Which essential oils are toxic to dogs?
Dr. Wooten says for the most part, essential oils shown to be toxic to dogs if ingested, inhaled, or used topically include:
Keep in mind, the ASPCA says some oils can cause damage in smaller quantities than others. The type of oil, how concentrated it is and its quality all determine how bad it might be if your dog ingests it. For instance, a few drops of highly concentrated, well-made tea tree oil could be worse than a lot of poor-quality peppermint oil diluted in water. Neither is great, but the former might wreak more havoc than the latter.
On this note, it’s worth mentioning a lot of cleaning products and household mists contain essential oils. You should avoid using these products in areas your dog frequently sits, plays, eats or sleeps.
So, what’s the verdict on diffusers? Should we re-gift them to our pet-less friends? “Not necessarily,” says Dr. Wooten. “In general, passive diffusers are safe to use around dogs unless they knock them over.” Passive diffusers are things like reed diffusers and oil warmers. You don’t have to plug them in to use.
Dogs suffering from respiratory problems or asthma should avoid being around most candles and diffusers, but ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers could prove more troublesome than passive diffusers. These are active contraptions that send teeny, tiny particles of oil into the air. These particles are either inhaled or land on things like your pet’s bed or fur (which your pet might lick off later). Ultrasonic diffusers are those pretty ones that exude a light mist (water infused with oil). Nebulizing diffusers do the same thing, but with air (producing a much more potent result).
Dr. Wooten reminds us all dogs are individuals. Some pups will have adverse reactions to essential oil diffusers, while others won’t display any symptoms at all. Neither breed nor age can accurately predict what your pet will do in a given circumstance! “I had a big dog and used an essential oil diffuser around her for years without any negative side effects—it all depends on the dog,” she says.
What Signs Should You Look For?
Since pets can’t tell us when they don’t feel well, there are signs to watch for if you think your pet has been exposed. As any veterinarian will tell you, essential oils are most dangerous in their concentrated form. When a dog or cat walks through oils or gets them on their coat in their undiluted form, they can experience symptoms right away. For others, breathing the oil-infused mist from a diffuser can trigger asthma attacks or breathing issues. What should you look for if you believe your pet has been over-exposed to essential oils? Symptoms include lethargy, unsteadiness, or even a low body temperature in the most severe cases. If essential oils are ingested, you might also see drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. Remember, skin absorption or ingestion is more dangerous than inhalation in most cases.
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What are the signs of essential oil or liquid potpourri poisoning?
Signs may include:
Essential oil diffusers might be toxic to your pet, local vet warns
While many essential oils are beneficial for humans, they’re often harmful to pets. This also applies to oils that you aren’t placing directly on your pet.