Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Dogs?
No, peppermint oil is not safe for dogs or cats. According to the American Kennel Club, peppermint oil is highly toxic to pets if swallowed or externally applied. Dog’s noses are incredibly more powerful than humans, so the concentrated liquids can cause an array of physical effects if Fido gets ahold of it. Use this article as a guide to properly using essential oils around your pets! Improper oil usage can cause your pet stress and other central nervous system problems due to the overpowering oil drops.
What is the purpose of peppermint oil?
Using peppermint oil in an oil diffuser or dabbing a dot or two on your neck has been the latest trend for people to relieve headaches naturally; its dual purpose in the home is to deter bugs! At the same time, they might help your headache but cause your furry friend difficulty breathing. Some pet parents even use a drop of peppermint oil on their pet’s coat to keep fleas and ticks away; however, due to their potency, essential oils can be pretty dangerous for pets internally and externally. Peppermint oil can irritate your pet’s skin. Call your vet immediately and poison control if your dog does swallow a drop or the whole bottle.
Safe for Fido Alternatives
If you choose to use essential oils, keep them way out of reach of Fido and only use them with an oil diffuser so the oils are watered down before diffusing into the air. Oil diffusers come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges on Amazon.com!
Chewy.com retails its Calm Paws Serene Calming Essential Oil for an oil diffuser, lavender and valerian root based. The product description says it is gently formulated not to overpower Fido’s nose.
Ask your veterinarian if there are any safe essential oils to use with your pet; they’ll have great recommendations!