peppermint oil and dogs
Andrew Walker
Updated on July 10, 2026
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets.
Can the smell of peppermint hurt dogs?
No, peppermint oil is not safe for dogs. It is toxic, like many other essential oils. Peppermint essential oil is extracted from the leaves of a peppermint plant, which is a wintergreen mint and herb naturally found in North America and Europe.
What happens if my dog is exposed to peppermint oil?
If you applied a mint essential oil on your dog, he may develop symptoms of toxicity and with some mint species, he may develop liver failure. Wash the oil off your dog with a detergent type of soap as soon as possible and get him to a veterinarian. If corrected early enough, his prognosis of recovery is good.
Do dogs like the smell of peppermint oil?
Peppermint is toxic to dogs and understandably so, dogs don’t like it. You might use peppermint essential oils to relieve inflammation or just reduce your stress, however, these highly concentrated formulas are toxic to dogs and toxicity symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What essential oils are bad for dogs to smell?
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.
What essential oils can I diffuse around my dog?
Essential oils that are safe for dogs include:
Myrrh.Frankincense.Chamomile.Lavender oil.Ginger.Rosemary.
How much peppermint is toxic to dogs?
While peppermint is technically not toxic to dogs, it can lead to an upset stomach and unwanted consequences like vomiting and diarrhea, so Klein recommends keeping your pet away from it completely.
Can dogs smell essential oils?
Signs Your Dog Can Smell Essential Oils
Yes, dogs can smell essential oils. However, not all essential oils are safe for your dog. Lavender is perhaps the most popular (and one of the safest) because of its calming properties. Peppermint oil is another good one that can stimulate circulation and deter pesky insects.
What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs?
What should you look for if you believe your pet has been over-exposed to essential oils? Symptoms include lethargy, unsteadiness, or even a low body temperature in the most severe cases. If essential oils are ingested, you might also see drooling, vomiting and diarrhea.
Will peppermint oil keep mice away?
Peppermint oil and mice
Nope! It will make your home smell good, but it certainly won’t get rid of your unwanted lodgers. Peppermint oil is assumed to be a great mouse repellent because, in high concentrations, it can be quite potent and mice have a very sensitive sense of smell.
Why is peppermint bad for dogs?
But is peppermint safe for dogs? Quite the opposite: Peppermint is extremely dangerous for your pet. According to the ASPCA, eating peppermint can cause vomiting and diarrhea, among other reactions. Peppermint candies also present the additional danger of wrappers.
Is cleaning with essential oils safe for dogs?
Follow these pet safety tips when cleaning your home with essential oils: Never apply essential oils directly onto your pet without first consulting your veterinarian or qualified pet health practitioner. It’s a good idea to remove your pet from the room until you’re finished cleaning and deodorizing the area.
Is lavender toxic for dogs?
Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Lavender poisoning is possible and may cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and other symptoms.