It's perfect if you have pets in the house. If your dog has never experienced essential oil diffusion before, or if your dog is "finicky" when it comes to scents, try diffusing just one oil at a time. So be sure to observe your dog closely when using any essential oils on or around your dog. However, if we have pets, we must consider the negative impact they can have on our beloved friends. Diffusing essential oils around pets is a controversial topic. As for cats, the essential oils that aren’t safe to use are eucalyptus, clove, lavender, spruce, cassia, lemon, birch, and more. While some of these oils may not be "dog-friendly", they all have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, and have been found to be effective against the flu virus. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or stress (e.g. Sometimes as parents we have to do what we know is best even if they don’t agree. Some highly opinionated, unsubstantiated internet posts about the dangers of essential oils to our pets are scaring pet parents. Better safe than sorry. These include: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); These oils can be dangerous for your cats or dogs whether they are applied directly to their skin, ingested, or diffused around them. I use this or stick to other pet-safe oils around the house when diffusing, just to be on the safe side! Try to only use them when you want to address a specific concern. It is generally safe if properly diluted and used topically, or for diffusion in low dilution. Some … (FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this page, I may receive a small commission, at no added cost to you.). Peppermint oil is also anti-nausea and works well with ginger to help dogs with motion sickness. Pay attention to any changes in behavior such as walking abnormally, being more tired, exhibiting signs of weakness, personality changes, or having muscle tremors. Shake and spray the air and the dog's bedding before going to bed. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs/, https://www.foundanimals.org/essential-oils-toxic-pets/, https://www.aspca.org/news/latest-home-trend-harmful-your-pets-what-you-need-know. Of course, not all essential oils pose the same level of danger for dogs. Essential oils are used in flavorings, perfumes, and aromatherapy. Cats and dogs in particular may suffer unnecessarily due to the essential oils we choose to use in our homes. Just like citrus oils are photosensitizing to humans, using lemon oil for dogs can cause burns, redness, and other sensitization when exposed to the sun. If you have pets in your household, please make sure that you are using pet friendly essential oils. Here are Some Essential Oils that are Safe to Diffuse around Cats Some of these essential oils are void of the organic compound phenol and if any is however present, then it must have reduced in terms of its concentration to a level where it is bearable for cats.. Cedarwood Essential Oil. For cats and dogs, there are a bevy of essential oils that should not be used around them due to the harmful effects they have. There are some oils that you want to avoid if you have an allergy to the skin of a dog. When you find what essential oils are safe to diffuse around dogs, you need to learn about the types of oils that are good for your dog. Keep diffusers and all essential oils out of the reach of dogs. How To Use Essential Oils For Dogs. You’ve heard and experienced some of the many benefits essential oils offers to humans, and now, you want to know what essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats. Do not diffuse "hot", spicy and strong oils (e.g. Dangerous Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs. Diffusing around pets is actually a great way to benefit them on a regular basis. “What we know to be unique about essential oils is that if they come in contact with skin, they can actually cross the skin barrier and get into the body,” says Brutlag. Are you one of those concerned dog parents who want to diffuse essential oils in your house but are not sure whether it is safe for your dog? Essential oils are known to do wonders for both humans and pets alike. May help allergies, burns, ulcers, insomnia, car ride anxiety and car sickness, to name a few. These three oils all contain a component (1,8 cineole) that may actually cause breathing problems in young kids (and perhaps some dogs), if used in high dilution and near the face. Then turn off the diffuser and bring your dog inside the room. Diffusing essential oils allows us to inhale them for their therapeutic effects. And just three to four drops. So, while we might think adding a drop or two of lavender oil to their sleeping pillow will help them to relax, it may do just the opposite and stress them out even more. They are vastly potent in meeting the therapeutically and grooming needs of pets. If there are rooms where your pets do not go, it is okay to diffuse essential oils in those rooms. Diffusing oils in a diffuser is a simple, easy, and effective way to disperse essential oil molecules quickly to the environment. tea tree oil) to kill off the airborne germs. Compounds in essential oils are often times highly reactive with living beings; this is why essential oils work so well as therapeutic agents for various conditions that occur in the human race. Ingesting these oils can lead to gastrointestinal issues for your pet and can have a particularly negative effect on small, old, or young pets and any pets with liver problems. Eѕѕеntiаl оilѕ for dogs are the same thing as essential oils for humans. How do I apply essential oils to my dog? Here are some safety precautions that we should pay attention to: To harness the therapeutic properties of essential oils and at the same time protect our dogs from the risk of over-exposure to the oils through inhalation, here are some useful tips for dog parents when diffusing oils: During the peak flu season, or if a family member is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection, you may want to diffuse strong antibacterial and antiviral oils (e.g. Each type of oil has its own particular properties that can help your dog. Observe your dog closely especially when you are diffusing new oils for the first time. Thеу aren’t true оilѕ in thе сhеmiсаl sense оf bеing lоng chains оf fаttу acids. Animals and oils: What you need to know When we say that essential oils can be enjoyed by the whole family, that includes Bingo and Whiskers . But I … When you can identify several oils that work fine with your dog, you can then make blends using those oils if so preferred. However, no matter what oils you are using in your home, be sure to store them in a safe location where your pets will not be able to get to them. However, you should not let them ingest them: Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil; Chamomile Roman Essential Oil; Clary Sage Essential Oil; Ginger Grass Essential Oil; Marjoram Essential Oil; If you think your dog has essential oil poisoning, you can call us day or night on 01527 889810. Do not diffuse "hot", spicy and strong oils (e.g. Few essential oils which are NOT SAFE for dogs and cats are Clove, Garlic, Wintergreen, Oregano, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Cassia, Lemon, Citrus, Cinnamon, … For instance, оlivе oil аnd оlivе еѕѕеntiаl oil … When used improperly around animals, essential oils can cause respiratory issues and effect the nervous system, which can have very negative impacts on your pet. If you plan to use an essential oil diffuser in your home, you may want to avoid these oils. However, be sure to use Eucalyptus, Ravintsara and Laurel leaf with care and only sparingly. Simply add one to two drops of essential oil to a water-based diffuser. But you hesitate to use tea tree oil or other strong antimicrobial oils as they may not be too safe for your dog! Start the diffuser and take your dog out for a long walk or car ride (at least 60 minutes). For cats and dogs, there are a bevy of essential oils that should not be used around them due to the harmful effects they have. Oils used improperly can also lead to changes in behavior, adverse central nervous system effects, and respiratory problems — all of which can be serious. 20 Essential Oils for Dogs that Relax & Calm. And so, an example of diffusing an essential oil, you can diffuse three to four drops of Peace or Serenity in your Lumo diffuser, put it on a 10-hour setting, which is a really great setting. Essential oils that are safe to use around dogs. Skip to content. Diffuse only gentle essential oils around dogs. Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs & Cats: Is it Safe? Here is a list of 20 essential oils for dogs that can help keep them calm, relaxed, and happier. Useful in conditioning patients to a safe space. There are just a few things that you need to keep in mind to make sure your fur (or scale, or wool, or feather, or hairless) babies stay safe and enjoy all the benefits YL oils have to offer. Protect ourselves and our dogs from bacterial and viral infections, Clear nasal congestion and soothe upper respiratory issues, Repel insects such as flies and mosquitoes, Diffuse only gentle essential oils around dogs. Cats specifically are also known to be harmed by: Store Your Essential Oils in a Safe Place. Is diffusing oils safe for dogs? Do not use essential oils around puppies less than 10 weeks old. Consider storing them in a container up high on a shelf or in a cabinet, or in a closet or room where your pet is unlikely to go. I've also added how to use the below oils with dogs per the Animal Desk Reference II, which was written by Dr. Melissa Shelton. Using essential oils with different therapeutic properties, we can use diffusion for various purposes. Thyme – Much like with oregano, this essential oil can help dogs with respiratory issues. Be sure to name the essential oils that you believe your pet has ingested to whichever authority you are consulting. Young Living V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex This product is a diluting agent to be used with essential oils. Especially, absolutely avoid stimulating oils (such as tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary… Lavender:Diffusing lavender has a calming effect on the central nervous system, and dogs experiencing separation anxiety may benefit from it. To be safe, assume the same thing may happen to dogs with asthma - avoid diffusing essential oils around your dog if she has a respiratory issue such as asthma. But many people ask if Peppermint essential oil is safe for dogs. Also, all dogs are individual beings and sometimes even a "dog-friendly" essential oil may cause problems to those who are sensitive to that particular oil. As always, only use 100% pure essential oils. Again you absolutely need to dilute it with carrier oils first and should consider whether the risk is worth it for your dog’s unique needs. And some of us just use them because they make our homes smell oh so wonderfully. What essential oils are good for dogs’ itchy skin? At this point, you may want to open the windows for some fresh air to get inside the house. The consensus from experts is to use caution when diffusing EOs around pets, and pet-proof the space, or make it inaccessible. Always give your dog a way out. Use Essential Oils with Caution Around Your Pets, The Best Superfoods That Aid in Digestion, ← Ylang Ylang Oil for Hair: Improve Growth Naturally, Horsetail Oil for Hair Benefits: Improve Growth Naturally →. I’m not aware of many pet-safe blends that I would trust, but my favorite essential oil line does have a blend specifically for dogs. I got a lot of emails from site visitors voicing the same concern. Some oils are more dangerous for dogs than others. Then turn off the diffuser and let your dog into the room to sleep. If you have young children and/or small sensitive dogs in the house, it is better to diffuse cedarwood instead (together with a calming oil such as lavender and maybe sweet orange). This applies to cats and dogs, too—which means that if one happens to knock over a diffuser and some of its contents spill on her skin, the oil could enter her bloodstream, potentially triggering neurological or liver issues. The problem is that some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats. They are used prolifically and have been found to have innumerable benefits, from helping prevent colds from taking hold in our immune systems to improving the health of our hair. Essential oils аrе оilѕ typically extracted from рlаntѕ. thyme; clove; cinnamon; pennyroyal; wintergreen; sweet birch; pine; ylang ylang; citrus; peppermint; tea tree oil; Cats specifically are also known to be harmed by: oregano; lavender; eucalyptus Dogs have more a sensitive sense of smell, and can easily get overwhelmed if the oils are too strong, or are being diffused around the clock. Photo: Anneke_B. Tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, and citrus oil … Put the oils in the diffuser and set the timer for 30 minutes. Other signs of toxicity can include increased drooling, vomiting, sores or burns in and around their mouth, and/or difficulty breathing. Essential oils can be so useful in our households. If you have a dog who seems stressed, or anxious, or just doesn't seem to be able to calm down and relax, try diffusing some of these dog-friendly oils. Diffusing essential oils should be done with caution and may be dangerous to pets — in certain circumstances. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you (learn more). If you are using essential oils specifically for your pets and are applying them onto their skin you should use a carrier oil (liquid coconut oil or olive oil work well) to dilute and slow down the absorption of the oil. In this article, I’ll discuss all you should know about essential oils for cats. When you return, the room should have been “disinfected”, and the oils in the air should have dissipated. As you can see, we can diffuse essential oils at home even around dogs - if we know how to do it correctly! Also, due to the small size of oil molecules, they can cross the blood brain barrier and pass through to the brain. This article will hopefully answer some of the most common questions dog parents have regarding diffusing essential oils around dogs. They all have a calming and relaxing effect: If you have an older dog who cannot sleep well, try diffusing some of these oils for about 30 minutes before bed. It is definitely a good idea to double check with your veterinarian as well before using any oil for or around your pets. Please remember to dilute your essential oils for pets. However, no matter what oils you are using in your home, be sure to store them in a safe location where your pets will not be able to get to them. A safe ratio is 1 drop of Essential Oil for 1.5 tablespoon (approx. (This is more likely to be the case with tea tree, pine, and peppermint oils… To read this article later, click “Save” on the picture to save to Pinterest so you can read this article later. This article covers the best essential oils that are safe for dogs, cats, and rodents. If you don't have a diffuser, you can always add some of these oils to a spray bottle of water. Before We Begin . Essential Oils to Prevent the Spread of Flu, Dr. Shannon Becker, Tisserand Institute. Assuming that your dog is OK with these oils (check with your dog first :), you can use them to make some awesome blends for diffusion. Do this several times throughout the day and that should be enough. Avoid diffusing essential oils around epileptic dogs. 'Cause it's five minutes on, five minutes off and it can go all day. And remember that it’s better safe than sorry – always use as few drops as you can manage. Grab your furry BFF and get comfy—we’re about to share the ultimate guide on essential oils for dogs. Ingesting these oils can lead to gastrointestinal issues for your pet and can have a particularly negative effect on small, old, or young pets and any pets with liver problems. If you are unsure if your pet has been negatively exposed to essential oils, there are some symptoms you can look for. Contact with certain essential oils should be avoided and used with caution in diffusers due to their chemical properties. We've got a quick "how to" on the use of pet safe essential oils you can use to make your house smell fresh and clean! For this reason, we must be attuned to which essential oils we are using throughout our homes. We LOVE them here at Chez Acheson. When we use them in our homes, we tend to just drop in the oil and go about our business. DILUTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS Before topical application to a pet’s skin, Essential Oils should always be diluted. I still apply some Lavender or Serenity to him to calm him when he’s afraid, whether he wants it or not. It’s great for sensitive skin, odorless, and will help reduce the smell and strength of the oil being diffused so it’s safer for pets. Unlike us, they can’t process the strength of the essential oils. While this method of essential oil use poses little to no risk to humans for the most part, we do need to make special considerations for the pets in our lives. Additionally, animals tend to have a much keener sense of smell than we do. If your dog is rather sensitive to essential oils but you would like to use some calming oils to help him sleep, for example, one way of doing it is to diffuse the oils in the room for 30 minutes. Essential oils are becoming ever more popular in this day and age. leave the door or window open a bit.). Diffusing certain essential oils around dogs might be beneficial for them.Eucalyptus , Lavender, Lemongrass and Frankincense are safe to diffuse around man's best. If these questions sound familiar, you’re barking up the right tree! All Content Copyright © 2008-2021   |   Natural Dog Health Remedies   |   All rights reserved. Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant dogs and should not be diffused around them. ), remove your dog from the room immediately and get her out for some fresh air. Whether we are using them in homemade cleaning products, applying them to our own skin, or diffusing them throughout our homes, they can bring many benefits to ourselves. During the flu season, diffuse some of these oils while you and your dog are out for a long walk (as described in the "Empty House" Diffusion section above.). There are anecdotal reports that inhaling essential oils may trigger asthma attacks in some people. panting, sneezing repeatedly, pacing, etc. If a beloved pet does by some chance get into your stash of essential oils and ingests any of them, or if you suspect that they may have done so based on symptoms you are observing, give poison control a call or bring your pet to the veterinarian. They are good for those suffering from allergies, coughing, and sinus congestion. While diffusing essential oils is popular, do your health practices conflict with the health of your pet? For example, keep the door open so your dog can leave the room if she "has had enough". https://essentialoilnerd.com/15-essential-oils-that-are-toxic-to-dogs While airborne, these dispersed oil molecules can get inhaled by us and our dogs. 445 drops) of Carrier Oil. Some dogs just aren’t as open to essential oils as others (just like people). Be sure to use safe handling principles … or consult an aromatherapy expert so that you don’t risk making your dog sick. Universal oil, can use pure or diluted. Because the biology of cats and dogs are so unique, their bodies metabolize and react with essential oils much more differently than do our own. It can be difficult to find essential oils that are safe to diffuse around your pets or yourself if you are searching based upon what is on the bottle or what the website says or worse, based exclusively on price. Essential oils are amazing, they have so many benefits from relieving pain, purifying the air, and more. Because human bodies are so dramatically different from those of cats and dogs, essential oils impact us much differently than they do our pets. What essential oils can I use with my dog? The oil molecules in the air can still work on your dog, but since the diffuser is off already, it won't over stimulate your dog. But did you know some essential oils are not safe to diffuse around pets or even babies? Because essential oils are so popular, there are some bad manufacturers. Learn what essential oils are safe for dogs in this safety guide. Whenever you are diffusing essential oils, make sure there is some air exchange (e.g. Thеу hаvе a роwеrful frаgrаnсе (оr “essence”) оf that рlаnt. This way, you can find out easily if an oil is agreeable to your dog or not. Essential oils are natural but they still are not all created equal when it comes to our pets and little ones. Absolutely no internal use of essential oils for dogs. When inhaled, the essential oil molecules go directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessels inside the nasal cavity and the lungs. These oils can clear the sinuses and have an expectorant effect. Pet-Safe Essential Oils. Your Dog’s Size and Breed Affects the Amount of Oil You Can Diffuse Safety Precautions When Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs, Tips for Dog Parents on How to Diffuse Oils. I’ve read too many horror stories to not cover this topic thoroughly! For example, we can diffuse oils to: While diffusing oils can benefit not only ourselves but also our dogs, we need to take extra care when using a diffuser around our dogs. It's not good for both people and dogs. This equates to a dilution of approximately 0.25%, which is considered to be be mild and likely agreeable for pets. Check with a holistic veterinarian if you plan to use essential oils on a dog that’s pregnant. One of the more popular methods of using essential oils is via the ubiquitous diffuser. Shop Food Supplements Treats Take the 30 Day Challenge! Avoid using the aforementioned essential oils around your pets at all costs. However, when using them as a pet aid, only run the diffuser for ten minutes. Do not diffuse oils for hours on end. Safe Essential Oils for Dogs. black pepper, ginger, clove, nutmeg, etc.). Common Diffuser Essential Oils that may be Toxic to Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Fish, Reptiles and Small Pets. Wintergreen – The essential oil of wintergreen is not useful with aromatherapy for dogs. Remember, essential oils can help with your dog’s physical and mental issues but … they’re also very powerful. Here is what you can do. Consult with your veterinarian before using any essential oils in areas of your home where pets frequent and avoid the use of the above-mentioned oils altogether around your pets. The best way is to diffuse oils for a period of around 30 minutes, and turn it off for at least 30 minutes. Our bodies tend to be much larger, and our organ systems are more complicated and able to handle different loads of various compounds such as those that are found in essential oils. For animals, however, the highly reactive nature of compounds found in essential oils can have detrimental effects on their much smaller bodies. In fact, due to the heightened sense of smell in pregnant dogs, I would refrain from diffusing oils altogether around them in order not to overwhelm them. It can even be harmful. However, avoid using Peppermint oil … This essential oil is void of phenol and thus certified safe to diffuse around cats. Some oils that can be safe, like lemon essential oil, can also be harmful to dogs when not used correctly. This is not a comprehensive list of all essential oils that may be toxic to pets, but it does cover some of the most popular diffuser oils.