Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?
Essential oils are popular natural remedies for humans, but many pet owners are unsure about whether they can be used safely on their furry friends. The truth is that essential oils can be an effective way to support your pet’s health, but it’s important to choose the right products and remember that they should be used with caution.
Cats and dogs have a very different physiology from humans, and their systems are much more sensitive to the potent compounds in essential oils. While there is some scientific evidence that essential oils can be beneficial for humans, it is important to note that they have not been extensively studied in animals. The scientific studies that have been carried out on the treatment of fungal infections in pets’ ears, for example, does not mean the essential oils involved can be used as a home remedy (1).
Are essential oils safe for cats?
Cats, in particular, are known to be very sensitive to smells, and they lack the ability to metabolize certain compounds found in essential oils. This is because they lack the necessary enzymes in their livers. As a result, essential oils can be potentially toxic to cats if they are inhaled or ingested (2).
Essential oils that are harmful and potentially deadly for cats are popular essential oils such as tea tree oil (sometimes referred to as melaleuca), eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, bergamot and peppermint. However, other oils to avoid around cats also include wintergreen, thyme, oregano, clove, cinnamon, sweet birch and pennyroyal (3).
The most common signs of essential oil poisoning in cats are gastrointestinal in nature, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In more severe cases, cats may also experience difficulty breathing, seizures, and liver damage. If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned by essential oils, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Do not try to get your cat to vomit or give it any food or liquid without talking to the vet first. With prompt treatment, most cats make a full recovery from essential oil poisoning (3).
Essential oils that are safer to use around cats are cedar wood, rosemary, frankincense, lemon grass, valerian, marjoram and chamomile. This is because they do not contain phenols, are water based or are used in a less concentrated form. However, it is still necessary to err on the side of caution to keep your cat safe. Don’t burn the oils for any longer than half an hour. Use in a well-ventilated room and always use a diffuser and carrier oil (4).
Are essential oils safe for dogs?
As with cats, it is important to be aware that essential oils can be dangerous for dogs if they are not used properly. Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, which is over one thousand times more sensitive (5). Because of this they can be easily overwhelmed by the strong scents from essential oils. In addition, some essential oils can be toxic if ingested or if they come into contact with the skin. For these reasons, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils around dogs. When used correctly, essential oils can be safe to use around your dog. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential health risks to your best friend.
The oils listed above as toxic to cats are also toxic for dogs. However, pennyroyal and tea tree and wintergreen are particularly dangerous for dogs. For instance, pennyroyal is an insect repellent, but do not be tempted to use it as a home remedy for fleas. These oils should never be used around dogs as they can cause lethargy and vomiting, at best, and kidney or liver failure, leading to a painful death at worst (6). Is your decorative, pleasant smelling (to you) oil burner really worth your beloved pet’s health and life?
Which essential oils are safe to use on your pets?
Just because some essential oils are safer for you to use around your pet dog or cat doesn’t mean they are safe to actually use on your pet. For example, some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, may be listed as an ingredient in some commercially produced flea treatments. However, the concentration is likely to be less than one percent. In some cases, it is only one tenth of one percent. More importantly, the product has been tested thoroughly for safety by the necessary expert authorities (7). The same goes for treatments for cat or dog anxiety. These have passed rigorous tests to ensure they are safe to use (8).
Worryingly, there are a lot of websites stating that rosemary and frankincense, amongst others, are safe to use on your pets. However, do not be tempted to do this for the very important reasons described above. If you love your pets, take professional advice before considering treating your cat with any home remedies, especially essential oils.
Dogs, and especially cats, groom themselves, so any droplets of essential oil carried in the steam from diffusers could land on their fur, which they will then lick. If you use diffusers on a regular basis, this could pose a threat to your pet’s health over time.
How to use essential oils safely around your pets
Prevention is better than cure, so if you are using essential oils for your own benefit, it is best to keep your cats and dogs away from all the paraphernalia involved. This includes the oils themselves, the bottles they are stored in, diffusers, reed diffusers, and candles. Keep your furry friends out of the room when you are using essential oils and store the oils and equipment away securely when they are not in use. Cats, in particular, are naturally curious and will not be able to resist checking out what is going on, which could have horrible consequences. Or your boisterous dog could knock over a bottle of essential oil or an oil burner. The latter could start a fire, which obviously brings with it danger to the lives of your whole family.
So the take-home message is that essential oils can be a safe and effective way to improve your own wellbeing, but it is always best to use them with caution if you have cats and dogs.
References
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils against Pathogens Responsible for Otitis Externa in Dogs and Cats https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/4/2/21/htm
- Cats and Essential Oil Safety https://tisserandinstitute.org/cats-essential-oil-safety/
- Essential oils and cats https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/
- Which Essential Oils Are Safe To Diffuse Around Cats? https://www.tuxedo-cat.co.uk/safe-essential-oils-for-cats/
- How Dogs Use Smell to Perceive the World https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/how-dogs-use-smell-to-perceive-the-world
- Essential oils and dogs https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-dogs/
- Is it Safe to Use Essential Oils for Fleas and Ticks on Pets? https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/it-safe-use-essential-oils-fleas-and-ticks-pets
- 5+ Essential Oil Remedies For Pet Anxiety http://petslady.com/article/5-essential-oil-remedies-pet-anxiety