Essential oils have become increasingly popular in recent years for their purported health and wellness benefits. However, pet owners need to exercise caution when using essential oils around their furry companions, as some oils that are safe for humans can be toxic for animals. This article explores what we know about essential oil safety for cats and dogs.
Page Contents
- 1 Are essential oils safe for pets?
- 2 Essential oils toxic for cats
- 3 Essential oils generally safe for cats
- 4 Essential oils generally safe for dogs
- 5 Are oil diffusers safe for pets?
- 6 Are essential oil scented products safe for pets?
- 7 Signs of essential oil poisoning in pets
- 8 Talk to your vet before using oils on pets
- 9 Conclusion
Are essential oils safe for pets?
In general, essential oils should be used very carefully around pets. Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils due to their inability to efficiently metabolize some oil components. Dogs can also be harmed by some oils. Before using any essential oil around your pet, it’s crucial to research whether it is safe for their species.
Potential risks of essential oils for pets
Some potential risks of using essential oils around pets include:
- Ingestion – Ingesting essential oils can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or liver damage.
- Skin irritation – Undiluted oils may cause skin redness, itching, inflammation or burns when applied topically.
- Respiratory distress – Oils diffused into the air can cause breathing problems.
- Hormonal disruption – Some oils have hormone-like effects and may disrupt endocrine function.
- Behavior changes – Absorption of some oils can cause lethargy, agitation or weakness in pets.
Kittens and puppies may be especially vulnerable to these effects due to their smaller size.
Essential oils toxic for cats
The following essential oils should always be avoided around cats:
- Wintergreen
- Sweet birch
- Citrus oils (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, etc.)
- Tea tree
- Ylang ylang
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Cinnamon
- Oregano
- Clove
These oils contain phenols, ketones, aldehydes, esters and terpenes that are toxic for felines. Even small amounts can cause liver failure or neurological damage in cats.
Essential oils to avoid around dogs
The essential oils below should be kept away from canines as well:
- Wintergreen
- Birch
- Cinnamon
- Citrus oils
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Ylang ylang
These oils may not be as toxic for dogs as for cats, but can still pose threats if ingested or overused topically.
Essential oils generally safe for cats
When used correctly, the following essential oils are typically considered safe for cats:
- Cardamom
- German chamomile
- Cedarwood
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Myrrh
- Neroli
- Palmarosa
- Petitgrain
- Roman chamomile
- Rosemary (small amounts)
- Valerian
- Vanilla
However, these should still be diluted and used sparingly. Talk to your vet before using them on or around cats.
Tips for safe use of oils with cats
If you choose to use essential oils around cats, keep these precautions in mind:
- Always dilute oils in a carrier oil like coconut or aloe vera gel before use on cats.
- Apply diluted oils sparingly once or twice a day for short periods.
- Never let your cat ingest or lick essential oils.
- Do not diffuse essential oils frequently around cats.
- Never apply oils near your cat’s face, nose or ears.
- Watch for signs of irritation and discontinue use if observed.
Essential oils generally safe for dogs
The following essential oils are typically safe for dogs when used properly:
- Cardamom
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Helichrysum
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Marjoram
- Neroli
- Patchouli
- Peppermint (small amounts)
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sandalwood
- Valerian
- Vetiver
- Ylang ylang
Tips for safe use of oils with dogs
Follow these tips when using essential oils around canines:
- Always dilute oils properly before use.
- Avoid applying oils neat (undiluted) to the skin.
- Never let dogs ingest oils.
- Use small amounts of oil sparingly.
- Do not diffuse oils constantly around dogs.
- Never apply oils near the nose, ears, eyes, mouth or genitals.
- Monitor for irritation and stop use if observed.
- Talk to your vet before using any oils on your dog.
Are oil diffusers safe for pets?
Diffusing essential oils into the air can also pose a risk for cats and dogs. When oils are diffused they can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes.
Diffusers should not be left running constantly if you have pets in the home. It’s best to use them only for short periods each day. Make sure pets have access to leave the room if they wish. Only diffuse oils known to be safe for the specific pet species present.
Tips for diffusing around pets
- Don’t run diffusers unattended.
- Keep diffusers confined to one room.
- Only diffuse for 30-60 minutes at a time.
- Give pets an area to get away from the diffuser.
- Use water dispersing diffusers, not heat diffusers.
- Monitor pets for any signs of respiratory distress.
If you observe coughing, wheezing, lethargy or agitation when diffusing, discontinue use immediately.
Are essential oil scented products safe for pets?
Many household products like cleaners, perfumes and candles now come in essential oil scents. Always check the safety of any scented product before using it in a home with pets.
Look for signs the product contains essential oils, such as ingredient lists or descriptions including “aromatherapy scent” or specific essential oil names. Assume aromatherapy products do contain oils.
Potentially unsafe scented products
Avoid using the following products around pets:
- Room sprays
- Plug-in diffusers
- Essential oil perfumes or colognes
- Cleaning products
- Candles
- Potpourri
- Scented laundry products
- Essential oil insect repellants
- Scented oils for humidifiers or vaporizers
Read labels carefully and research a product’s safety before exposing pets.
Signs of essential oil poisoning in pets
Watch for these signs of essential oil poisoning in pets:
- Drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness or stumbling
- Low body temperature
- Collapse
- Seizures
- Lethargy
- Skin or eye irritation
- Hypersalivation
- Heart arrhythmias
Pets displaying any of these signs after exposure to essential oils should be seen by a vet immediately. Bring a sample of the oil used to help identify treatment options.
Talk to your vet before using oils on pets
The best way to ensure safe use of essential oils around your furry companions is to speak with your veterinarian first. Discuss which oils are appropriate, as well as proper dosing, dilution and application methods for your specific pets.
Your vet can help you weigh potential benefits against the risks. Together, you can craft a plan to protect your pets’ health while allowing cautious essential oil use.
Never apply any essential oil to your pet before getting approval from your veterinarian. With careful research and restraint, some essential oil aromas can be safely enjoyed even in homes with cats and dogs.
Conclusion
Essential oils can pose serious risks for household pets, especially cats. But some oils are less hazardous when properly diluted and applied sparingly. Talk to your vet before using any oils on or around animals. Always research an oil’s safety for your specific pet species first. With caution, certain aromatherapy scents can be incorporated into a pet-friendly home.