Many liquid
products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils as a therapeutic option for dogs are hotly contested topics. According to some experts, you can use chamomile to repel worms or certain oils like lemongrass to keep pests away from our puppies. Lavender is another popular oil for dogs (and people) to help them unwind. Lavender oil can be found on bandanas, beds, and even dog toys. You might be wondering about peppermint oil. We considered the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether to share this with your dog.
Signs Of Essential Oil Poisoning In Pets
Dogs with liver disease may be more sensitive to essential oils because they are metabolized in the liver and can be absorbed through the skin. While any essential oil can cause mild GI problems like nausea and diarrhea, some oils, like tea tree oil, which affects the nervous system, can be fatal. When an animal consumes an essential oil or absorbs it through their skin, they can become ill. It may occur unintentionally or when a pet parent applies it to their skin. Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include:
Is Peppermint Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?
No. Peppermint oil is not safe for dogs, or other pets for that matter. If your dog were to come into contact with peppermint oil, his symptoms could vary from non-existent (depending on the amount), to life-threatening. Minor symptoms can include discomfort, irritation, and skin reactions. More serious symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and even liver failure. There have been many stories in the news lately about pets getting seriously ill and their owners discovering it was from the diffusion or use of essential oils. As it turns out, peppermint in herb form is also toxic to pets. If you grow peppermint in your garden or around your house, the ASPCA recommends making sure that it is kept away from pets that might have a penchant for eating things they shouldn’t.
What About Flea Treatments? Is Peppermint Oil Bad for Dogs if it is in a Flea Spray?
When used to treat fleas, peppermint essential oil is not safe for dogs. The fact is that wasps, spiders, mice, and rats can all be repelled by peppermint oil. This is due to the fact that essential oils are highly concentrated and have powerful odors. Like these creatures, your pet will also find the smell of peppermint to be overpowering. Additionally, putting oils on your pet will probably make them lick their fur in an effort to remove the scent. They may do this to consume the oils, which would make them sicker and more quickly. Additionally unlikely is the peppermint flea spray’s ability to effectively eradicate fleas Your pet will probably scratch more as a result of the irritation, which could lead to skin damage and other infections. Although some commercial flea treatments include a small amount of diluted peppermint oil, it’s more likely that the other ingredients are what are actually killing the fleas. If you decide to use them, we suggest speaking with a veterinarian to find out which products are secure and how to handle them properly.