We use essential oils for a variety of reasons in our homes, from helping us to feel better to making the home smell nice. And because essential oils help us, we naturally assume it will help our pets too. But that’s not true. Some oils are actually harmful or poisonous to dogs and even more so to cats.
Effect on pets
An essential oil is a concentration of the extraction from a specific plant. Previously, the extract has been used in products such room sprays, but in small quantities, which is safe for animals. But for the last couple of years it has become popular to use essential oils in diffusers for a variety of ailments.
The essential oil used in diffusers is much more concentrated and minute droplets are released into the air. These droplets can accumulate on the animal’s fur and are then absorbed by his skin, and into his respiratory system. When cats, for instance, groom themselves, they further digest these droplets. Keep in mind that essential oils are not supposed to be ingested.
Worse for cats
Just think about your dog’s powerful sense of smell. While he has up to 300 million receptors in his nose to help him smell, us humans only have six million. Therefore, he will experience the smell more intense than we do.
Cats are at a further disadvantage, because the oils metabolise in the liver through inhalation and skin absorbance. Seeing that cats don’t have the required enzyme in their liver to metabolise the oils and to get rid of the toxins, they are at great risk. And the higher the concentration of the oil, the greater the risk. Cats with respiratory issues and who suffer from asthma are at even higher risk than cats without these issues.
Poisoning symptoms
When your pet shows any of these symptoms, you need to react instantly:
- He has difficulty breathing.
- He drools more than usual.
- He seems weak or show signs of fatigue.
- You can smell the essential oil on his fur, breath or in his vomit.
- He vomits.
- He paws at his face or mouth.
- He can’t walk.
- He has muscle tremors.
- Burns or redness in or around his mouth.
- He coughs or make wheezing sounds.
Treatment
Move your pet into fresh air immediately and if the animal doesn’t recover immediately, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Phone your vet to tell him that you are on your way and ask if there is anything you can do en route. Take the essential oil with so that the vet can identify the oil and handle the situation accordingly.
Harmful oils
Whether you have a cat or a dog in your house, beware of the following oils:
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Oregano
- Cinnamon anise
- Clove
- Thyme
- Citrus (d-limonene)
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Wintergreen
- Ylang ylang
- Juniper
- Yarrow
- Garlic
Safe oils
Always remember that some animals are more sensitive than others – similar to humans who are allergic to certain food and other people not. Although certain oils might be declared safe for pets, don’t assume your dog or cat will be fine as well. Watch your pets carefully and immediately move them out of the room if they show any signs of suffering.
Before using any oil, first check if the product contains phenol and if it does, don’t use it around pets and especially cats. And always use a very low concentration when pets are inside the house.
Never, ever apply essential oils directly to your pet’s skin, unless your vet has declared the product safe for use.
Even though certain oils are regarded as safe to diffuse in the home, do your research and speak to your vet before use and watch out for any symptoms during use of the oils. You can try the following oils:
- Cedarwood oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Frankincense
In a nutshell
If you absolutely have to use essential oils, then please move and keep your pet out of the room. But don’t leave him outside, especially at night – that is unfair towards your cat and dog. Speak to your vet about the safe use of essential oils and rather be safe than sorry.
