Navigating the world of essential oils when you have pets is a delicate matter. While these oils come from natural plant sources, their effects on animals can vary greatly and need to be approached with caution. Before using essential oils around your pets, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.
House pets, particularly dogs and cats, have a heightened sense of smell compared to humans. Many fragrances, including essential oils, can be overwhelming for them and may lead to respiratory issues, skin reactions, allergies, and other discomforts. Some reports advise against using essential oils on pets younger than 10 weeks, while others recommend avoiding them altogether. Essential oils can potentially affect various systems in pets, including their respiratory, immune, and nervous systems, so it's essential to exercise caution.
It is of utmost importance to consult with a veterinarian before using Essential Oils on or near pets. In addition to this consultation, it is highly recommended to receive supplementary advice from a certified recognized, and reputable expert, such as an Animal Aromatherapist. In general, seek information from educated, impartial, and trustworthy sources. The combined expertise will help pet parents make well-educated decisions for the wellness of their pets as well as for the rest of the family. Essential Oils that seem not to have a harmful effect on one type of pet could have a distinctly opposite impact on the wellbeing of a different pet – so, even if your dog has a positive response to an oil, this does not mean the same oil should also be used on your cat, as cats have a greater number of stomach-related sensitivities in contrast with dogs.
It is also important to choose the safest variety of any given Essential Oil, as some varieties exhibit stronger properties that may be harmful compared to other, relatively milder varieties. This is where it would be highly beneficial to know the Latin botanical name of the markedly “safe” variety. Each Essential Oil exhibits diverse properties – even two oils from the same botanical, such as a “Leaf Oil” versus a “Bark Oil” can have vastly different effects on the pet’s body and on its senses. Not all Essential Oils will carry the same safeness as those that are widely used and believed to be safe for use on other pets or on humans, and those that are categorized as safe should still be handled with stringent safety measures.
When Essential Oils are introduced to the pet’s environment, the area in which it is used should be an open area with easy access to fresh air and from which the pet is free to leave. Essential Oils should be introduced one at a time in low doses in order to make it easy to spot the culprit in case of a potential allergic reaction. Keep a close eye on your pet when using Essential Oils on or around them, even if the Essential Oil is used on yourself, especially if you know you will be making physical contact with your pet. Any potential reactions could be experienced within the first 30 minutes of application, whether diffused or applied to the skin, or they can appear 24 hours after application. If your pet appears to be uncomfortable, anxious, or otherwise distressed or lethargic after the environment has been infused with an Essential Oil, immediately refrain from using this oil, remove the pet from this environment, take it to an area that is well-ventilated, and contact a veterinarian. Avoid topical application or diffusion of Essential Oils on or near caged pets, such as birds and rodents, as their confined spaces do not allow for an easy out if they become uncomfortable.
Always select Essential Oils that are 100% pure and, whenever possible, select ones that are Certified Organic to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals that could sometimes be used in the cultivation of the source botanical. Do not attempt to feed pets any Essential Oils or Carrier Oils.
Read on to learn more about the effects of Essential Oils on the most common house pets and to learn about their effects for various pet health problems.
The essential oils that are considered to be gentle or “light” and which are thus most commonly used for pets are the oils in the following list, due to the belief that they are more comfortably endured by vulnerable body systems.
Floral Oils:
Chamomile (German or Roman)
Clary Sage
Marjoram Sweet
Resin Oils:
Myrrh
Root Oils:
Valerian
Ginger
Wood Oils:
Cedarwood Virginian
Despite the generalizations that are made about the relative safeness of many essential oils mentioned in this article, it is important to keep in mind that every animal’s biological makeup is unique, and products will interact differently from species to species; accordingly, the physical response will depend on the specific pet. Pet owners who are uncertain or reluctant to use a “safe” oil on or near their pets, should disregard the safe lists and consult a veterinarian.
When used on or around pets, the following Essential Oils are often reputed to cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, uncomfortable cooling effects, changes in alertness, weakness or fatigue, stumbling, vomiting, and paralysis, among various other potential effects. This list is not exhaustive:
Before applying essential oils to a pet's skin, they should always be diluted. A generally recommended ratio is 1 drop of essential oil per 1.5 tablespoons (approx. 445 drops) of carrier oil, equating to a dilution of about 0.25%, which is considered mild and less likely to cause adverse reactions.
Perform a patch test by applying a small amount of the diluted essential oil to a non-sensitive area of the pet's skin. If diffusing essential oils, conduct a test run by diffusing 1-2 drops of a vet-approved, pet-friendly oil for 10-15 minutes in a well-ventilated, open space. Monitor your pet for any signs of irritation or discomfort, such as skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, drooling, difficulty walking, slowed breathing, gastrointestinal upset, or other unusual behaviors. Reactions can take up to 24 hours to appear. If no reaction occurs, it may be considered safe to proceed with regular application of the diluted essential oil.
The size of your pet is crucial when determining the appropriate dilution. What is safe for a large dog may not be safe for a smaller one, and the same applies to different species. Additionally, the amount used for older, pregnant, or unwell animals should be adjusted accordingly, as their tolerance levels may differ from healthy animals. Always consult a veterinarian for guidance tailored to your specific pet.
Essential Oils should be handled in the same manner as other products that can pose potential dangers if mistreated. They should be stored in in an area that is cool, dark, and out of the reach of pets, and they should be used in accordance with their instructions and expiry dates.
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As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, our Essential Oils are for external use only. It is imperative to consult a veterinarian before using these oils on or near any pets or animals. These oils should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to pets. If using Essential Oils topically on yourself, ensure that they are absorbed into your skin or washed off before you come into contact with your pet, as any oils that remain on the skin can potentially be ingested by pets through licking or through their skin/fur, etc.
For pets with the following health conditions, owners are especially recommended to be advised by a veterinarian: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, hair disorders, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Owners with pets that have been prescribed medication or that are undergoing major surgery or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes are also advised to seek medical consultation before use.
Prior to using any Essential Oil on a pet’s body, a patch test is strongly recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in 1 tablespoon of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of the pet’s skin that is not sensitive. Essential Oils and Carrier Oils must never be used near a pet’s mouth, eyes, nose, ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Always ensure that hands are washed thoroughly after handling Essential Oils and Carrier Oils. Never use adult human doses for pets.
Prior to diffusing an Essential Oil near a pet, a smell test is strongly recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop of the Essential Oil in a water vaporizer and diffusing the oil for a few minutes in a large, open space on the opposite end from where the pet is. Aim to use an Essential Oil for only a maximum of 2 weeks before offering a rest period during which no oils are applied topically or diffused. This may help reduce the risk of developing a sensitivity to the oil. Never use adult human doses for pets. Ensure that diffusers are kept out of the pet’s reach.
In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the products and see a veterinarian immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.