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When you think of mint, you likely think of fresh breath, salads, smoothies, and mojitos. But have you ever wondered if your dog can consume mint? Many pet owners complain of their dog’s bad breath, so is it safe to offer mint to freshen their breath? The answer is yes, but only fresh or dried Spearmint (Mentha spicata) or Peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaves and only in small quantities. Not all types of mint are safe for dogs, and some can be harmful.
In this article, we will delve into this subject to equip you with the knowledge necessary to ensure your dog’s safety.
What Is Mint?
Mint is a common plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which comprises approximately 7000 plant species. Mint is commonly used in cooking as well as in mouthwashes, chewing gum, toothpaste, candies, and breath fresheners. Mint offers various potential health benefits for humans. It has been used for generations as a remedy to relieve digestive problems and alleviate cold symptoms.
What Are the Two Main Varieties of Mint?
Within the genus Mentha, there are around 25 species of fragrant herbs known as mints. The two most popular mint varieties are peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). These mints can be easily grown in your garden or balcony and used to add a distinctive flavor to dishes. Peppermint contains more menthol than spearmint and is commonly used in desserts and candies due to its intense flavor. Spearmint, on the other hand, is milder and frequently utilized in toothpaste and chewing gums.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Mint for Dogs?
There are several benefits that fresh mint can offer to dogs, such as:
- Freshens Breath: Mint can serve as a natural breath freshener for your dog, leaving their breath smelling fresh. However, persistent foul breath may indicate underlying dental issues, and a veterinary check-up is advisable.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants are crucial for your dog’s health and may possess anti-cancer properties by protecting against free radicals. Some mint plants contain an antioxidant known as rosmarinic acid.
- Mint is Nutrient-Rich: Mint contains essential nutrients like vitamin A, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc, all of which contribute to your dog’s well-being.
- May Aid with Allergies: Mint contains natural menthol that anecdotal evidence suggests may help with nasal congestion. Additionally, rosmarinic acid in mint may help alleviate seasonal allergies.
How Much and How Often Can I Give My Dog Mint?
The recommended way to give your dog mint is by sprinkling a few fresh mint leaves onto their food. Always wash the leaves before adding them to the food to remove any dirt or potential pesticides. If you opt to feed your dog mint, monitor them for any stomach upset afterward, as consuming excessive mint leaves can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
It is safe to offer your dog one to two fresh mint leaves once or twice a week, but exceeding this amount is not advisable. Your dog’s primary diet should consist of high-quality dog food with a protein-rich formula to ensure they receive essential daily nutrients and vitamins for good health. While it is safe to give a mint leaf or two occasionally, make sure it does not cause any gastrointestinal discomfort.
Mints to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
As mentioned earlier, not all types of mint plants are safe for dogs, and some are highly toxic. It is crucial to refrain from giving your dog any human foods containing mint, as they often contain substances that are unsafe for canines. This is detailed further below.
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is part of the mint family but is extremely toxic to dogs in oral and topical forms. Pennyroyal is commonly found in the United States and utilized in gardens as a natural insect repellent. The plant has green leaves and distinctive purple flowers.
Pennyroyal plants contain Pulegone, a toxic component found in various mint species. Ingesting it can lead to liver damage or complete liver failure in dogs. Pennyroyal oil, present in some essential oils and even in certain flea powders and deodorizing sprays, can cause poisoning even from skin exposure. Therefore, consult your veterinarian before using any flea powder to ensure its safety.
The symptoms of pennyroyal poisoning in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Coughing up blood
- Bloody nose
- Listlessness
- Coma
- Seizure
- Death
Wintergreen plants (any evergreen plant within the Ericaceae family) can be mistaken for mint and must be avoided due to their toxicity. Wintergreen plants resemble mint plants, so ensure you have a safe mint variety rather than wintergreen.
Hazards of Mint for Dogs
Mint is commonly added to breath mints, mouthwash, gum, candies, and other products. It is essential to avoid giving your dog human foods containing mint, as they may contain harmful ingredients unsuitable for canines. One such dangerous ingredient is xylitol, a natural sugar substitute found in gum, snacks, toothpaste, and more. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so always check food labels for ingredients before feeding any human food to your dog. Even some peanut butter, a favorite among dogs, may contain xylitol.
To freshen your dog’s breath safely, consider purchasing breath fresheners designed specifically for dogs, such as dental chews. These products contain ingredients safe for dogs and can help combat bad breath. If your dog experiences halitosis, it is crucial to have them undergo an oral examination by a veterinarian. Dog breath mints will not address underlying issues like tooth decay or infection. Brushing your dog’s teeth with dog toothpaste is a more effective method for ensuring dental health and fresh breath.
A Note About Essential Oils
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Pet Poison Helpline warn about the risks of using essential oils around dogs. Many essential oils used in diffusers are toxic to dogs, including peppermint, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, sweet birch, pine, tea tree, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang.
These oils are toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested, so it is advisable to avoid using essential oil diffusers at home if you have a dog.
Final Thoughts
Fresh or dried mint leaves are generally safe for dogs to consume once or twice a week, but remember to steer clear of wintergreen and pennyroyal, as they can be highly toxic to dogs. Additionally, avoid using peppermint oils and other essential oils around dogs due to their potential toxicity. Refrain from feeding your dog human foods containing mint.
To allow your dog to enjoy mint, consider sprinkling a leaf or two in smaller pieces into their food. Monitor your dog after consuming mint to ensure they do not experience vomiting or diarrhea. In case of gastrointestinal issues, contact your veterinarian promptly. To mitigate the risks of using the incorrect type or amount of mint, you can opt for dog treats that contain mint. It is important to moderate treat consumption to prevent unnecessary weight gain.
Sources
- https://www.nomnomnow.com/learn/article/can-dogs-eat-mint
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944
- https://www.hillspet.com/pet-care/nutrition-feeding/benefits-of-antioxidants-in-pet-food#:~:text=Antioxidants%20for%20your%20dogs%20and,in%20colorful%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/can-dogs-eat-mint/
- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/rosmarinic-acid
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/wintergreen-plant
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