Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Evidence: BFamily: Lamiaceae

Aromatic carminative cooling the GI tract, relieving gas, spasm, and nausea; essential oil form is UNSAFE for cats, rabbits, and birds despite herb tolerance.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Cats

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Horses

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Rabbits

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: caution

Birds

Use Caution

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: unsafe

Guinea Pigs

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: unsafeYoung: safe

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogstea1-3 tsp /kgtwice dailyCool infusion per 10kg; offer or mix with food for nausea or gas.
Horsesdried herb10-30 gramsonce dailyFor 450kg horse; palatability enhancer and digestive aid top-dressed on feed.
Catshydrosol0.1-0.25 ml /kgonce dailyPer 5kg; dilute in food. Use ONLY hydrosol, never essential oil.

Active Compounds

Menthol(terpene)Cat Unsafe
Menthone(terpene)Cat Unsafe
Rosmarinic acid(phenol)
Luteolin(flavonoid)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Surgery Warning

ESSENTIAL OIL IS TOXIC to cats, rabbits, birds. Never diffuse or apply topically near these species.

Essential Oil Form

Moderate evidence for GI and carminative effects; strong contraindication data for EO in cats/birds.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Parts Used

leaf, whole plant

Available Forms

dried herb, tea, glycerin tincture, hydrosol

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