Essential Oils and Pets
Essential oils are huge right now – for people and for pets. But did you
know that some are dangerous to animals? That’s right, your favorite
holistic remedies might be toxic for your dog or cat. We put this guide
together so you can keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy!
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are oils extracted from plants. Families all over the country
are trading in their chemical-heavy household products for them. Essential
oil enthusiasts use these remedies for cleaning, relaxation, health and
other reasons.
People use oils straight out of the bottle or with diffusers. Unfortunately
while many of these oils are beneficial for humans, they’re harmful to pets,
even if you just use them in a diffuser. When using any kind of essential oil,
it’s important to distinguish which ones are strictly for people and could
make your cat or dog sick. This also applies to oils that you aren’t placing
directly on your pet. Even using an oil in a diffuser or warmer can make
your animal sick!
Which Essential Oils Are Dangerous for Pets?
If you are contemplating using ANY essential oils in your home, contact
your veterinarian first. Pets in general, might have a strong reaction since
they have a more acute sense of smell than humans. If you’re using a
diffuser or warming device, you might be impacting your pets and not even
know it.
Also some oils might be harmless. Always ask your veterinarian for
approval before you use oils.
Oils that are harmful to cats include, but are not limited to:
• Wintergreen • Sweet birch • Citrus (d-limonene) • Pine • Ylang ylang • Peppermint • Cinnamon • Pennyroyal • Clove • Eucalyptus • Tea tree (melaleuca) • Thyme • Oregano • Lavender •
Oils that are harmful to dogs include, but are not limited to:
• Cinnamon • Citrus (d-limonene) • Pennyroyal • Peppermint
• Pine • Sweet birch • Tea tree (melaleuca) • Wintergreen • Ylang ylang • Anise • Clove • Thyme • Juniper • Yarrow • Garlic
What Are the Symptoms of Pet Poisoning?
There are several different symptoms of poisoning in pets. A good rule of
thumb as a pet owner is to stay alert and watch for changes of behavior in
your cat or dog. Here are some other symptoms to watch out for:
• The smell of essential oils on the fur, skin, breath or vomit • Difficulty breathing • Drooling • Fatigue • Weakness • Difficulty walking or stumbling • Muscle tremors • Pawing at the mouth or face • Redness or burns on their lips, tongue, skin or gums • Vomiting
What Should I Do if My Pet Shows These Symptoms?
Just like poisoning in humans, the key to reacting to poisoning in your pet
is to act FAST. Don’t delay contacting a professional. Call your veterinarian
or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680). Seek medical treatment
immediately. If you can’t reach your vet or their office is closed, bring your
cat or dog to an animal emergency medical center. The sooner, the better.
Acting fast will improve your pet’s prognosis!
Be sure to also follow these tips:
1.If the oil is on your pet’s fur or skin, wash it off immediately
2.Don’t give your pet any treatments without a vet’s approval
3.Take the oil with you to the vet so they know what they’re dealing with
Obviously to avoid poisoning, keep oils out of reach of your pets. Store
them in secure containers that your dog or cat cannot get to. And again,
ask your vet before you use ANY kind of oil in any kind of capacity.