Is Spearmint toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is Spearmint for pets?
Essential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions, but a nibble of the live plant is rarely a concern: concentrated mint oil products are the bigger risk than the garden herb itself.
Mentha spicata
Also called: Mint and Garden Mint.
What makes it toxic
Essential oils.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about Spearmint
Is Spearmint toxic to cats?
Yes, Spearmint is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Spearmint toxic to dogs?
Yes, Spearmint is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is Spearmint also called?
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is also called Mint and Garden Mint.
More plant lists
Not sure this is the plant you have? Scan it.
Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
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