What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are oils typically extracted from plants. They have a strong scent (or" essence ") of the plant. In the chemical sense of being a long chain of fatty acids, they are not real fats.
Which Essential Oils Are Toxic To Pets
Essential oils are very good — for people and for pets. But do you know that some are dangerous to animals? That’s right: Your favorite holistic remedies can be toxic to your dog or cat.
This article on essential oils and animals is created to give you knowledge about how to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy! Let’s take a look at which essential oils are safe for pets and which are toxic.
People love their pets, so it’s a logical next step to put essential oils and animals together for many people who also love their oils and are looking for alternatives to other pet-cleaning or pampering products. After all, pet owners are very nice people who love to share details about their favorite pets.
There many essential oils that are beneficial to humans, but are harmful to pets. This also applies to oils that you do not put directly on your pet. For example, people often use essential oils with diffusers, but even using oil in a diffuser or a warmer can potentially make your animal sick!
If you are considering using ALL essential oils in your home, you should somehow consult your veterinarian first. There are so many different ways that essential oils and animals can interact without you being aware of it.
There are many essential oils that are harmless, whether used in small quantities or in large. But, before using oils always ask your veterinarian for approval.
Essential Oils Harmful to Dogs
Photo Credit PetsOlino
Oils that are harmful to dogs include, but are not limited to:
- Cinnamon
- Citrus (d-limonene)
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Wintergreen
- Ylang-ylang
- Anise
- Clove
- Thyme
- Juniper
- Yarrow
- Garlic
Symptoms of Poisoning in Pets
Generally speaking, essential oils and animals do not mix. But how do you get to know if your dog is having a bad reaction?
In pets, poisoning has several common symptoms. As a pet owner, the basic rule is to be careful if you experience any change in the animal’s behavior. Here are some other symptoms to look out for:
- The smell of essential oils on their fur, skin, breath, or vomit
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking or stumbling
- Muscle tremors
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Redness or burns to the lips, tongue, skin or gums
- Vomiting
Diffusing Essential Oils Bad For Dogs
There have been many stories in the news over the last few weeks about the effects of essential oils used in diffusers on pets.
Essential oils are the concentrated liquids of plants. They are found in medicines, cleaning products as well as in personal care products. They are also used as home air fresheners.
Most people use essential oil diffusers to improve their health. Lavender is said to help rest and sleep, while eucalyptus and peppermint oils help clear nasal congestion when colds.
Have you ever thought that are these oils safe for our pets?
Pets (as well as humans) can suffer chemical burns through direct contact with essential oils on the skin. If pets lick the spill of these oils, they may experience chemical burns and other effects. Cats are particularly sensitive to many essential oils, and just a few licks can be harmful.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, etc are toxic to pets. They are toxic whether they are applied to the skin or used in diffusers.
Oil from diffusers can still be harmful as the diffuser uses water vapor to diffuse small droplets of oil into the air. Inhalation of diffuse oils can cause aspiration pneumonia if the diffuser is used in a small area or for extended periods of time, as well as other toxic effects.
If you use a diffuser in your home, the best solution is to use it in an area that your pet does not have access to and check with your veterinarian for safe oils. However, if you have a pet with breathing problems, it is not a good idea to use a diffuser at any point in the house.
You may want to consider using an oil diffuser if you have pet birds, kittens, or curious cats in your home. Birds have a sensitive respiratory system and are negatively affected by inhaled toxins. Kittens and curious cats can accidentally tilt the diffuser and the oil has leaked. If the oil gets on the cat’s fur (which the cat may swallow later during grooming) or the cat licks the spill, harmful toxic effects can occur.
If your pet gets oil on their skin or hair, wash it off as quickly as possible with hand soap. If you think your pet has consumed essential oils or may react due to exposure to essential oil vapors, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Always keep essential oils away from prying pets. Sweet-smelling liquids can entice your pet, so never leave essential oils unattended. Never use essential oils for your pet without first consulting your veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian to see if the oil used in your diffuser can be harmful to your pet.
Why Are Essential Oils Bad For Dogs
Concentrated oils: Concentrated oils can irritate the skin. The noses of cats and dogs are very sensitive; small amounts of oil can be intense. Differences in oil metabolism (breakdown): Cats, in particular, have difficulty processing phenols in certain oils, which can cause toxic accumulation. Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs, whether taken ■■■■■■ or in contact with the skin. Some dangerous oils are tea tree oil, cinnamon, and citrus oils.
Pet-Friendly Essential Oils
Essential Oil: Chamomile (German or Roman)
Benefits:
- Eases upset stomach
- Eases mental and emotional distress
- Soothes body and mind during nervousness, panic, restlessness, excitement or hyperactivity
- Encourages restful sleep
- Encourages tranquility and a sense of well-being
Essential Oil: Clary Sage
Benefits:
- Encourages tranquility and a sense of well-being
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
Essential Oil: Cedarwood Virginian
Benefits:
- It encourages insects from approaching, thereby minimizing the chance of bites
- Encourages a sense of tranquility, relaxation, and security
- Supports skin health
- Supports immune function
- Elevates the spirit when experiencing shyness, fear, irritability, anger, and other negative feelings
- Reduces pain, cramping, and spasms
- Stimulates circulation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which essential oil is good for a dog's bad breath?
A. There are six essential oils that are good for bad breath in your dog, which are called:
-
Cardamom
-
Ginger
-
Helichrysum
-
Spearmint
-
Tea Tree
Q. Is lemongrass essential oil bad for dogs?
A. Another important aspect is the form of lemongrass consumed by your pet. While the grass itself is non-toxic and the bigger concern is its digestibility, an essential oil can be toxic to your pet, depending on which type of lemongrass is distilled.
Q. Is orange essential oil bad for dogs?
A. Orange essential oil is widely used in all animal species and has GRAS (generally considered safe) status.
Orange essential oil is indicated for the support of cancer, depression, anxiety, liver and lymphatic system, and for good health in general.
This sweet orange also contains natural vitamin C to help produce collagen and restores the skin. It reduces inflammation and bacteria, elevates mood, and promotes healthy skin.
You’re probably thinking, "Orange essential oil sounds great.
The problem is caused by a lack of knowledge and education.
Citrus essential oils contain d-limonene (insecticidal properties), which are further key.
According to an inaccurate Internet article, if these ingredients are ingested by a dog, it is metabolized in the dog’s liver and causes toxicity, poisoning, liver failure, or liver damage.
It is an extremely large amount of pure undiluted essential oil that cannot be achieved under normal safe use.
Q. Is rosemary essential oil bad for dogs?
A. Rosemary essential oil is not bad for dogs instead it is safe. When it comes to your pet, the rosemary with its antioxidant properties acts as a powerful natural preservative for dogs. Therefore, rosemary is definitely for your dog.