Why 5 kg versus 30 kg changes everything
A sprig isn't a single leaf—it's several leaves plus stems, meaning more plant material and oils for your terrier's tiny stomach to handle. At her size, that's like you eating a whole bushy herb plant in one go. The labrador, meanwhile, experiences it as a garnish—annoying if eaten too fast, but not overwhelming their digestion.
Watch your small dog's belly for visible gurgles or her standing stiffly—signs her stomach is working harder than usual. Offer a tablespoon of plain rice or boiled chicken to help buffer the mint oils. For the lab? Just ensure they don't raid the whole garden—quantity matters most here.
Stem content and chewing differences
Small dogs often gulp plant matter quickly, while big dogs tend to chew thoroughly. Those stems in the sprig release more irritants when crushed—something your terrier might not do well. If you find barely-chewed mint pieces in vomit or stool, it confirms her system rejected them whole rather than digesting slowly.
Large dogs distribute the same amount across more stomach volume, and their stronger jaw muscles break down fibrous stems better. Your terrier got a concentrated dose hitting her stomach all at once—hence the closer monitoring needed tonight.
Timing of symptoms in smaller bodies
With a dose this size relative to her weight, any reaction will show within three hours or not at all. The first sign is usually excessive lip-licking or drooling—her mouth reacting to the lingering oils. One vomit episode is likely if it happens, typically containing visible mint pieces and maybe some foam.
For the lab, symptoms would be milder and slower—maybe slight gas or an extra thirsty evening. But your terrier's signs warrant sitting with her in a quiet room tonight to observe. If she curls up and sleeps after initial discomfort, the worst has passed.
Preventing future herb garden raids
Small dogs reach plants more easily than large ones—your terrier likely stood on hind legs to grab that sprig. After today, train "leave it" with safer plants first, then practice near the mint. Physical barriers work best short-term; a low decorative fence around the herb bed keeps paws out.
If she shows no ill effects this time, don't assume mint is now safe—her small size means every future exposure carries similar risk. For the lab? Just ensure he doesn't make a habit of grazing, as volume could eventually irritate even his robust stomach.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Mint leaves food facts page.