Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs?
No, tea tree oil is not safe for dogs. This fact may surprise you … because it’s often in products made for dogs. You’ll find products like shampoos, insect repellents, or hot spot, ringworm or ear infection treatments, and more. People even use it in essential oil diffusers for its antibacterial effects.
But tea tree oil can cause serious side effects in your dog, especially when used at full strength. A 2014 review of toxicity cases (337 dogs and 106 cats) by the ASPCA showed that at 100 percent concentration, it leads to common signs of toxic effects in dogs and cats. Note that the problems were often neurological, affecting the pets’ central nervous system (CNS) …
The amounts of tea tree oil used were often very small. In some cases pet owners had used as little as 0.1 ml. That’s only 0.003 oz – one 300th of an ounce. So It only takes a tiny amount of tea tree oil to harm your pet. The tea tree oil toxicity cases all used 100% tea tree oil, topically or orally or both.
What Are Signs Of Tea Tree Oil Toxicity In Dogs?
Here are some common symptoms of tea tree oil toxicity you could see in your dog (or cat) …
You’ll notice these signs of tea tree oil toxicity within 2 to 8 hours after exposure. Some of them are severe symptoms of neurological problems
Treatment of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment will depend on the severity of the toxicity in the clinical signs that your dog possesses. Treatment methods of tea tree oil poisoning may include:
Intravenous Fluids
IV fluids will be given to hydrate your dog so he may respond better to treatment. IV fluids given to the dog also encourage urination.
Medications
The veterinarian will choose which medications to give to your dog. Anti-vomiting medications may be given to prevent aspiration, medications may be given to protect the liver and stomach, and antibiotics may be given. Every dog is different, and every toxic dosage will vary, depending on the quantity of dilution in the amount ingested.
Worried about the cost of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning treatment?
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Tea Tree Oil: Is It Safe for Dogs and Cats?
While some essential oils can benefit dogs, others are extremely dangerous – especially when used in concentrated forms. Tea tree oil demands extra caution around dogs, cats and small children. Although exposure to any essential oil is generally most concentrated when it directly contacts skin, tea tree oil diffusers and liquid potpourri present specific health concerns to dogs. These items release essential oils like tea tree continually into the air, risking exposure by inhalation.