Mint is a common, delicious, and loved herb found in many households, used to flavor dishes, freshen the air, and even soothe upset stomachs. But can our furry friends enjoy this aromatic herb too? 

The answer isn’t so simple — some types of mint are perfectly safe for your pup, while others can be harmful.

The simplest answer? It depends! 

While most types of fresh mint, like spearmint and peppermint, are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, there’s one type that you should steer clear of: English pennyroyal mint. This variety of mint is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage.

As for spearmint and peppermint, they can be a refreshing treat for your dog when given every now and then, and in moderation of course. Mint can even help freshen your dog’s breath and provide a small boost of antioxidants. 

But as an essential oil — that’s where things get a bit more complicated. 

Mint poisoning can look different for different pups. Generally, the symptoms to keep an eye out for are:

The essential oils of certain mint plants, like the pennyroyal plant, are what are toxic to your dog. It’s just too strong for them, and when applied to their coat or skin or comes into contact with them in any way, they may develop signs of toxicity. 

Some people use this essential oil on their dog safely, but always in its diluted form or with a carrier oil. If not diluted properly, your dog can suffer severe consequences.

So is mint bad for dogs? Not necessarily. As long as you’re giving your dog the right kind of mint (no pennyroyal!), keeping portions small, and avoiding the stronger essential oils, mint isn’t bad for dogs. In fact, a little bit of mint could be a nice occasional treat for your furry friend.

That being said, dogs with sensitive stomachs might react poorly to mint. If your dog shows signs of digestive discomfort after eating mint, it’s best to avoid giving them any more. It’s also important to be mindful of what type of mint products your dog is exposed to. For example, gum or candy containing mint often has xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Is your dog showing signs of mint poisoning? Better call the vet! With Wag! Compare, browse hundreds of insurance plans from leading providers — find the right one for your furry friend today. 

Fresh mint leaves are generally safe for dogs, provided they come from non-toxic varieties like spearmint or peppermint. But it’s important to keep an eye on how much your dog consumes. A leaf or two is fine, but large amounts of mint could lead to an upset stomach.

If you grow mint in your garden, make sure your pup isn’t munching on it without supervision. Not all plants are safe for dogs, and accidental overconsumption can cause some digestive problems.

Mint-flavored ice cream may be a tempting treat for you, but sadly it’s not the best option for your dog. While the mint itself might not harm your dog, many mint ice creams contain other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, such as chocolate or excessive sugar. Chocolate is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health problems, even in small amounts.

If you want to treat your dog to a cool snack, it’s better to stick to dog-safe frozen treats or fresh mint leaves rather than offering them human desserts.

On the hunt for some new doggy treats? Check out some of the best dog treats on the market right now and steer clear of those potentially dangerous human snacks. 

If you’re eager to add mint to your dog’s diet, it’s important to do so carefully. Start by giving your dog a small amount - like a single leaf - and monitor their reaction. If it looks like they’re enjoying it and aren’t feeling sick, feel free to keep giving them some mint every now and then.

Here are some key tips to remember for safely giving mint to your dog:

If your dog has liver issues, or a sensitive stomach, mint could aggravate these conditions. Additionally, if your dog shows any signs of mint toxicity that we mentioned above, it’s important to call your vet right away.

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