Essential Oils & Pets! – H&S Pets Galore

Your Guide To Using Essential Oils That Are Harmful To Pets!

A lot of us humans love using essential oils but did you know that some of them are toxic to our non-human friends? Essential oils are mostly extracted from plants and have a strong essence due to their highly volatile nature. These oils are used for many reasons such as for cleansing, relaxation, health, and other benefits. What most pet owners don’t realize is that these oils when used on pets for the same purposes as humans, can cause harm. These are some of the many things pet owners shouldn’t share with their cuddly friends as even though they may have a good, beneficial effect on humans they can have the opposite effect on pets & this applies to essential oils not only being applied to the body but also those that are used in a diffuser.

Using the wrong essential oils in presence of a pet or on a pet can mess up the pet’s natural body chemistry making it toxic. Cats in particular have difficulties processing phenols found in some oils, which can result in a toxic buildup. Which brings us to the next question: ‘Which essential oils are dangerous for pets?’ Before we give you a list of the oils that are absolutely not safe to use, it is also highly recommended to seek your vet’s advice when in doubt, remember this article is only meant to be a guide and talks about the essential oils that can be harmful, it doesn’t mean all essential oils are toxic to your furry friend, hence it’s always advisable to consult a vet!

Some Of The Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Cats & Dogs:

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

Signs & Symptoms Of Essential Oil Toxicity To Look Out For In Your Pet –

There are several signs & symptoms of poisoning to look out for in pets:

1. The Smell Of The Essential Oil – Check your pet’s fur, skin, breath or vomit if it has the essential oil smell to it.

2. Vomiting Or Gagging

3. Drooling

4. Pawing At The Face Or Mouth

5. Abnormal OR Altered Behaviour

6. Heavy Panting OR Difficulty Breathing

7. Your Pet Looks Fatigued OR Shows Signs Of Weakness

8. Gait Issues OR Muscle Weakness/Tremors

9. Itchiness Or Rashes

If your pet shows or displays the signs and symptoms above you know it’s time to act fast, if essential oil was used on the skin or fur immediately wash it off! Immediately seek medical help and treatment for your pet as acting fast will help in the prognosis of your pet. Remember to never administer any treatment without your Vet’s advice!

Tips To Follow When Using Essential Oils:

1. Keep the essential oils out of reach by storing them in secure containers away from your pet!
2. Avoid using the diffuser when your pet is around and if at all you use it make sure the place is well ventilated and your diffuser is not operating unattended.
3. Never apply oils directly to your pet and always seek your vet’s advice.