We always tend to give what is best for our furry friends. In terms of what to give our dogs as a treat or snack, we also tend to be extra cautious like, what to give/ what not to give. Nowadays peppermint for dogs is used as a snack. It is quite popular among pet parents and we are ready to break down some info regarding it.
We humans have an ingrown urge for peppermint. Be it a peppermint drink or peppermint candy or peppermint-infused substances, in today’s time peppermints are in trend and so it does for our dogs too. During the festive seasons, we always keep trying to experiment with our taste pallets & we add various kinds of flavours to our foods & drinks as well as our dog’s treat.
Can dogs have peppermint?
However, peppermint for dogs generally doesn’t have any side effects but too much use of peppermint can make your dogs’ stomach upset your dog can have some gastrointestinal problems. Peppermint is often combined with artificial sweeteners like xylitol which is not good for dogs.
Some pet parents might think that mints can benefit the digestion system of dogs but some researchers said that the common mint plant known as pennyroyal has some toxic properties if used in dogs. They also said that mints can harm your dog’s digestion system if they can be fed to your dog.
What are the health benefits of peppermint for dogs?
Peppermints can be good for human ailments such as indigestion, acidity, gas, bloating, etc. But they cannot be used for dogs as they can be used for humans. Peppermint is scientifically known as Mentha Balsamea can work for your dog’s stomach & nausea but if you use it in bulk for your dogs it can cause kidney & liver problems. Also mint can use to freshen up your dog’s breath. A huge amount of mint given to your pet can cause diarrhoea or vomiting.
Ingredients & specifications of mint
- Mint has extraordinary properties such as it being enriched in vitamin A & C that supports vision, skin, bones, etc. it also helps in building Immunity as well.
- It is also enriched in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus, zinc, etc. it helps to build up immunity also.
- Mints are great for healthy digestion because they are enriched in dietary fibre.
- The antioxidants in mint provide immunity against damage & oxidation in the cells.
- It soothes stomach aches or any gastrointestinal problems & relieves diarrhoea or nausea.
- Mints can also be used to prevent some seasonal allergies.
- Mints also contain natural decongestants that help in breaking mucus & phlegm.
- It also relieves from the inflammatory disease & reduces gas.
- Mint leaves can also help in reducing the side effects or after-effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Tips to feed peppermint to your dog
Before feeding peppermint to your dog, you have to keep in mind certain things. The easiest & simple way to feed your dog peppermint is that you can add the mint leaves to your dog’s diet. You can also chop the leaves & mix them in a blender. After that add some other fruits like, berries, kiwi, avocado, strawberry, blend them as well, mix with mint leaves extract & make a smoothie & give it to your dog.
Peppermint For Dogs – Precautions
While mints can be good for your dog’s health, too much consumption of them can make your dog sick & it can cause some serious gastrointestinal problems, diarrhoea, stomach upsets, etc.
Peppermint oil, is it for dogs?
the simple answer to this question is, no it’s not safe for dogs at all. It is not safe for any other animals as well. if your dog comes in contact with peppermint oil, it can lead them to minor side effects from severe skin reactions, rashes, irritation, discomfort, etc. it can also result in more serious situations like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, even liver failure to the extent.
We pet parents often give our pet dogs some essential oils treatment in terms of ease out or to soothe out, especially in hot & humid weather. There is news everywhere regarding essential oil blunders to pets. We often take peppermint essential oil treatments for our skin & body just to feel extra comfort & we also make our dogs receive this kind of treatment as well. but we must know spreading peppermint to our dog’s skin or fur coats can lead them to feel some serious discomfort or it can give them rashes in their skin. Itchiness, allergies will also happen if you sprinkle peppermint oil on your dog.
Peppermint oil used as flee spray, is it safe?
No, you cannot use peppermint oils as a flea spray to avoid any fleas from your dog’s body. It cannot work against fleas like wasps, spiders, rats, etc. essential oils are heavily concentrated oils that cannot work against any fleas. If you spread peppermint essential oil to your dogs’ fur coats it will overpower their smelling senses. On the other hand, applying peppermint oil to their coats will likely cause licking, sniffing. If they lick the oil from their coats, it will easily make them fall sick because of chemicals of essential oil.
What to do if my pet comes in contact with peppermint essential oil?
Generally, peppermint oil symptoms in a dog are very vague at first sight but if your dog is showing some effects after using essential oils, immediately take them to the vets. In some serious conditions, if your dog gets sick severely, blood tests will be done to make sure that no other internal organs are damaged.
Final Words
In the conclusion, we can say that peppermints are only safe for dogs if used in minimum quantities. But if you want to give it to your pet, make sure to take some proper medical pieces of advice & precautions from your dogs’ vet. If you want to know about peppermints as a good or bad thing for your dog’s health, I hope this article may help you.