Online resources give conflicting answers saying peppermint CBD is safe, while other sources have different warnings.
CBD oil is safe to give to your dog, if your veterinarian says it’s ok. If you’re going to give your dog peppermint oil, it needs to be diluted so it doesn’t overwhelm them or cause toxicity. When mixing CBD and peppermint oil, make sure the CBD oil doesn’t have the psychoactive THC molecule.
Let’s take a look below and see what the research is saying about whether or not you can actually give your dog peppermint CBD oil.
What Is Peppermint CBD Oil?
Peppermint CBD oil typically contains the peppermint essential oil.
While there are several different types of peppermint flavors, if the peppermint oil isn’t diluted properly, it can cause potential issues for your dog.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 known cannabinoids that’s extracted from the cannabis plant.
There are almost endless different types of CBD products for pets in the form of oils and numerous types of treats.
Is CBD Safe For Dogs?
Before giving your dog CBD, it’s best to have a quick chat with your veternatira.
Some drugs can interact with CBD causing potentially negative results that could be detrimental.
Most veterinarias agree that you shouldn’t give your dog the psychoactive THC molecule found in marijuana.
When you’re looking at different CBD brands, make sure you verify there’s no THC on the lab report.
Broad spectrum CBD oils are recommended because they completely remove the THC molecule, while keeping the oil as close to the source plant as possible.
After purchasing a quality CBD oil, the recommended standard dose can be different if your dog is on other medications.
If your dog is “not” on any other medications, it’s recommended you start at the lowest dose possible and increase the dose by a drop or two until you see results.
The lowest recommended dose to start with is 2.5 mg/kg [1.1 mg/lb] two times a day for 12 weeks.
Can peppermint oil make dogs sick?
If you give your dog a full strength peppermint oil, it can be overwhelming and can cause an adverse reaction.
Mint is shown to be toxic to dogs if taken in large quantities.
The best way to prevent your dog from getting sick from taking peppermint oil is to highly dilute it and give them a small dose to see how they respond.
If they respond well, after consulting with your veterinarian, then you can proceed to give them peppermint oil for a short time.
Is Peppermint Oil Harmful To Dogs
Highly concentrated — undiluted — peppermint oil is toxic to dogs, according to dog veterinarian Dr. Kara.
Published on the American Society for The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) then asserts mint (peppermint, spearmint, and much more) are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
However, in very low (diluted) doses, peppermint oil might be safe for your puppy to use for a short time.
If you give you dog peppermint in the form of essential oil on a daily basis, toxic effects might occur.
Since there are several different types of peppermint flavorings molecules, either from nature or artificially made in a lab, it can be hard to tell whether or not it’s lethal.
According to the FDA, some peppermint flavoring contains the artificial sugar Xylitol, which is extremely poisonous to dogs.
If your dog were to even ingest a small amount of Xylitol, it can cause death and several other potential life threatening issues such as liver failure, seizures, or hypoglycemia.
Sugar is another common ingredient in peppermint CBD oils and can cause your dog to have an upset stomach and loose stools for up to 24 hours.
Dogs are very sensitive and potent peppermint oil can cause skin irritation if not properly diluted.
Why is peppermint oil bad for dogs?
Since dogs have a very powerful sense of smell, peppermint oil (undiluted) may be overwhelmingly powerful for your pup.
With peppermint oil being much too strong for your dog, the overwhelm can cause more than a simple irritation.
If you’re going to give your dog peppermint oil, it needs to be blended together with another carrier oil as well as diluted.
Due to much controversy over using peppermint oil for you dog, the answers to why you might not want to give you dog peppermint oil isn’t necessarily a clean yes or no answer.
Is Diluted Peppermint Oil Safe For Dogs
Diluted peppermint oil is “potentially” safe for dogs to either consume or put on the skin/fur.
One source dilution recommendation is one tablespoon of carrier oil (vegetable, coconut, hemp, etc) and eight drops of peppermint oil.
After mixing this together, start at the lowest dose possible and work your way up.
Due to the large number of companies producing peppermint CBD oil, the type of peppermint used — as well as the concentration — can vary.
If your pup is tolerating the diluted oil and they seem to like it, then it may be safe to use peppermint CBD oil for a short period of time without it overwhelming them or causing toxicity.
Why Might You Give Your Dog Peppermint CBD Oil?
In humans, peppermint oil — as well as CBD oil — has numerous benefits.
With our puppies, the reason why you might give them peppermint CBD oil can vary.
A few potential reasons and benefits your dog may get from peppermint CBD oil should be first consulted with your primary veterinarian before you consider this option.
Published in Dogs Naturally Magazine, written by Dr. Jodie Gruenstern, says your dog can take peppermint either topically or orally — with precautions.
Diluted peppermint oil can be used for fleas, ticks, or if your pup is itching.
Some sources recommend you either start by putting on their collar, or only use it on their collar.
However they best tolerate and like it will determine if you should continue giving them peppermint CBD oil.
The primary precautions in considering giving your dog CBD oil that also contains peppermint is the peppermint can be extremely powerful for your pup and can cause potential adverse effects.
Other precautions are potential impurities from a low quality producer that doesn’t test the final product for contaminants.
Peppermint oil is meant to be taken for a short period of time.
After giving your pup peppermint CBD oil for a week or two, it’s best to remember to allow them to take a break.