Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets?

by Infused Essence

Some guidelines for using essential oils around your furry friends. 

While we do believe in the power of using essential oils in our daily lives and in our homes, it’s important to keep in mind all the members of our family, including our cats and dogs and any other animals that might live indoors with us. 


Some essential oils, although great for us, have been known to be potentially toxic to our pets. Just like certain foods, such as chocolate or grape leaves, can be harmful to them, so can certain oils. While lavender oil may be ok for one dog, it may irritate another dog.


Before using essential oils on or around your beloved animals, it’s important to consider speaking with your veterinarian first, especially if they are on any medications or have any existing health concerns. 


Here are some considerations to take while using essential oils around your pets:

Be Mindful of Change

All of our pets are unique, so when it comes to adding anything new into their environments - essential oils or otherwise - keep a close eye on how your pet responds to the change.

Here are some things to look out for: 


  • See how your pet reacts to diffusing oils or oils that you use on yourself topically. If they appear uncomfortable or agitated, move them to a well-ventilated room until the smell dissipates and stop using that product. 


  • If your pet appears to be in extreme distress, call your vet immediately. 


  • Allow your pet the ability to leave the room if needed.


  • Be mindful of small pets, like birds or rodents, that are kept in cages or contained spaces and don’t have the ability to leave a room as freely as a cat or dog might.

Avoid Ingestion

First things first, never give your pet any essential oils to ingest internally. Their digestive system is vastly different than ours, and though our system may be able to handle small amounts, this can be dangerous for animals. 


Another thing to take into consideration, is that your pet may accidentally inhale or lick oils off of your skin while you’re snuggling with them. Oils may also rub off onto their skin and absorb into their system. 


We recommend:


  • Waiting until topical remedies and skincare products have fully absorbed into your skin before handling your pet.


  • Keeping essential oil bottles away from your pets.


  • Keeping diffusers and diffuser cords secure, so they won’t get knocked over, and out of reach of your pets.

Caution with Direct/Topical Application

Never directly apply oils to your pets unless they are specifically designed for use on animals. Our Peaceful Paws roll-on, for example, is specially crafted for use on animals. If making your own blend for your animals, always use a carrier oil when applying oils topically.


The list of oils that are potentially dangerous to dogs and cats differs. Below are some of the common oils that have been known to cause trouble for our furry friends.

Dogs

  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus (d-limonene)
  • Pennyroyal
  • Peppermint
  • Pine
  • Sweet birch
  • Tea tree (melaleuca)
  • Wintergreen
  • Ylang ylang
  • Anise
  • Clove
  • Thyme
  • Juniper
  • Yarrow
  • Garlic


Cats

  • Wintergreen
  • Sweet birch
  • Citrus (d-limonene)
  • Pine
  • Ylang ylang
  • Peppermint
  • Cinnamon
  • Pennyroyal
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Tea tree (melaleuca)
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Lavender



We’re always available to connect and continue the conversation. Give us a call at 1 (800) 939-7547 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Pacific Time, reach out to us on Facebook messenger, or email us at hello@infusedessence.com. We’re always here to help.