Using Essential Oils Around Pets

Essential oils are a popular way to naturally improve your health and well-being. But are they safe to use around your beloved pets? In this article, we'll explore some of the issues of using essential oils around pets. We'll look at which essential oils are the most dangerous for pets, and offer some safety tips to keep in mind.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?

Are essential oils safe for pets? This is a question that many pet owners ask, and with good reason. After all, we want to do everything we can to keep our furry friends healthy and happy.

In general, essential oils shouldn’t be used around pets. Why? Because cats, dogs, and birds in particular, are more sensitive to their chemical compounds and certain essential oils can be toxic and cause adverse reactions in animals, especially when ingested or inhaled.

As a rule of thumb, you should never apply essential oils to pets topically or give them to them orally. If you would like to diffuse essential oils, then you should make sure your pet is in a different room or area, the space is well-ventilated, and the diffuser is out of reach.

If your pet ever accidentally comes into contact with essential oils, it’s important you contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.

What Essential Oils are the Most Dangerous for Pets?

There are a few essential oils that are particularly dangerous for pets, and it’s important to be aware of these before using any around your furry friend. The most dangerous oil for pets is tea tree oil, which can be toxic if ingested. Tea tree oil should never be used on or around animals.

Other oils that are dangerous for pets include the following: 

• Eucalyptus essential oil
• Wintergreen essential oil
• Peppermint essential oil
• Pine essential oil
• Cinnamon essential oil
• Pennyroyal essential oil
• Ylang Ylang essential oil
• Clove essential oil
• Citrus essential oil
• Thyme essential oil
• Oregano essential oil
• Lavender essential oil

These oils can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled by pets, including tremors, depression, unsteadiness, vomiting, and even low body temperature, so it’s best to avoid using them altogether. To learn more about which plant-derived products and plants are toxic to pets, take a look at this list from the ASPCA.

Safety Tips for Pets and Essential Oils

When using essential oils around pets, it’s important to take a few precautions. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils without putting your pet at risk.

• Keep pets away from areas where you’ll be diffusing oils. Pets can be sensitive to strong smells, so it’s best to diffuse in an area where they won’t be present. Additionally, make sure the essential oil you are using is safe for pets and that you air out the area before letting the pet back in.
• Never apply essential oils directly to your pet’s skin or give them to them orally. 
• Always store essential oils out of reach of pets. Keep them in a high cabinet or in a locked box. 
• If you apply skincare products to yourself containing essential oils do so when your pet is not around and wash them off if you plan to be close to or touch your pet.

Closing Thoughts

Essential oils come with many benefits for people when used safely, however, they should never be used on or around pets. The next time you would like to use essential oils, be sure your pet is out of harm's way and that you follow the safety tips in this article. To learn more about essential oil safety, take a look at this article.