Is peppermint oil safe for dogs, or should you keep your pet off this potent blend? Let’s dig into some science!
Known for its refreshing fragrance and numerous health benefits, peppermint oil is used widely for its ability to soothe your digestive system and also to reduce inflammation. While you may want to be privy of such unique properties, as a pet owner, you may wonder if your little furry companion will be okay when you use peppermint oil. Besides wondering if peppermint oil is safe for dogs, you might be wondering if they, too, can benefit from this oil. That is what we will address in this article.
Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Dogs?
Peppermint oil can be safe for dogs, but only when used correctly and in moderation. It is vital to always consult with a licensed veterinarian who will consider several factors like age, weight, and overall health and needs of your pup before giving you their thumbs up on using peppermint oil.
Peppermint oil contains compounds like limonene and menthol, which, in higher concentrations, can be toxic in dogs. If your dog ingests peppermint oil in large amounts, they may start showing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and other such digestive issues.
So, let’s explore further the potential safety concerns of using peppermint oil for dogs, how to choose the right one, and how to use it effectively.
How To Choose the Best Peppermint Oil For Dogs?
You wouldn’t use adulterated essential oils for yourself, and that should be your attitude when purchasing essential oils for your dog as well. Unfortunately, peppermint oil is one of the most difficult oils to get in unadulterated form, only next to lavender, and it is positively impossible to discern which would be adulterated and which would not be.
Thus, the best thing you can do to make sure you are purchasing high quality, pure oil is using products in which the peppermint is pre-mixed and from manufacturers who you know and trust. Plus, one other factor you must consider is getting oil products that are USDA-certified to organic standards.
How Much Peppermint Oil Can Be Toxic For Dogs?
After purchasing your peppermint oil, the amount you can use for your canine companion will vary based on their size and weight and also on the concentration of the oil you are using. Since peppermint oil is actually quite a strong and potent one, less is always more! If you are really scared that you might mistakenly use too much peppermint oil, the best way to dilute it is by using only a drop of peppermint oil in the room where your furry pet frequently visits.
Another way to dilute peppermint oil is by using 0.5%- 2% dilution. This means that for every 1 to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil, you would use one drop of peppermint oil. Carrier oils that are also safe for dogs include olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and, of course, coconut oil. It would be best if you used a diffuser when trying to give your pet the essence of peppermint oil.
Potential Benefits of Peppermint for Dogs
Besides the risk of your dog getting digestive issues, that too only on ingestion of high amounts, peppermint oil can actually have multiple benefits for your little canine. Here are the top ways that peppermint oil can benefit dogs:
- Peppermint oil can benefit dogs with digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It can help soothe the digestive system and promote healthy digestion.
- Peppermint oil is a natural flea and tick repellent and can be used to keep these pests away from your dog. It can be mixed with water and sprayed onto your dog’s coat or diffused in the air around your home. Peppermint oil should never be applied directly to a dog’s skin without proper dilution.
- Peppermint oil can help freshen your dog’s breath and promote healthy oral hygiene. It can be added to homemade dog toothpaste or diluted in water and used as a mouthwash. It can be added to homemade dog toothpaste or diluted in water and used as a mouthwash.
- Peppermint is fantastic for dogs (and humans) with respiratory issues. It can help with digestion and nausea and even relieve sore muscles.
Risks And Potential Side Effects Of Using Peppermint Oil For Dogs
- The biggest risk with peppermint essential oil is using an adulterated peppermint essential oil, which combines the risk of elevated liver enzymes in animals with a lack of therapeutic benefit. This is because of the concentration of menthol and pulegone in peppermint oil, which can cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in large amounts.
- Just like humans, dogs, too, can have individual sensitivities and allergies. Besides diluting essential oils, you must also monitor your dog closely after using peppermint oil for the first time and discontinue use immediately in case of any adverse reactions, such as skin irritation or respiratory distress.
- Since dogs have a heightened sense of smell, what scents may be pleasant to us humans may be overwhelming to them. This is another crucial reason you must dilute peppermint oil before use.