Are essential oils safe for dogs and cats?

Safety of essential oils with pets

Essential oils can be safe to use around pets. However, if misused, they can be very dangerous to cats and dogs. 

Throughout the manufacturing process, essential oils are distributed through several brokers, leading to an unknown trustworthy source and composition of the final product. The products are often synthetic or cut with cheap oils and fillers. It’s these synthetic oils that are toxic to pets.

The extent of essential oil toxicity in pets depends on the type of oil and concentration, the route of entry (inhaled, ingested, or topical application), and the size and species of pet. Initial symptoms may include lethargy, low body temperature, difficulty walking, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

Call your veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet may be suffering from essential oil toxicity. Your veterinarian may recommend IV fluid therapy, medication, and, in severe cases, hospitalization and continuous monitoring.

Essential oils and dogs

Some varieties of essential oils may be safe for dogs but not cats, and vice versa. It can be challenging to distinguish which forms and types of essential oils will cause a reaction in your dog and which won’t. 

For example, your dog might show no signs of sensitivity to an essential oil used in a diffuser but exhibit allergy symptoms when coming into contact with that same oil when used as a cleaning product. 

The different delivery methods and the various concentrations can make it tricky for pet owners to find safe essential oils to enjoy around their four-legged friends. However, you can rest assured that with diligent research and a call to a veterinarian, you can narrow down a safe essential oil to use around your canine companion.

Essential oils and dogs: the no-no’s

When searching for an essential oil that won’t harm your pup, the first step is to eliminate the oils known to be toxic to dogs. The essential oil no-no’s for dogs include:

• Pine 
• Wintergreen 
• Citrus
• Pennyroyal
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Thyme
• Sweet birch
• Tea Tree
• Yland ylang

It’s important to remember that any variety of essential oils should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Never place a diffuser or potpourri below the counter level, and ensure that any cleaning products are safely locked away.

Dog-safe essential oils

Essential oils marked as dog-safe or pet-safe should still be used with caution, and it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian before use. Here are some essential oils that may be safer for use around dogs than others:

• Lavender
• Frankincense
• Bergamot
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Myrrh
• Chamomile
• Cedarwood
• Ginger

Be sure to dilute the essential oils as directed. To reduce exposure, it’s ideal to perfuse them in a room less frequented by your furry friend.

What about essential oils and cats?

The use of essential oils around cats becomes more complicated. Cats are highly sensitive to these oils and can’t metabolize them the same way that dogs and people can. 

Cats are more likely to play with the diffuser cords or knock them over, causing the oils to spill onto the cat, leading to severe toxicity. Mischievous cats can jump onto counters or tables and ingest potpourri, leading to severe reactions. 

Are there cat-safe essential oils?

Although essential oils must be used with caution around cats, some varieties can be used safely around your feline friend. These oils include:

• Lavender 
• Chamomile
• Rose
• Geranium
• Catnip
• Clary sage
• Frankincense

Always consult your veterinarian before using essential oils around your cat, and keep any diffusers, potpourri, and cleaning products well out of your cat’s reach. Use your diffuser as minimally as possible and always in a separate room to help minimize your cat’s exposure. 

Signs of essential oil toxicity in pets

Knowing the signs of essential oil toxicity in cats and dogs is crucial if you choose to use essential oils around your pet. If your pet ingests a small amount of essential oils at a low concentration, they may drool excessively, gag, or vomit. Highly concentrated oils can pose a greater risk to your cat or dog, causing extreme toxicity 6-8 hours after exposure. 

Essential oil toxicity can affect multiple body functions. Signs your pet may be suffering from essential oil toxicity include:

• Vomiting
• Coughing or sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Redness or burns around the mouth
• Skin irritation
• Tremors
• Drooling
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Weakness or lethargy

If you believe your pet has ingested essential oils or could be suffering from toxicity, it’s important to contact your veterinarian, the nearest veterinary emergency hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) for immediate assistance. 

How to safely use essential oils around your pets

You can find essential oils in many products, from scented plug-ins to laundry detergents, so avoiding them in everyday use can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the use of essential oils while keeping your pet safe:

• Allow cleaning products to dry thoroughly before letting your pet in the area.
• If using an essential oil diffuser, heater, or potpourri, try limiting your pet’s exposure by keeping them in a separate room and ensuring there is adequate air circulation.
• Don’t let your pet lick your skin if you use lotions or skin care products with essential oils.
• Always store your essential oil products in a locked cabinet or a cabinet that is out of your pet’s reach.
• Never place an essential oil diffuser or potpourri where your pet can reach it. Remember that potpourri can contain plant materials that can be toxic to your cat or dog. It’s important to know what plants are poisonous to dogs and cats.

The key takeaways

Essential oils can benefit people, and some can even benefit cats and dogs. With the proper research and expert advice from your veterinarian, you can enjoy your essential oils while ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety.