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Peppermint can be present in your house in many forms, especially during the holiday season. You may enjoy keeping a peppermint plant or have a stash of peppermint candies year-round. Many people also use peppermint essential oil for various purposes. And in December we can’t forget the classic candy cane.
Peppermint is never necessary for your dog, and it can be harmful depending on how much your dog is exposed to and any other ingredients in the product.
Peppermint Plants
Most dogs are unlikely to take a bite out of a peppermint plant in your house or yard, but some dogs are more adventurous than others. Chomping on a few peppermint leaves is unlikely to cause any harm other than possibly some stomach upset.
If your dog decides to consume an entire peppermint plant, he is more likely to experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Peppermint Candy
If your dog ate peppermint candy, check the ingredients for that exact product. A plain peppermint candy with sugar is not a problem for most dogs unless they eat a bunch of them.
Xylitol, or birch sugar, is a secret killer that may be lurking in peppermint candies. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, causing a dramatic drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and seizures. Depending on the dose and the size of the dog, consuming xylitol can cause death.
If the peppermint candy that your dog ate was sugar-free, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is highly concentrated, increasing both the aroma we humans love and, unfortunately, the risks for our dogs.
Licking or absorbing a small amount of diluted peppermint oil will probably have no ill-effects. Exposure to high doses or to undiluted oil can cause toxicity. This can occur if the dog licks the oil or if it is applied to his skin.
Symptoms of peppermint oil toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Weakness/lethargy
- Poor coordination
- Excessive drooling
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to peppermint oil or peppermint essential oil and he is showing any of these symptoms, contact a pet-poison hotline. The Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 and ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 are both excellent and have all of the latest information on toxicity in pets. These services do charge a fee, but it is worth every penny.
The hotline will guide you on what you can do yourself at home and will also be available to guide your veterinarian with treatment decisions.
What to Do If Dog Eats Candy Cane
If your dog ate a candy cane, check the box for a full list of ingredients. Sugar-free candy canes are the most likely to cause harm to your dog, so be on the look for xylitol or birch sugar.
If the candy cane contains xylitol, call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately.
If you are uncertain about the ingredients in the candy cane, call a pet-poison hotline. They will help you determine if your dog needs immediate care, a routine appointment during business hours, or if you can monitor at home.
If the candy cane does not have any toxic ingredients, you can keep an eye on your dog at home. He may experience a little stomach upset such as vomiting or diarrhea but may also be totally fine. Smaller dogs are at more risk of developing symptoms than larger dogs, and the amount of candy cane that your dog ate will also affect his risk.