Is Mint Toxic to Pets?
Yes — mint is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — mint is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — mint is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Mentha spp.
- Toxic compound
- Essential oils
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Also known as
- peppermint plant, spearmint, garden mint
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Mild vomiting
- Soft stool or diarrhea
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Mild vomiting
- Soft stool or diarrhea
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Mild vomiting
- Soft stool or diarrhea
What to do
If your cat ate mint
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate mint
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate mint
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Garden mint can cause vomiting and diarrhea in larger amounts. Pennyroyal (a mint relative) and peppermint oil are much more dangerous.
Is your pet covered for emergency vet bills?
Compare pet insurance quotes →
Pet-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is mint toxic to cats?
Yes — mint is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.
Is mint toxic to dogs?
Yes — mint is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.
Is mint toxic to horses?
Yes — mint is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.
Which parts of mint are toxic?
All parts.
What makes mint toxic?
Essential oils.