Essential oils are natural substances that can be used to replace harsh chemicals in the home. However, natural doesn’t always mean safe, especially where our pets are concerned. After all, for humans, a delicious chocolate truffle is a treat; for dogs, it’s a threat.
When using essential oils in the home, it’s important to be aware of your furry friends. Here are some helpful tips for safely using essential oils around your animals.
1. Avoid the Worst Offenders
While some oils are generally safe to use in a pet-friendly home (when handled properly, of course), others should be avoided at all costs. Avoid using clove, tea tree oil, thyme, wintergreen, camphor, and eucalyptus near your pets. Before purchasing a new type of oil, conduct your own research to see if it’s safe to use near your animals. If you use these oils for personal application, keep them sealed and stored safely out of reach, being mindful of contact with your animal when you have oils on.
There are various types of oils that are harmless to pets and can even be helpful in some cases. For example,argan oil benefits animals by keeping their coats shiny and their skin moisturized. Peppermint and spearmint oil can help eliminate pet odors in the home when applied topically with a carrier oil.
2. Never Use Around Small Pets
While cats and dogs may top the list when thinking of family pets, lots of people prefer smaller mammals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. If you have smaller mammals, you will need to be even more cautious when using essential oils.
Smaller animals mean smaller respiratory and circulatory systems, as well as very different metabolisms for processing things that enter the bloodstream. In many cases, a seemingly small amount of the wrong oil can be extremely toxic. Furthermore, these little critters are very sensitive to smells and will often refuse to eat when an overpowering smell is present. This can cause starvation leading to an untimely death.
Refrain from diffusing oils in rooms where small animals (including birds and reptiles) are kept and only apply oils to yourself after handling your little pets. If you’re using oils in other areas of the home, remember to check on them frequently and note any changes.
3. Be Mindful When Cleaning
Essential oils and pets, as we've discussed, don't always mix. Using essential oils as a chemical-free ingredient in DIY cleaning productsis a great way to have a sparkling, healthy home. However, these products can be overwhelming or even tempting for pets.
Keep an eye on dogs and cats who might be tempted to lick the newly cleaned spot.If possible, avoid using any of the worst offenders in your at-home cleaning blends. Keep animals out of the area until any wet spots have dried and the smell has dissipated.
If your pet shows any of these signs, cease using oils immediately and contact your vet.
What makes essential oils so great is their naturalness and potency. However, when it comes to essential oils and pets, it’s important to handle the oils with care to keep your whole family safe and secure.
FAQs
The Safety Concerns of Essential Oils for Pets
Is frankincense safe for cats and dogs? ›
It is safe for your pet to ingest frankincense orally, but remember: not all oils are created equally. If the oil is extremely cheap or seems too good to be true, it probably is. Start with just a few drops added to your pet's water or food per day.
What scent is toxic to dogs? ›
Make sure to avoid the following essential oils entirely, both in topical pet care products and around your household, as they are incredibly irritating for dogs: Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Peppermint, Tea tree, Anise, Thyme, Garlic, Pennyroyal, Pine, Clove, Sweet Birch, Juniper, Yarrow.
Which essential oils are toxic for cats? ›
10 Essential Oils That Are Dangerous To Your Cat
- Wintergreen oil.
- Peppermint oil.
- Pine oil.
- Eucalyptus.
- Clove oil.
- Tea tree/Melaleuca oil.
- Citrus oil or those containing d-limonene.
- Ylang Ylang.
Respiratory Issues – Dogs can be sensitive to the particles released by essential oil diffusers, which may lead to respiratory problems, especially in breeds prone to respiratory issues.
What essential oils are calming to dogs? ›
Lavender, lemon, ginger, vanilla, and valerian are calming aromas your furry friend will love.
Are lemon and orange essential oils safe for dogs? ›
For older dogs, sensitivity to citrus oil products is high, especially when at concentrated levels. It can actually cause coma, seizures or even death. For that reason, it should definitely be avoided.
How many drops of essential oil is safe for dogs? ›
While some should still be diluted further, others are already perfect for pets. Recommended dilution ratios: Dogs: one to five drops of essential oil to 100 drops of carrier oil. Cats: up to two drops of essential oil to 100 drops of carrier oil.
What oils are good for dogs? ›
Sunflower Oil – Low in saturated fat and high in Vitamin E and Omega-6. Sunflower oil is pretty common in dog food, and present in Scratch. Flaxseed Oil – Has both Omega-3 & 6. Coconut Oil – Easy to metabolize, with lots of healthy saturated fats.
Is lavender safe for dogs? ›
Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Lavender poisoning is possible and may cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and other symptoms.
Pet-Safe Essential Oils
- Lavender.
- Chamomile.
- Myrrh.
- Ginger.
- Rosemary.
- Bergamot.
- Frankincense.
Lemongrass essential oil is generally considered safe for dogs when used in small amounts and in a highly diluted form. However, some dogs may have an adverse reaction to lemongrass oil, so it's essential to monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or irritation.
What scent do cats like the most? ›
As mentioned earlier, catnip is part of the mint family. Cats often like the scent of normal mint too, as well as basil, oregano, and rosemary. Finally, something humans and cats can agree on!
What happens if dogs smell peppermint oil in the house? ›
While occasional exposure to the smell itself is unlikely to cause serious harm, it can trigger: Discomfort: The intense scent may cause your dog to sneeze, cough, or paw at their face to try and remove the uncomfortable smell.
Is lavender toxic to cats? ›
Is Lavender Safe for Cats? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) cautions that lavender plants are toxic for cats as well as dogs and horses. Cats lack the ability to digest two natural substances found in lavender: linalool and linalyl acetate.
Is lavender oil safe for dogs to breathe? ›
Undiluted lavender oil can cause severe skin irritation and some dogs might have allergies to lavender oil, causing inflamed skin, itchiness, and respiratory issues. Therefore, dogs can breathe lavender, but it must be used appropriately.
