Established research has shown that essential oils can be toxic to cats, whether taken internally, applied to the skin, or simply inhaled. Exposure can lead to serious liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, seizures and even death.
Felines are missing specific enzymes that provide the ability to properly process various compounds (called “gluconuridation”) found in essential oils, specifically phenols. Phenolic compounds occur naturally in plants and are highly concentrated in essential oils, leaving the liver the most vulnerable to organ failure.
Essential oil and aromatherapy diffusers, candles, liquid potpourri products, and room sprays are all sources of airborne essential oils that can be inhaled or licked off their fur. If you can smell the aroma of the oil, that means that there is oil in the air, and it can result in respiratory distress.
General guidelines for the use of essential oils in homes with your feline friends:
Do not apply or feed essential oils directly to cats, or leave oils in areas where they may come in direct contact. While some oils do have insect repellent capabilities and smell great, the risk of serious or fatal reactions in your cat is high. Your inquisitive pet will thank you.
General guidelines for the use of essential oils in homes with your feline friends (continued):
If your cat has asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory conditions, avoid all use of essential oils.
Keep cats out of rooms with a high concentration of essential oils. Kittens, elderly cats, or cats who have liver or respiratory problems should be kept out of any room where essential oil diffusers are used.
The following essential oils are poisonous to cats:
– Cinnamon oil – Citrus oil
– Clove oil – Eucalyptus oil
– Oil of Sweet Birch – Pennyroyal oil
– Peppermint oil – Pine oils
– Tea Tree oil – Wintergreen
– Ylang Ylang
Reference: https://cabbagetownpetclinic.com
IS MY DOG AT RISK IF I USE ESSENTIAL OILS?
A dog’s sense of smell is much more acute than humans – this is very important to consider if you plan to use or diffuse essential oils in your home. Placing drops of lavender oil on your pet’s bedding may help calm them, or it may just cause further stress. Oils used incorrectly can also lead to changes in behaviour, adverse central nervous system effects, and respiratory problems.
Natural flea and tick treatments that use essential oils can be tricky. With a lack of data supporting the efficacy of these products, pet parents may be putting their dogs at risk for flea and tick-borne diseases.
If you plan to use essential oils with/on your dog, there is an easy way to do it safely: talk to your veterinary team. They will let you know which oils are potentially dangerous and provide you with information about safely using them in your home.
General guidelines for the use of essential oils in homes with your canine friends:
Keep all essential oils out of reach of curious dogs – ALWAYS. Fragrant smelling liquids may attract your dog. Never leave essential oils unattended.
General guidelines for the use of essential oils in homes with your canine friends (continued):
Do not apply pure essential oils topically or orally to your dog without consulting with your veterinarian first. Oils can be dangerous – especially tea tree oil.
If you have an active diffuser, make sure the oil you are using is safe for your dog, and air out the room before you let your dog back in.
Passive diffusers are generally safer, as long as your pet doesn’t knock them over. Generally speaking, the more diluted the oil, the safer it is … but always check with your vet first!
The following essential oils are toxic to dogs:
– Pennyroyal Oil – Pine Oil – Tea Tree Oil
– Wintergreen Oil – Cinnamon Oil – Citrus Oil
– Peppermint Oil – Sweet Birch Oil – Ylang Ylang
Reference: https://cabbagetownpetclinic.com
PET EXPOSURE TO ESSENTIAL OILS.
If you are worried that your pet has been exposed, monitor them for symptoms. If they start having a negative reaction, take your pet to your local Vet, Pet Clinic, or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
Common symptoms of essential oil poisoning:
watery nose or eyes
redness of the lips, gums or skin
vomiting and drooling
difficulty breathing or panting; coughing or wheezing
lethargy, tremors or wobbliness
low heart rate
low body temperature
What to do before going to our vet clinic or emergency animal hospital:
If the product was inhaled, take them into fresh air immediately.
If ingested, Do NOT induce vomiting or give them activated charcoal. This puts your pet at risk because essential oils can stick to the lungs and airway leading to lung inflammation or airway obstruction.
Put the product and packaging in a sealed bag and bring it to the clinic or emergency hospital.
If your pet gets oil on its skin or fur, wash it off as quickly as possible using hand dishwashing soap.
