Peppermint oil (essential oil of peppermint) is a common ingredient in many household items, including pet health supplements. You may have wondered, “Is peppermint oil safe for dogs?” Like anything you give your pet, understanding what it is, how it works, and how to safely use it is critical so that we can use it correctly with our pets, and reap the benefits of this multimodal plant.
What is Peppermint Oil?
Peppermint or Mentha Piperita is a wonderful plant full of medicinal uses for all species. It’s part of the mint family and contains high levels of menthol. Menthol is the compound that gives peppermint its refreshing and cooling properties and is what aids many in pain relief and decongestion. Peppermint oil is an essential oil (concentration) made by steam distilling the peppermint plant. This results in a highly concentrated form of peppermint, where a little goes a very long way.
What are the Benefits of Peppermint Oil for Dogs?
Peppermint essential oil can be quite useful for many conditions. It is a powerful analgesic, meaning it helps to relieve pain, and does so without drugs. In a study done to test peppermint’s pain-relieving power, it was shown to be just as powerful as acetaminophen (Tylenol) when used on patients suffering from tension headaches.
