In response to many of our videos, we’ve had several concerned pet owners expressing their anxiety about the toxicity of essential oils with the animals in their home. Some have stated that they don’t use essential oils ever due to the dangers, and others have shown panic as it is the first time ever hearing that they may be putting their pets in harm’s way. Our number one priority has always been proper essential oil education and safety, so we’re here to give you a quick rundown on what to know when it comes to safely using essential oils while also being a responsible pet owner.
Essential Oils and Animals
Many essential oils can be harmful or toxic to your pets, so it’s crucial to be well-informed. If you have pets, you don’t need to give up on essential oils entirely; there are ways to use them safely. Follow these guidelines:
- Research: Always research essential oils before using them around pets. Consult us or a certified aromatherapist if you are unsure.
- Storage: Keep essential oils out of your pets’ reach.
- Diffusing: Be cautious about what oils you diffuse. Your pets have a more sensitive sense of smell.
- Topical Use: Avoid using essential oils topically on kittens or puppies. If you feel strongly about using oils on adult cats, the recommended dilution amount is .01% to 1% and no more.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Stop using essential oils around your pets and consult a veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Watery nose/eyes
- Irritated throat/nose
- Behavioral issues or signs of distress
- Nausea or vomiting
- Respiratory distress
- Ataxia (wobbliness)
- Low heart rate
- Low body temperature
Keep in mind the specific oils that are toxic to your pets: these are toxic whether they’re applied to the skin, used in diffusers around them, or licked up if spilled.
Popular Oils to Avoid
With Dogs
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Wintergreen
- Pine
- Thyme
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree
- Anise
- Clove
- Ylang Ylang
- Juniper
With Cats
- Any Citrus
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
- Sweet Birch
- Pennyroyal
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Peppermint
- Ylang Ylang
- Eucalyptus
- Bergamot
- Pine
- Tea Tree
More Specifics Can Be Seen Here:
Safe Oils to Use:
Some essential oils can be safe to use around pets, including:
For dog owners, Myrrh, Ginger, and Rosemary are also safe.
Pet Safe Products
Hearing our customers’ fears, we decided to formulate a pet-safe room spray called Garden Breeze. It contains distilled water, rose floral water, and essential oils of Bulgarian Lavender and Roman Chamomile. This spray is perfect for freshening up any room while keeping your pets safe.
Carrier oils and hydrosols can also be safe and beneficial for pets. They can moisturize dry skin, calm anxiety, freshen their coat, relieve odors, and repel fleas and ticks.
- Carrier Oils: Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, and Avocado Oil.
- Hydrosols: Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium, and Rose Hydrosol.
There’s limited and inconsistent information on the risks of essential oils with pets, so staying educated and cautious is the best approach to ensure your beloved pets remain safe.
For more detailed information about using essential oils with animals, visit this video. We have an additional great printable resource for you, so email us at [email protected] and ask for our Pets and Essential Oil Safety Information Guide to have the PDF emailed to you!
