Can Dogs Eat Mint?

After your dog has breathed in your face, and you’ve detected primary aromas of salmon with underlying basenotes of beef, you may have considered giving them something minty to freshen things up a touch. 

After all, mint’s a natural plant. What harm can it do?

Well, some types of mint are safe for dogs, while others can be toxic depending on how they’re prepared and consumed.

So, to answer the question “Can dogs eat mint?”, we’ll need to start by looking at which types of mint are safe for dogs.

Safe mint varieties for dogs

Peppermint and spearmint

Fresh spearmint and peppermint leaves are generally considered safe for dogs when consumed in small amounts. Dried versions are also safe, but as they’re more concentrated, they should be restricted to even smaller amounts. This is because if they’re consumed in large amounts, these types of mint may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Wild mint 

Wild mint, sometimes known as corn mint, is typically safe for dogs. If you find any growing in the wild, don’t be surprised or worried if your dog stops for a quick snack.

Mint varieties that can be toxic to dogs

Pennyroyal and English Pennyroyal

This is the variety of fresh mint that should be avoided due to the presence of a compound called pulegone, which can be toxic to dogs. It can result in liver damage, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

The plant grows throughout the U.S. and if your dog ingests any, you should consult your vet immediately.

Although not a mint plant, wintergreen is sometimes mistaken for mint due to having similar leaves. It’s also highly toxic as it contains methyl salicylate, which can cause kidney problems and liver failure in dogs.

Can dogs eat products with mint added?

Don’t be tempted to give your dog human-targeted mint products, such as mint candy, gum or mint-flavored ice-cream, as they often contain sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs. Products with mint added also often involve chocolate, which is also toxic to dogs.

These types of foods are also likely to contain added sugar, which can cause weight gain and obesity, potentially leading to diabetes.

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Signs and symptoms of mint toxicity in dogs

If you’re worried your dog has consumed mint that might be toxic, keep an eye out for any of the following signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Lack of coordination
• Seizures (in severe cases)

If you think your dog’s showing any of these signs of mint toxicity, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Alternatives to mint to freshen dog breath

If your dog needs a little freshening up in the oral hygiene department, these are safer alternatives to mint:

• Dental chews. These are safe as they are manufactured specifically for dogs
• Dog breath treats. Formulated specifically to help oral hygiene
• Parsley. Fresh parsley works well in small amounts
• Coconut oil. A small amount could help with your dog’s oral health

What are the health benefits of mint for dogs?

• Freshens breath. Mint has a cooling effect on the tongue, and is great at cancelling out harsh flavours and smells. We all know dog breath isn’t the freshest at the best of times — a mint leaf or two could help with that. However, see our alternatives to mint above.
• Good for digestion. Many dog parents drink peppermint tea after meals to aid digestion, and peppermint can have the same digestive benefits for dogs.
• It’s anti-inflammatory. Mint has been shown to help soothe areas of inflammation.
• It contains antioxidants. These are used to target free radicals that cause illness.