Can I Give My Dog A Breath Mint? 

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of doggy breath, you know how important it is to take care of your pet’s oral health. From brushing their teeth to choosing the right dog treats and dental chews, there are many steps we can take as pet owners to make sure our furry friends have healthy teeth and gums. If you’re searching for a quick fix, you may be tempted to give your pup a breath mint to freshen their breath. Before you do that, you need to be aware of the potential risks that are associated with dogs consuming mints. Continue reading below to find out why it may not be a good idea to give your pup a breath mint. 

Potential Dangers of Breath Mints 

Mint flavored products are popular due to their refreshing scent and taste. While it’s a great way to freshen human breath, it can pose hazards to dogs. Mint products can contain xylitol, a sugar alternative that is toxic to dogs. Exposure to just small amounts of xylitol can lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Large amounts can cause seizures and liver failure. The amount of xylitol in mints can vary significantly, so it’ important to know how many mints your pup has consumed. If you cannot verify how much xylitol a product contains, you can contact Pet Poison Helpline for help on a specific product to determine if your dog needs medical attention.  

Xylitol Poisoning Symptoms 

If your dog has consumed mints and any other sugar-free product, they can experience xylitol poisoning. Potential clinical signs of xylitol toxicity include:  

  • Vomiting 
  • Inability to walk/stand or lack of coordination 
  • Lethargy 
  • Body tremors 
  • Seizures 
  • Liver damage 

Treatment 

If your dog has ingested a breath mint containing xylitol, you need to contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for medical attention. Take your dog to the veterinary clinic so your veterinarian can assess the severity of the poisoning and administer treatment. This may include inducing vomiting to decontaminate the system. IV fluids will aid in stabilizing the blood sugar levels. If needed, anti-seizure medications will be given. Keep your furry friend safe and keep all xylitol-containing products out of reach, so you both can avoid a poisoning incident.