Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Pets?
Peppermint oil is considered to be toxic to cats and may also cause problems for dogs. Despite this, some products designed for dogs contain peppermint extract or very small amounts of peppermint oil at safe levels. These products are typically used for flavoring or for gastrointestinal benefits and are based primarily on studies done in rats. Very little scientific research has been done on the safety of peppermint oil use in pets, so it is not typically recommended to be used, especially at high concentrations, due to the lack of available information.
According to the Pet Poison Hotline, cats are especially at risk for peppermint toxicity since they metabolize differently than dogs. Cats have been reported to experience drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures, difficulty walking and breathing, stomach ulcers, low body temperature, low blood pressure, rear limb paralysis, skin irritation, and even liver and kidney failure depending, on how the oil was used. Dogs are potentially less sensitive to peppermint oil than cats, but large amounts of concentrated peppermint oil could still be dangerous for canines.
Why not use a commercial flea treatment instead of peppermint oil?
Much has been said about the dangerous ingredients contained in regular flea killers bought over the counter. The active ingredients of the chemicals found in these products can cause serious health problems and even other forms of flea control like collars and powders are no less dangerous for you than for your pet. Have you noticed that you are always told to wash your hands thoroughly after handling these products, and yet this is what we are putting on our beloved pet’s body!
While there is definitely situations that call for things like spot on treatments, etc, more and more animal lovers are determined to move away from these potentially harmful products and preferring to learn more about using natural remedies where possible.
You will discover from reading this article that there are dangers inherent in using peppermint oil (more below), but if it is used correctly and diluted according to the recipes that I give you later in the article, it can be very useful in fighting the war against fleas.
Kate Jennings has been a journalist since 2008. Her work has appeared in “Kentucky Magazine,” “Kentuckiana Family,” “The Courier-Journal,” “The Trail Blazer,” the “Mt. Sterling Advocate,” and the “Maysville Ledger-Independant.” Jennings has won numerous Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association awards. Currently, she is studying journalism and art history at Morehead State University.
Flea collars are one of the easiest methods of flea prevention, but many dog owners do not like the idea of hanging a chemical-soaked collar around their pets neck.You can solve this dilemma by making herbal flea collars for your dog. Just rub a little essential oil on your dogs collar, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, lavender, peppermint or geranium.
The flea repellent spray is useful when you do not have time to give your dog a full flea bath or when you want to touch up your dogs flea protection, between baths. This spray can be applied daily.
Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix together, then transfer to a spray bottle. Use it to repel garden pests, fleas and anything else you do not want bothering you or your dog while outside.
If the fleas are gone but your dog is still itching, try making this itch remedy.
Best Essential oils for flees and ticks on dogs?
During flea season, dog owners will try anything to find relief for their furry friends. However, many owners do not like the idea of dousing their pets in chemicals or insecticides. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies available, including those using essential oils, like peppermint.
These flea remedies are safe for dogs, can be used often and are effective at treating fleas. One bonus is that your dogs coat will smell clean and fresh after you douse him with an herbal flea remedy. Unfortunately, cats have a difficult time metabolizing essential oils and some even have allergic reactions to them, so these remedies should not be used on your cat.
To rid your dog of fleas you can start with a homemade flea-dip. If prepared properly, the dip will kill fleas, flea eggs and flea larva, and them from coming back. The dip should also help soothe your dogs itchy skin.
Combine the water and peppermint, and steep for 30 minutes, then let cool. After it has cooled, bathe your dog in the solution. This can be repeated every two weeks as needed.
The flea repellent spray is useful when you do not have time to give your dog a full flea bath or when you want to touch up your dogs flea protection, between baths. This spray can be applied daily.
5 drops tea tree oil 5 drops citronella oil 5 drops rosemary oil 5 drops peppermint oil 5 drops eucalyptus oil 1 cup water Spray bottle
Combine the oils and water into the spray bottle and shake it vigorously. Spray around your dogs ears, along its spine from head to tail and in the pit area, where the legs meet the body. Shake the bottle before each use, as the oils will have separated.
Flea collars are one of the easiest methods of flea prevention, but many dog owners do not like the idea of hanging a chemical-soaked collar around their pets neck.You can solve this dilemma by making herbal flea collars for your dog. Just rub a little essential oil on your dogs collar, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, citronella, lavender, peppermint or geranium.
If the fleas are gone but your dog is still itching, try making this itch remedy.
2 cups packed fresh peppermint, pennyroyal or rosemary 1 quart boiling water 4 quarts warm water
Steep the herbs in boiling water for 30 minutes, then strain the herbs from the water. Combine the hot water with the warm water, then completely saturate your dogs coat with the mixture. Let your pet air dry. This itch remedy can be safely repeated every three or four days.
Dr. Bronners Peppermint Soap can be used to create an insecticide that works well on your dog, yourself and your garden, by repelling a variety of pests.
Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix together, then transfer to a spray bottle. Use it to repel garden pests, fleas and anything else you do not want bothering you or your dog while outside.
Kate Jennings has been a journalist since 2008. Her work has appeared in “Kentucky Magazine,” “Kentuckiana Family,” “The Courier-Journal,” “The Trail Blazer,” the “Mt. Sterling Advocate,” and the “Maysville Ledger-Independant.” Jennings has won numerous Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association awards. Currently, she is studying journalism and art history at Morehead State University.