Essential oils provide a plethora of therapeutic benefits for humans, but what about pets and essential oils? Is it safe to use essential oils when your fur baby is close by?
The truth is some essential oils are toxic to pets. So pet parents must take extra special care when using essential oils around their beloved fur pals. Oil Garden aromatherapy expert and author of A Scented Life Pat Princi-Jones explains, “When we talk about essential oils, we are actually talking about organic chemistry.
“Yes, they are natural, but this does not mean they are totally safe and without side effects! We know from using them that essential oils are highly concentrated liquids made up of lots of chemical compounds prepared by the parent plant to protect itself. Certain chemical groups found in essential oils can be irritating – if used carelessly and incorrectly.”
But what about pets and essential oils; can the two mix?
“I have no doubt that pure essential oils can work wonders on our pets when used with care and as directed. My observations over decades confirm that essential oil actually can strengthen the canine-human bond. But when using oils on or around dogs, it is important to be aware of which oils are harmless and which oils carry potential risks,” explains Pat.
“Dogs have millions of olfactory receptors and an acute sense of smell. Unlike humans, who are able to metabolise essential oil particles relatively easily, dogs cannot.
“Certain chemical groups found in essential oils, such as esters, are safe and gentle, while others, such as phenols and ketones, can be unsafe if used carelessly and incorrectly. These same chemical groups determine the action of each oil and, above all, its safety data.
“Cats lack the enzymes needed to break down certain substances and effectively excrete them. Instead, they store them in their little bodies, which can put them at risk and lead to toxic build-up over time.
“Toxic symptoms include lack of coordination, tremors, vomiting, ataxia and dermal irritation. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, seek veterinary advice immediately.”
The dos and don’ts of pets and essential oils
Pat offers the following tips to help keep our four-legged friends safe around essential oils, while still allowing us to reap the benefits.
Best essential oils for safe use around dogs
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Cedarwood
- Geranium
Best essential oils for safe use around cats
- Roman Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Lavender
The don’ts
Pat recommends pet parents avoid using the following essential oils around pets.
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Eucalyptus- for cats
- Fennel
- Tea Tree
- Peppermint- for cats
- Citrus Oils
- Thyme
- Clove Bud
- Rosemary- for dogs
- Pine Needle
- Ylang Ylang
How to safely use essential oils around your pet
“How your dog or cat reacts to an essential oil will depend on many factors like size of the animal, size of the room, etc. When using essential oils around pets always ensure you monitor their reaction, as you would with any new product, and use it in small doses.
“It can be useful to use the oils on yourself first, to determine their impact, before using them on or around your pets.” Pat also offers the following tips.
- Use oils correctly and as directed – avoid ingestion and neat application to the skin.
- Keep essential oils away from your dog’s ears, face, nose, and eyes.
- Avoid using essential oils for prolonged periods of time. Do not use a higher dosage than directed and do not use the same blend day in and day out.
- Avoid using any oils on or near puppies ten weeks old or younger. For designer breeds and miniature dogs, seek breeder advice before you commence use.
- Keep bottles locked away and out of reach. The last thing you want is a beloved pet ingesting it.
- Avoid spills and do not leave dishes of oil at ground level.
- If your pet exhibits any toxic symptoms (lack of coordination, tremors, vomiting, ataxia and dermal irritation) seek veterinary advice immediately.
- Above all, make sure you purchase 100% pure essential oils from a trusted supplier and within their use-by date. Avoid synthetic copies and fragrance oils as they are guaranteed to make the whole family sick if used in excess.
“Essential oils are the most wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle. However, they are very potent aromatic liquids that must be used with respect. The benefits you and your pets will reap are endless if you use as directed,” says Pat.
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How to recognise a pet emergency
How to decode your dog’s body language
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