Your aromatherapy kit and diffusers might seem harmless, but they can be poisonous to our pets.
Just like chocolate or xylitol (artificial sweetener), oils are generally harmless to humans yet can make pets very sick because their bodies interact differently to them than we do.
Cats are particularly sensitive to toxicity because they lack an important enzyme that helps the liver process essential oils. Kittens, older cats, and cats with respiratory or liver issues are particularly at high-risk.
While dogs are less vulnerable than cats, essential oils can still cause toxicity in them. If your pup is young or has liver problems, they’re at higher risk.
Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin or orally (through drinking or licking). Even if your pet touches essential oils with their paw, they can be absorbed and enter the blood stream.
Reducing the risk of exposure
The best thing is to avoid contact. between pets and these essential oils. If you have essential oils in the house, there is always some risk your pet might access them so take care how and where you use them.
These suggestions are designed to help you make having essential oils in the house as safe as possible.
- Use a reed diffuser, rather than an active diffuser.
- Try using oils which are more likely to be ‘pet safe’.
- Avoid using insect repellents that have essential oils in them.
- Take note of which toothpastes, shampoos and other house – hold items contain essential oils and keep these locked away.
- Never apply essential oil directly to your pet’s skin without first consulting your vet.
Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning
If you have essential oils in the house, it’s important that you can recognise symptoms of toxicity. In cats, it can cause liver damage or failure, seizures, respiratory failure, and can even be fatal. In dogs, it can cause respiratory and central nervous system issues.
These are some of the most common signs of essential oil poisoning:
- difficulty breathing, such as panting, wheezing or coughing.
- difficulty walking or problems with balance and co-ordination.
- drooling.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
- muscle tremors.
- decreased body temperature.
- pawing at the face or mouth.
- burns or redness on the skin, lips, tongue or gums.
- vomiting.
- watery eyes or nose.
- low heart rate.
If you know an oil has been in contact with their paws or skin, wash it off immediately and thoroughly. If your pet is showing any signs of sickness and you suspect your pet might have been exposed, contact our clinic for an appointment right away. Bring the oil (or a photo of the ingredients) with you to the clinic.
Examples of Toxic Essential Oils
These are examples of known toxic essential oils The list is growing, so please don’t assume an oil is safe if it doesn’t appear on this list. Never treat pets with essential oils without veterinary advice.
Cats:
- Cinnamon oil
- Citrus oil
- Clove oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Pennyroyal oil
- Peppermint oil
- Pine oils
- Sandalwood oil
- Sweet birch oil
- Tea tree oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Ylang ylang
Dogs:
- Citrus oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Pennyroyal oil
- Peppermint oil
- Pine oil
- Sweet birch oil
- Tea tree oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Ylang ylang
Which essential oils are not harmful for cats and dogs?
When used properly, and in small amounts with caution, the essential oils listed below are believed to be safe for cats and dogs. However, every pet will have their individual sensitivity levels, so you should always consult your vet before use.
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Jasmine
