Are mint leaves bad for dogs?

Are mint leaves bad for dogs? Mint leaves have become popular for their benefits to the body, being efficient for different conditions such as stomach pains, vomiting, skin irritations, dizziness, etc. Candies, infusions and even the mint leaves themselves, become the options of many people

Dogs, just like humans, can find benefits with the consumption of mint leaves. This, of course, as long as we are talking about prudent portions, necessary to obtain the desired result as the case may be. In fact, any change in our dog’s diet can lead to various stomach complications.
On this last point, it is important to reiterate, because a poor diet can produce diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains in our pets. When the amounts go out of margin, the dog’s life can even be in danger.

Index

Do dogs eat plants and/or herbs?

Some animals such as cats eat certain plants in order to cleanse their stomach of impurities. In the case of domesticated dogs, this is not as typical a behavior as it might be in the dog of antiquity.

As in the case of cats, dogs agreed to the consumption of green species, with a different purpose. In this case, the canines resorted to herbs to compensate for the lack of nutrients during the hunt, managing to keep their food regime as balanced as possible.

Domestic dogs can be observed trying to eat herbs. This responds to certain nutritional deficiencies, as well as the search for natural antidotes. This is where mint leaves come into the picture. However, before giving any type of herb to our pets, it is important to keep some considerations in mind.

It is true that mints can help our pets. However, if the relevant measures are not in place, we could find totally adverse effects. Let’s know a little about its benefits.

What benefits do mint leaves give to dogs?

Many people might think that mints can be effected in the same way in dogs as in humans. Remember that a mint recipe can obey stomach problems, oral health, muscle relaxant, etc. However, this does not turn out in the same way in dogs.

Most people employ mint leaves to improve the breath of dogs, as well as to purge them. This is not a mistake, however, dosages should be approved by a veterinarian, avoiding any kind of adverse effect.

There are no additional benefits to these, when it comes to peppermint consumption in dogs. Therefore, this should not be considered an option for the treatment of acute stomach complications. In fact, some similar products such as peppermint oil, will not offer good results either.

Complications caused by mint in dogs

Things are not so summarized in this section, since mint can be responsible for different irregularities in the stomach of our dog friend. Here are some examples:

Belly pains: One of the most common symptoms of excess mint in dogs are belly pains. The pet has ingested an inordinate amount of mint, and its body now rejects, causing pain in this area.
Diarrhea: As a result of the above, dogs may have diarrhea. A liquid and recurrent secretion is observed, sometimes affecting the stability of the pet.
Vomiting: As a form of defense, the body can also cause vomiting. This can cause some major complications, as the dog can become dehydrated if the episodes are repetitive.
Indigestion: What in principle would become a solution for stomach difficulties, can, on the contrary, worsen all prognosis. Indigestion is another symptom that can occur in the dog as a result of the consumption of mint leaves.
Inflammation: One of the most immediate responses is inflammation. If the consumption of mint is maintained, the dog will gradually gain weight. Sometimes, they can reach atypical body weights, which would compromise other faculties such as their mobility.

Each case may present different symptoms, as well as different intensities. Some breeds may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal problems than others. However, most dogs will need to be supervised by a veterinarian before ingesting mint leaves.

It is important to make a review beyond mint, because our pets can find adverse effects, not only after the consumption of this herb, but also other components.

Other compounds that can be harmful to dogs

Along with peppermint leaves, we can find that other oils can also cause different reactions in our dogs. Many people consider these compounds as an alternative to peppermint. However, it is important to point them out and know their effects on the body.

Pine oil: Pine oil can cause bleeding and vomiting in dogs. Some breeds may have skin irritation. Pine oil can weaken some pets, so they are often seen unwilling and immobile.
Tea tree oil: This is one of the most common oils in terms of toxic responses in dogs. Dogs’ skin becomes irritated, their legs are paralyzed and they may even suffer from hypothermia.
Cinnamon: The main responses to cinnamon is diarrhea. In critical cases, cardiac arrhythmia and liver failure are observed.
Wintergreen oil: This oil is one of the most delicate, as it can lead to critical gastrointestinal ulcers, not to mention its effects like kidney and liver failure.
Pennyroyal: It causes toxic responses in the body of dogs, and also liver failure. It is also very common for them to have lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting.

These are just some of the compounds that can affect the health of our pets. It is important, at all times, to consult with a veterinarian before inserting any of these oils and/or species into any dog’s diet.

How do I know if my pet has any adverse response from ingesting mint leaves or another oil?

Although each species shows a number of specific symptoms, it is important to know the different responses that dogs will show when rejecting any compound that we have included in their diet.

Diarrhoea
Seizures
Vomiting.
Low appetite.
Swelling in the abdominal area.
Trouble keeping your balance.

It is important to remember that the symptoms may vary according to each case, as well as the intensity of them. The attention of a veterinarian will be vital to be able to find a prompt response to the pet’s picture, avoiding any situation that may detract from their health in a worrying way.

How can I give mints to my pet?

One of the most common questions on this subject is how we can supply mints to our puppies. Some people opt for infusions, others, prepare smoothies together with their meals. They are the forms, but, the most appropriate is the following.

Our dogs should not observe anything different in their food, that is, in regards to their consistency and appearance. To address this, it is best to crush the mint leaves and spread them on our dog’s food. We must always ensure that the quantities are subtle.

At first, the amounts should be very minimal. We must pay attention to the reactions of our dog with the passage of days. If we have not observed complications in their digestive system, we could increase the amounts of mint that we insert into their meals progressively.

Never stop evaluating our dog’s conditions if we are changing some of the components of his diet. Mints are as beneficial as they are harmful, as we have seen.

In conclusion, can I give mint to my dogs?

The answer is yes. But, never forget that excesses can be lethal, especially when it comes to our pets, which is why it is important to know what the necessary amounts are for each breed.

A prudent dose of mint leaf can even favor the breathing of our animal. Likewise, it will help cleanse your stomach of impurities that it may have acquired at some point.

There are some processed products flavored with mint, specially made for dogs. However, these do not usually have good effects for dogs. These cookies contain a component called xylitol, a sweetener that can be harmful to dogs, and can even cause seizures.

Every owner should be careful about their dogs’ diet. Mint, like many ingredients, can play against your health if the correct amounts are not handled. A veterinarian will know how to make the best recommendations, being able to find other much more efficient options.

Never supply your dog with mints if you are not sure what you need as a treatment. Always evaluate the amounts you need, specifically, the case of your pet.