  at 855-764-7661 right away. Getting help quickly is critical. Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar or even liver failure within hours. 

Symptoms of xylitol toxicity may include: 

• Vomiting 

• Weakness 

• Tremors 

• Seizures 

• Lethargy 

• Collapse 

Contact with peppermint essential oil is also dangerous and can lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, drooling, vomiting, and even seizures at high doses.  

Call your veterinarian for advice if your dog has been exposed to peppermint essential oil.