Peppermint essential oil — and concentrated peppermint products — are toxic to dogs.
Diffusing peppermint oil can cause respiratory irritation; direct ingestion is more dangerous.
Peppermint oil is high in menthol and menthone, which are rapidly absorbed and cause GI irritation, CNS effects and respiratory tract irritation. Topical application can also cause skin reactions, and many products contain menthol crystals which are far more concentrated than the leaf.
Sources
A few drops of pure essential oil can cause symptoms in a small dog; even diffuser exposure can affect sensitive dogs.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
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