Can Dogs Take Peppermint Essential Oils?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your dog were to come into contact with peppermint oil, his symptoms could vary from non-existent (depending on the amount), to life-threatening. Minor symptoms can include

discomfort, irritation, and skin reactions. More serious symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and even liver failure

.

Can the smell of peppermint hurt dogs?


Many essential oils are toxic for dogs, whether ingested or applied topically

. Canine-toxic essential oils include tea tree oil, ylang-ylang, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil. You should never apply essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or yours.

What happens if dogs lick peppermint oil?

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated and should not be given to canines. If your pup licks even a small amount of oil, it can be absorbed very quickly.

It can cause severe irritation to their stomach or mouth

. It can also severely damage their liver and cause death.

Is peppermint oil toxic?

Like many essential oils, peppermint oil

can be toxic and even lethal at excessive dosages

; it has been associated with interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure.

What essential oils can I diffuse around my dog?

  • Myrrh.
  • Frankincense.
  • Chamomile.
  • Lavender oil.
  • Ginger.
  • Rosemary.

Is peppermint oil the same as peppermint extract?


Peppermint oil and peppermint extract are two very different ingredients

. Peppermint oil is the pure essential oil derived from peppermint leaves. Peppermint extract is a mixture of peppermint essential oils and alcohol.

Who should not use peppermint oil?

Peppermint oil has been used for stomach/intestinal disorders (such as upset stomach, cramps, irritable bowel syndrome-IBS). This product should not be used by

children younger than 8 years

. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives.

Can I put peppermint oil on my dog for fleas?

Many pet owners are regularly searching for alternatives to pharmaceuticals and insecticides, so more natural remedies like essential oils are commonly discussed.

Peppermint oil is one such essential oil that is sometimes recommended for use in pets, specifically for killing fleas

.

Is it safe for dogs to smell essential oils?

Signs Your Dog Can Smell Essential Oils


Yes, dogs can smell essential oils

. However, not all essential oils are safe for your dog. Lavender is perhaps the most popular (and one of the safest) because of its calming properties. Peppermint oil is another good one that can stimulate circulation and deter pesky insects.

What scents are calming to dogs?

Because barking and excessive activity are typically signs of stress in shelter dogs — not to mention being undesirable behaviors in the eyes of many adopters — the study concluded that exposure to the odors of

vanilla, coconut, valerian, and ginger

has the potential to reduce stress in shelter dogs.

What essential oils are bad for dogs to smell?

  • Cinnamon.
  • Citrus (d-limonene)
  • Pennyroyal.
  • Peppermint.
  • Pine.
  • Sweet birch.
  • Tea tree (melaleuca)
  • Wintergreen.

Can peppermint oil replace peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil – Use the oil at a ratio of 1 to 4 (

1 part oil is equivalent of 4 parts extract)

. Peppermint oil is stronger so you need far less that with the extract. OR – Use 1/2 cup creme de menthe per 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust liquid in the recipe).

How much peppermint extract should I use?

Peppermint extract is a stronger flavor than other baking flavorings like vanilla extract or almond extract, so start small by substituting

half or a quarter amount of the extract called for in the recipe

.

Is McCormick peppermint extract oil based?

McCormick Culinary Pure Peppermint Extract features lively, premium pepper-minty flavor. Crafted especially for chefs, McCormick Culinary Pure Peppermint Extract is

made from the oil of real peppermint leaves

for unmatched quality and remarkable performance.

Is peppermint oil safe to breathe?

Another 2016 study suggested that

vapors from essential oils, such as peppermint oil, have antibacterial properties that may help alleviate some types of upper respiratory infection

. Inhaling steam and vapors can be helpful for easing nasal congestion from colds and other upper respiratory infections.

What are the side effects of peppermint oil?

  • allergic reactions.
  • burning mouth syndrome.
  • diarrhea with anal burning.
  • flushing.
  • headache.
  • heartburn.
  • mouth ulcers.
  • rash.

How much peppermint oil do you mix with water?

Peppermint Oil Spray

Combine

two teaspoons of peppermint oil with one cup of water

and then add a few drops of dish detergent to help the ingredients mix better. Shake it all together in a spray bottle and apply the mixture any place that you have or suspect you have mice.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.