Essential oils are much more than air fresheners; they have a variety of health benefits and are powerful medicines. However, they can also be toxic if inhaled or ingested by our furry friends, who are far more sensitive to scents than humans are. You may have heard warnings like “don’t use direct on your pets’ skin,” or “keep the oil away from cats” because many of the oils used in aromatherapy can be harmful to them, especially if ingested.
In addition to being a powerful medicine, essential oils are also expensive. To lower the cost, some distributors adulterate their products by adding synthetic fragrance oils, cheap vegetable oils with a similar smell, or solvents to make them more affordable. This can have serious consequences for the health of your pets, so only purchase and use therapeutic-quality essential oils.
Whether you are applying an essential oil directly to your pet’s skin or using a diffuser, it is important to dilute the oils before use. A dog’s sense of smell is 40 times stronger than a human’s, and even a small amount of undiluted oil could be overpowering and stressful for them. A good way to ensure that you are diluting properly is to mix the oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
If you are going to use an essential oil in a diffuser, keep it out of reach of your pet and only use it for short bursts. Additionally, you should make sure that the diffuser is in a secure, pet-proof location where your pet cannot knock it over and expose themselves to the oil. If your pet does come in contact with the oil, wash it off immediately and contact your vet or a pet poison hotline.
Some essential oils, such as eucalyptus, tea tree oil, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are straight up toxic to dogs (and cats) if applied to the skin or inhaled, so they should never be used around them. Other oils, such as chamomile, clary sage, ginger grass, lavender, and marjoram, are safer for pets to use in diffusers, but should still be used sparingly and heavily diluted.
The best option is to avoid using a diffuser altogether in your home if you have birds, kittens, or curious cats. These pets have a more delicate respiratory tract and will be negatively affected by inhaled toxins, as well as by the toxins that are spread on their fur when they accidentally lick up spilled oil from a diffuser.
Finally, if your pet does show signs of being exposed to an essential oil, such as excessive drooling or vomiting, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately. The quicker treatment is started, the better your pet’s chances of survival will be.
Amazon Auto Links: No products found.