Just like we often enjoy some peppermint tea after a heavy lunch or chew a spearmint to get rid of bad breath, dogs can also benefit from the many uses of this all-around herb. The mint plant comes in many forms, like spearmint, peppermint, horsemint, and many others.

 

 

The benefits of adding a sprinkle of mint to your dog’s diet are numerous, and here are the most important ones:

 

•    Rich in an array of vitamins, including Vitamins A and C, which boost a dog’s immunity and aid in maintaining healthy bones, skin, and vision

 

•    Helps with indigestion since it is a source of dietary fiber. Be careful to only give it to your dog in moderation as it could cause diarrhea

 

•    An excellent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidation by free radicals in the blood

 

•    Can relieve nausea and can soothe your dog’s upset stomach

 

•    Menthol, one of the most important constituents of mint, is a natural decongestant that can unblock airways from mucus or phlegm

 

•    Mint can be used as a breath freshener as it naturally contains antiviral, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal properties

 

•    Mint has also been used to treat dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. It also helps lessen the adverse side effects of chemotherapy and radiation sickness

 

 

Ready to add some mint to your dog’s diet? Here is a few ways you can do this:

 

•    Sprinkle a small pinch of dried mint leaves in your dog’s food to help freshen his/her breath

 

•    Alternatively, if you have fresh organic mint leaves, you can chop a couple and add to your dog’s meal as well

 

•    There are recipes that incorporate mint into biscuits so that your furry friend gets both nutritional benefits and fresh breath
 

A balanced diet is necessary for a dog’s health, and mint should only be given in moderation.

 

 

Here are a few things to watch out for:

 

•    Pennyroyal mint is a non-edible, toxic type of mint that harms both dogs and humans and should be avoided at all costs.

 

•    Spearmint can cause diarrhea or vomiting if given in large quantities, so stick to a small pinch or a few leaves per day

 

•    Peppermint is harmful to the kidneys and liver, so just a small amount of it is required to give a nutritional boost to your pet’s diet

 

•    Do not feed your dog a breath mint of any kind as some of them contain the sweetener xylitol that is toxic for dogs. It is advisable to use fresh or dried organic mint to give to your lovely companion