Signs Of Essential Oil Poisoning In Pets
Essential oils can be absorbed through the skin and metabolized in the liver, so dogs with liver disease may be more sensitive to them. While exposure to any essential oils can cause mild GI issues like vomiting and diarrhea, some oils can be fatal, including tea tree oil, which affects the nervous system. Essential oil poisoning in pets occurs when the oil is absorbed by the skin or ingested by the pet. It can happen accidentally or when a pet parent unknowingly applies it to the skin. Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include:
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs?
No essential oil is truly safe for pets because they are toxic when consumed in large quantities. However, some essential oils are safer for pets than others, but it all depends on how they’re used. For example, lavender is a relatively safe essential oil for dogs, especially when in a diffuser where the dog can’t get to it.
Of course, you should never put any essential oils directly on your dog’s skin because they’re highly concentrated and can cause painful sores and even burns. Any pet products that contain essential oils are diluted, so they may be safe for your pet, but there’s no reason to risk their health and safety for products when there are safer alternatives.
What essential oils are bad for dogs? Essential oils toxic to dogs include:
Never, under any circumstances, should you use these on or around your dog because they’re toxic. While a diffuser is typically one of the safer ways to use essential oils around pets, avoid using those listed here to err on the side of caution. Of course, this is not a complete list of dangerous essential oils for pets. Always do your research and talk to a vet about essential oils before using them for your pet or around your home.
Even if an essential oil is unlikely to cause severe reactions in pets, it’s best to avoid using them directly on your pet to prevent skin irritation. Additionally, some pets may be more sensitive to essential oils than others, so the fragrance can be overpowering, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Is diffusing peppermint oil safe for dogs?
Diffusing peppermint oil isn’t safe for dogs when it’s not done properly. Microdroplets from the diffuser can land on their fur or skin and canines can lick it. Ingesting it can cause essential oil toxicity. This can result in burns, itchy skin, muscle tremors, breathing difficulties, or death.
Essential Oils Harmful to Pets?!
A peppermint herb is a cross between water mint and spearmint, the taste and smell of which you are surely familiar with. And because of the high menthol content in peppermint, oil is often extracted from the leaves. Combined with the mild sweetness and the sharp odor, it is no wonder that peppermint oil is widely used to flavor gums, toothpaste and tea, just to name a few.
Aside from its use as a common additive in many of our household products, peppermint oil is also used as an aromatherapy oil. We are all in love with the aromatics and the refreshing smell of peppermint oil. While diffusing the oil for our pleasure, this, however, poses a question on safety in a household with pet dogs that have a strong sense of smell.
That is exactly what we will talk about today, the 3 ways how your dog can be exposed to essential oils like peppermint and what are the risks involved. We’ll open the article by talking about the health hazards if your dog inhales the oil, followed by the consequences of directly applying the oil to your pet. Lastly, we’ll close the article by sharing information about what happens if your fido orally ingested peppermint oil.