Did you get an essential oil diffuser as a gift? Do you make your own home remedies, cosmetics, or cleaning solutions? If you also have pets, then you might want to think twice before you use them. Essential oils can be poisonous to cats, dogs, and birds, as well other small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Here’s what you need to know about using essential oils in a home with pets.
The Danger of Essential Oils for Pets
Swallowing essential oils can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as symptoms of depression. Stepping in essential oils or inhaling them can also harm your pet. Exposure can make them lose their coordination, lower their body temperature, make them feel depressed, or cause respiratory issues.
Because of their meticulous grooming habits, cats are especially sensitive to essential oils. Many types of essential oils are toxic to dogs, as well. And diffusers should never be used in a home with birds. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most common home uses for essential oils.
1: Home Remedies, Skin Care, and Cosmetics
If you make your own home remedies or salves, be sure to keep your essential oils stored securely in a place where your pets can’t reach them. Wash your hands well after applying lotion, perfume, or other products with essential oils, to make sure you don’t get any residue on your pet’s fur.
You have to be very conscientious about not touching your pet when you’re making home remedies or cosmetics with essential oils. Always prepare them in a pet-free zone, so you’re not tempted to touch your cat or dog if they come seeking attention.
Don’t ever use essential oils as ingredients in home remedies for your pet, and NEVER rub them directly into your pet’s skin. If you want to try making insect repellent, toothpaste, lotion, treats or any other pet products at home, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first. They can advise you on the safest ingredients.
2: Homemade Cleaning Solutions
Making your own all-natural cleaning solutions for refilling your bottles is both trendy and thrifty. It’s great for the environment, too, since it eliminates a lot of waste. However, you need to be careful about the ingredients you use if you have pets.
For example, the mint, lemon, and citrus essential oils commonly used in cleaning products are toxic to cats. Tea tree oil and pine are toxic to both cats and dogs. If you are cleaning your floors or doing laundry with solutions that contain these dangerous substances, you could be making your pets sick.
3: Essential Oil Diffusers
Many people use aromatherapy to reduce stress, cure headaches, or promote restful sleep. However, animals have a much keener sense of smell than we do. Essential oils have extremely concentrated scents, so diffusers can be overwhelming, confusing, and irritating to pets. They can also cause asthma-like symptoms.
Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, so you should never use a diffuser if you keep birds in your home. Diffusers are not always safe to use around cats and dogs, either. Many types of essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs, and diffusers will spread droplets through the air where they can land on your pet’s fur or even be inhaled into your pet’s lungs.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Pets?
There are some essential oils that are safe to use around pets, but even so, you need to be careful. Store your bottles in a pet-proof cupboard or container, and wash your hands immediately after handling them. Always keep a close eye on your pet for possible side effects.
If you do choose to use essential oils in your bath products or as aromatherapy, be sure that you’re in a well-ventilated room. Here is a list of pet-friendly scents you can try:
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Jasmine
If you’re ever uncertain about which oils are safe, consult your veterinarian.
Expert Veterinary Care for Pets in Gilbert and Chandler
We know that you want only the best for your pets, which is why we feel it’s important to warn you about using essential oils. Many people simply aren’t aware that essential oils are dangerous, and unknowingly prepare cleaning products or cosmetics with ingredients that are toxic to their pets. If you have been using essential oils in your home, you might have unintentionally been making your pet ill.
At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we are always happy to answer pet-related questions on any topic. Contact us today to schedule a checkup with vets who care about your pet’s welfare just as much as you do.
Photo by Kadarius Seegars on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/22/24.