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Pet safety

Is Watermint toxic to dogs?

Mentha aquatica

Toxic to dogs

Yes — watermint is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, with vomiting and diarrhoea following large ingestions. As a Mentha species, watermint should be treated as toxic and kept away from pets that graze.

What to do if your dog ate watermint

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move watermint out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of watermint to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten watermint, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is watermint toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is watermint toxic to dogs?

Yes — watermint is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, with vomiting and diarrhoea following large ingestions. As a Mentha species, watermint should be treated as toxic and kept away from pets that graze.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats watermint?

The ASPCA lists mint (Mentha species) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses; the toxic principle is essential oils, with vomiting and diarrhoea following large ingestions. As a Mentha species, watermint should be treated as toxic and kept away from pets that graze. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to watermint.

What should I do if my dog ate watermint?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is watermint toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Watermint is toxic to cats as well. See the full watermint pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to watermint?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full watermint pet-safety