Peppermint oil is toxic to dogs and can cause mild to severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and even lethargy. Peppermint oil poisoning can be fatal, especially if it's not treated as soon as possible.
How safe are these essential oils for our pets? Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.
Anything more than one or two peppermint plant leaves causes irritation of the mouth and nose, vomiting, and diarrhea, says Amber Karwacki, DVM and partner doctor at Heart + Paw veterinary clinics.
Peppermint is practically everywhere once the winter months roll around. But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet. According to the ASPCA, eating peppermint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other reactions.
Peppermint oil is toxic for dogs. Whether you're using an oil diffuser, applying it to their skin, or adding oil to their food, it's unfortunately harmful to our four-legged friends.
Peppermint Candy
"Many of the hard candies contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs," Karwacki says. "Xylitol causes their blood sugar to drop, which leads to seizures and coma if not treated properly." Additionally, if dogs eat peppermint candy with the wrapper on, it can cause intestinal blockage.
Using an oil diffuser for a short time period in a secured area—one that your dog or cat cannot access—is not likely to be an issue. However, if your pet has a history of breathing problems, it may be best to avoid using one altogether.
For dogs, citrus scents are the enemy. Citrus scents like lemon, lime, oranges, and grapefruit–especially in high concentrations often found in household cleaners or essential oils–can cause irritation to your pup's respiratory tract, so keep any fresh citrus fruits out of your dog's reach. You know–just in case.
THE ANSWER: In most cases, oil diffusers are not dangerous for pets if they smell them. However, it can be hazardous if it gets on their skin or they ingest it.
This is because essential oils are heavily concentrated, with very potent odors. Similar to these creatures, your pet will find the smell of peppermint overpowering to their senses. Additionally, applying oils to your pet will likely cause them to lick, trying to rid their fur of the scent.
Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Peppermint candies and other sweet treats often contain xylitol, a sweetener. While this sweetener is fine for human consumption, it is extremely toxic to canines. Even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Follow these pet safety tips when cleaning your home with essential oils: Never apply essential oils directly onto your pet without first consulting your veterinarian or qualified pet health practitioner. It's a good idea to remove your pet from the room until you're finished cleaning and deodorizing the area.
Essential oils can be toxic to dogs whether inhaled, ingested or spread on the skin. Symptoms include: If you think your dog could have come into contact with the below essential oils and is displaying any of the above symptoms, you should contact your vet immediately and move your pet into fresh air.
Mint can inhibit bacterial growth in his mouth and it is a natural flea repellent. The tasty treats containing mint are a great way to appease his palate, clean his mouth, and protect him from parasites all at the same time. Mint can also come in the form of an essential oil.
Pine, in particular, can be quite toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, so be sure not to use pine scented or infused cleaners.
Breathing in essential oils can cause a severe lung infection known as pneumonitis in some people. In general, however, essential oils are safe when used externally (not ingested) in low concentrations. ' Ideally, you should use your diffuser in a well-ventilated area for no more than 15 minutes an hour.
Lavender can be toxic to dogs in all forms, including the plant and its essential oils. Whether you keep a plant inside or out or choose to diffuse lavender essential oil, you could be putting your dog in harm's way.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): Vanilla has comforting and nurturing qualities for dogs who experience nervous tension, irritability, and/or anger. Dogs who have been known to bite are among those who this oil is recommended to. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically.
Thieves oil is a blend of essential oils that typically include lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, and clove. These oils are toxic to dogs when ingested, applied topically, or used in a diffuser.
To understand what essential oils are the safest, and which should be avoided, use the following as a guideline: Avoid using these essential oils around your bird: Tea tree. Peppermint.
Peppermint (mentha balsamea) may soothe your dog's nausea and upset stomach, but in large quantities it can also cause liver or kidney problems. Similarly, spearmint (mentha spicata) can freshen your dog's breath and repel fleas, but larger doses could cause diarrhea or vomiting, so proper portioning is key.