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Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?

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If your pet is experiencing respiratory distress or seizures caused by essential oils, this is considered a ā€œREDā€ – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you!

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ate or was topically exposed to toxic essential oils, these are considered ā€œORANGE ā€ – or urgent cases – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.

If your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction (facial swelling or hives) to topically applied essential oils, this is considered a ā€œYELLOWā€ – or semi-urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. Your pet should be seen by a vet within 24 hours.


Essential oils have become a very popular trend. The calming aromas are diffused intoĀ the air, applied to skinĀ and hair, added toĀ hygiene products, and more! But before you go running for your oils, we invite you to sit back, relax, and ask yourself,Ā ā€œAreĀ myĀ essential oils safe for my pet?ā€Ā 

We know what you’re thinking ā€“Ā ā€œThey’re natural!ā€ ā€œThey have so many health benefits!ā€Ā and ā€œWhy wouldn’t they be?ā€ Well,Ā you may be surprisedĀ to learnĀ that there areĀ a variety of potentialĀ dangers when it comes to essential oils and pets. If you use essential oils in any capacityĀ (or are considering trying them out)Ā and have pets,Ā read on for answers to common questionsĀ aboutĀ using essential oils in pet-friendly homes.Ā Ā 

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Ā FirstĀ off…WhatĀ exactly areĀ essentialĀ oils?Ā 

Essential oils are volatile molecules extracted from plantsĀ that provideĀ the plant’s individual fragrance.Ā The extraction processĀ involvesĀ distillation, cold-pressing, or chemicals (note that there is a common concern that oils produced with the aid of chemicals are not pure).Ā Ā 

People mostly use essential oils to make theirĀ environment smell better, but oils are alsoĀ oftenĀ promotedĀ to aid in the relief of health ailments such asĀ nasal congestion, insomnia, and gastrointestinal distress.Ā 

How areĀ essentialĀ oilsĀ used?Ā 

Oils are often applied directly to skin, hair,Ā or on objects such as pillows or jewelryĀ orĀ added to products such as body wash,Ā soaps,Ā shampoos, etc.Ā Diluted oils canĀ alsoĀ beĀ diffusedĀ into the air – there are both passive and active diffusers available.Ā UltimatelyĀ though, essential oils are absorbed very easily through the skin and mucous membranes. Then,Ā they are either eliminated by the body unchanged or metabolized by the liver.Ā Ā 

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So…are essential oils safe for my pet?Ā Ā 

There are very few studies that examine the safety of essential oils for pets, and many of the studiesĀ that do existĀ looked at the effects in laboratory animals rather than in the ā€œreal world.ā€Ā There is a concern that the active metabolitesĀ (compounds created through metabolism) may be more toxic than the original essential oil. Since different animals have different metabolic rates and pathways, these limited studies don’t provide adequate proof that essential oils are safe or that they are effective for the intended use.Ā Ā 

That being said, if all essential oils in all forms were highly toxic to pets – there would be many more sick pets due to the number of people who use essential oils regularly.Ā Ā Ā 

If you do have pets & you do choose to use essential oils, here are a few establishedĀ guidelinesĀ to follow:Ā Ā 

  • Do not use essential oils in any fashionĀ in any home with a pet bird – theirĀ respiratory tracts are especially sensitive!Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 
  • Do not use oils in homes that have pets with respiratory issues (especially cats withĀ feline asthma).Ā Ā 
  • Keep diffusers and oils out of your pet’s reach.
  • Do not use oils topically since animals may lick or swallow them. Ingestion is generally associated with the most severe clinical effects.Ā 
  • Always be aware of the concentration levels within your oils. Oils with higher concentration levels can be more dangerous to pets!
  • And lastly – and this one may seem obvious – steerĀ free ofĀ oils that are toxic to pets.

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Toxic!?Ā WhichĀ essentialĀ oils areĀ toxic toĀ myĀ pets?Ā Ā Ā Ā 

Pennyroyal Oil,Ā Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil), Wintergreen,Ā and Pine OilĀ are theĀ most commonĀ sources ofĀ essential oilĀ toxicity cases for both dogs and cats.Ā OtherĀ common toxic essential oils to cats and dogs include cinnamon, citrus,Ā clove, peppermint, sweet birch, thyme, andĀ YlangĀ Ylang. Additionally,Ā anise, garlic, Juniper, and yarrow are also toxic to dogs. Eucalyptus, oregano, and lavender are also toxic to cats.Ā Ā 

Ā Note:Ā ThisĀ list includesĀ the most common toxic essential oils, butĀ isĀ not limited to just these ones.

What are symptomsĀ to look for?Ā Ā Ā 

Symptoms of topical or oral exposure to essential oils include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, oral irritation, skin irritation, and wobbliness. In severe cases, symptoms include a drop in bodyĀ temperature,Ā collapse, and neurologicalĀ effects.Ā Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Oil) and PennyroyalĀ OilĀ have been linked to seizures and liver failure.Ā Ā 

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Do essential oils work as flea treatment for my pets?Ā Ā 

There are websites out there that encourage pet owners to use Pennyroyal or Tea Tree Oil to treat their dog’s fleas.Ā DO NOT follow this advice fromĀ Dr. Google.Ā As already mentioned, Pennyroyal and Tea Tree Oil are toxic and dangerous to pets.Ā Instead,Ā talk to your family veterinarian about safe and effective preventatives and treatments – as well as any concernsĀ when it comes to your pet’s health!Ā Ā 

What aboutĀ liquidĀ potpourri? Would this beĀ aĀ saferĀ alternativeĀ to freshen my home?Ā 

No, liquid potpourris are not a good alternative as they are very hazardous to pets!Ā Liquid potpourrisĀ contain chemicals called cationic detergents.Ā If eaten,Ā liquid potpourriĀ can cause severe chemical burns in the mouth, as well as fever, difficulty breathing, and tremors. This is especially dangerous for cats! SolidĀ potpourriĀ can also be toxic and cause an intestinalĀ blockageĀ if eaten.

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What should I do if my pet is exposed to essential oils? Ā 

If you believe your pet swallowed or licked up any essential oils, DO NOT attemptĀ to induce vomiting, as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. Instead, call theĀ ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterĀ atĀ (888) 426-4435 for veterinary advice. If they recommend seeking veterinary treatment or if your pet is displaying symptoms after oral or topical exposure, contact your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital for treatment.Ā 

We all want to keep our pets healthy and safe, which is why we strongly encourage essential oil users toĀ research their oils and how they use them. Look for credible sources and information, such as trusted pet health websites likeĀ ASPCA.Ā If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your family veterinarian.Ā Ā 

Written as a collaboration between ElizabethĀ Bruns, DVM, and Janine Hagen (Marketing Assistant). Ā 

Dr. Bruns, ER vet, emergency veterinarian, Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota

 

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