Because the biology of cats and dogs are so unique, their bodies metabolize and react with essential oils much more differently than do our own. For animals, however, the highly reactive nature of compounds found in essential oils can have detrimental effects on their much smaller bodies. While some of these oils may not be "dog-friendly", they all have powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties, and have been found to be effective against the flu virus. Pay attention to any changes in behavior such as walking abnormally, being more tired, exhibiting signs of weakness, personality changes, or having muscle tremors. Then turn off the diffuser and let your dog into the room to sleep. It is derived from the Gaultheria Procumbens or the Eastern Teaberry. They are used prolifically and have been found to have innumerable benefits, from helping prevent colds from taking hold in our immune systems to improving the health of our hair. Contact with certain essential oils should be avoided and used with caution in diffusers due to their chemical properties. But did you know some essential oils are not safe to diffuse around pets or even babies? Protect ourselves and our dogs from bacterial and viral infections, Clear nasal congestion and soothe upper respiratory issues, Repel insects such as flies and mosquitoes, Diffuse only gentle essential oils around dogs. Essential Oils to Never Use Around Cats and Dogs. Whether we are using them in homemade cleaning products, applying them to our own skin, or diffusing them throughout our homes, they can bring many benefits to ourselves. Essential oils have manifold effects on human beings ranging from treating skin conditions, nasal congestion, anxiety, and sore muscles. If youâre using essential oils on medium-sized animalsâlike large dogsâdilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil. For example, keep the door open so your dog can leave the room if she "has had enough". There are also certain essential oils that should not be used for or around dogs including anise, clove, garlic, horseradish, juniper, thyme, wintergreen, and yarrow. There are no major side effects of using essential oils. 5- Cardamom: It has anti-bacterial properties and helps in normalizing appetite, cough, heartburn, and nausea. Use Essential Oils with Caution Around Your Pets, The Best Superfoods That Aid in Digestion, â Ylang Ylang Oil for Hair: Improve Growth Naturally, Horsetail Oil for Hair Benefits: Improve Growth Naturally â. The following charts lists oils to AVOID: Dogs Only: Anise Yarrow Juniper. These are my goofy pups. Also, due to the small size of oil molecules, they can cross the blood brain barrier and pass through to the brain. Also, all dogs are individual beings and sometimes even a "dog-friendly" essential oil may cause problems to those who are sensitive to that particular oil. Diffusing certain essential oils around dogs might be beneficial for them.Eucalyptus , Lavender, Lemongrass and Frankincense are safe to diffuse around man's best Essential oils have tons of benefits for humans and dogs alike, but there are a few you should avoid when it comes to your beloved canine friend. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you (learn more). Below is a short list of essential oils that experts say are safe to use on dogs: 1. Your animalâs size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application. Diffusing essential oils around pets may cause or worsen respiratory or liver problems in certain cats and other pets, so use them with caution. This way, you can find out easily if an oil is agreeable to your dog or not. When essential oils are actively diffused, tiny little oil droplets are inhaled and enter the lungs. However, if we have pets, we must consider the negative impact they can have on our beloved friends. These include: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); These oils can be dangerous for your cats or dogs whether they are applied directly to their skin, ingested, or diffused around them. If playback doesn't begin shortly,... Store Your Essential Oils in a Safe Place. These oils can clear the sinuses and have an expectorant effect. Consider storing them in a container up high on a shelf or in a cabinet, or in a closet or room where your pet is unlikely to go. Some essential oils are not safe for pregnant dogs and should not be diffused around them. Unfortunately, the quality of essential oils is a confusing smorgasbord with marketing that spans from honesty all the way to misleading claims and outright lies. Then turn off the diffuser and bring your dog inside the room. Cats specifically are also known to be harmed by: Store Your Essential Oils in a Safe Place. Are essential oils safe for dogs if you add them in your diffuser? Lavender Oil However, be sure to use Eucalyptus, Ravintsara and Laurel leaf with care and only sparingly. For cats and dogs, there are a bevy of essential oils that should not be used around them due to the harmful effects they have. Our third essential oil of concern is Oil of Wintergreen. Diffusing essential oils that arenât safe to dogs like thieves oil and other variants that we have listed above can cause even more detrimental health effects on dogs. Safety Precautions When Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs, Tips for Dog Parents on How to Diffuse Oils. Long story short, Oil of Wintergreen contains methyl salicylates, more commonly know as aspirin. Here are some safety precautions that we should pay attention to: To harness the therapeutic properties of essential oils and at the same time protect our dogs from the risk of over-exposure to the oils through inhalation, here are some useful tips for dog parents when diffusing oils: During the peak flu season, or if a family member is suffering from a bacterial or viral infection, you may want to diffuse strong antibacterial and antiviral oils (e.g. Because human bodies are so dramatically different from those of cats and dogs, essential oils impact us much differently than they do our pets. They are good for those suffering from allergies, coughing, and sinus congestion. Essential oils are becoming ever more popular in this day and age. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center wants you to know all the facts about these products, and what you can do to keep your pets safe! If you live with a dog, or have canine visitors, we encourage you to check our list below of the essential oils that are toxic to dogs.. One of the more popular methods of using essential oils is via the ubiquitous diffuser. panting, sneezing repeatedly, pacing, etc. Cats Only: Basil Juniper Birch Cinnamon Eucalyptus Fennel Tea Tree/Melaleuca Oregano Peppermint Citrus Oils. Tips for Cleaning With Essential Oils Around Pets. These three oils all contain a component (1,8 cineole) that may actually cause breathing problems in young kids (and perhaps some dogs), if used in high dilution and near the face. Instead of listing most of the essential oils out there that are toxic, perhaps itâs easier to simply choose an option from the below list that is pet-friendly! Essential Oils Harmful to Pets?! I covered some oils and recipes for treating fleas on dogs and other pets if ⦠Dogs have more a sensitive sense of smell, and can easily get overwhelmed if the oils are too strong, or are being diffused around the clock. Put the oils in the diffuser and set the timer for 30 minutes. As you can see, we can diffuse essential oils at home even around dogs - if we know how to do it correctly! The oil molecules in the air can still work on your dog, but since the diffuser is off already, it won't over stimulate your dog. T-Away⢠is one of our most popular essential oils for pets, thanks to a combination of Trauma Lifeâ¢, Harmonyâ¢, and Peace & Calming⢠essential oil blends. Do not diffuse oils for hours on end. While airborne, these dispersed oil molecules can get inhaled by us and our dogs. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs/, https://www.foundanimals.org/essential-oils-toxic-pets/, https://www.aspca.org/news/latest-home-trend-harmful-your-pets-what-you-need-know. When you return, the room should have been “disinfected”, and the oils in the air should have dissipated. Essential oils and oil diffusers have been causing a stir online with recent reports concerning petsâ safety around these popular household products. Diffusing essential oils allows us to inhale them for their therapeutic effects. This article will hopefully answer some of the most common questions dog parents have regarding diffusing essential oils around dogs. However, avoid using Peppermint oil ⦠As always, only use 100% pure essential oils. Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs & Cats: Is it Safe? Dogs & Cats: Clove Thyme Wintergreen They all have a calming and relaxing effect: If you have an older dog who cannot sleep well, try diffusing some of these oils for about 30 minutes before bed. For cats and dogs, there are a bevy of essential oils that should not be used around them due to the harmful effects they have. Keep in mind that whatever essential oils are safe to diffuse around dogs depends on the type of product that you choose. If you use any of these essential oils for your own health, make sure you also exercise caution around your pets. Remember, essential oils can help with your dogâs physical and mental issues but ⦠theyâre also very powerful. If you don't have a diffuser, you can always add some of these oils to a spray bottle of water. Essential oils are natural, safe products for us to use but can potentially cause harm to pets if used in large amounts. Because essential oils are so popular, there are some bad manufacturers. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils and even just a couple of licks can be harmful. Pet-proof the area around the diffuser. For example, we can diffuse oils to: While diffusing oils can benefit not only ourselves but also our dogs, we need to take extra care when using a diffuser around our dogs. The following oils are not only OK for dogs, but theyâre also known to have some really impressive potential benefits! If you plan to use an essential oil diffuser in your home, you may want to avoid these oils. Essential oils are natural but they still are not all created equal when it comes to our pets and little ones.