“The Peppermint Solution” for Thunder and Noise Phobias
Many of us are interested in “natural” treatments for health and behavioral issues in our pets.
Is peppermint the answer to noise phobias?? Is this a viable option?
Anecdotal reports from veterinarians, breeders, and trainers claim that mild to marked results
are seen in 50% of the dogs they try this on! However scientific studies are lacking.
Why on earth would peppermint work? No one truly has the answer. One theory is that the
extremely intense scent is so distracting to the dog that it can't put its focus on anything else.
A more scientific theory is that phyto-chemicals, or molecules inhaled through the olfactory
system, go directly to the limbic system and can influence the emotional center of the brain,
thalamus, hypothalamus, pineal gland, amygdala, pituitary, cerebellum, and hippocampus.
HOWEVER….caution is advised. The proper product must be used! This is NOT straight
peppermint oil! Never use any straight essential oil on a dog or cat! Direct application of
straight essential oils to the skin, leading to absorption though the skin, can produce toxicity!
As can ingestion from licking the straight essential oils.
Also be aware that the use of this Peppermint Treatment IS NOT recommended in cats, due to
the uniquely altered liver metabolic pathways of the feline species. So please do not try this in
your cat!
Also do not use peppermint products containing alcohol such as those found in the baking and
spice aisle at the supermarket that are labeled "Pure Peppermint Extract", with ingredients
listed such as: Alcohol 89%, Oil of Peppermint, and water.
Please read the next page that describes what product to use and how to apply.
What is recommended to try is a cooking form of “PEPPERMINT FLAVOR”, which is peppermint
oil, mixed in sunflower oil. The only recommended brand of Peppermint flavor is “Simply
Organic” brand (by Frontier Natural Brands, Inc in Boulder, CO).
It can be purchased on line at Simplyorganic.com, search for Peppermint Flavor. If reading this
handout online you can click at this link to find it.
SIMPLY ORGANIC'S Peppermint Flavor
Or type in this address to your browser
http://www.simplyorganic.com/products.php?cn=Peppermint+Flavor&ct=sobakingflavors
Simply Organic Peppermint Flavor ORGANIC 2 fl. oz. bottle
Size: 2 fl. oz.
Price: $4.09
Ingredients: Organic sunflower oil, organic peppermint oil
Origin: USA
Organic: QAI Certified Organic
Kosher: KSA Certified
Common Name: Peppermint Flavor
Bar Code: 0-89836-18530-3
In dogs, it is applied to the footpads of all 4 feet.
Apply it by globbing it onto your fingers and rubbing it into the pads. Use it fairly liberally. It
is messy, and may leave oily, but minty smelling, footprints on the floor until it is well absorbed
into the pads. Or to prevent the floor prints, just rub over the tops of the paws.
The effect appears to be very rapid, even if initially applied when the anxiety is already
present.
We cannot promise that this remedy will work, but many swear by it. If you try it, we
recommend pairing it with other techniques such as the THUNDERSHIRT and pheromone therapy
with DAP (Adaptil) FOR Dogs . To learn more about other techniques visit the NOISE &
STORM PHOBIAS webpage at www.deerrunanimalhospital.com.