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The essential information you need to know...

Beth Stultz-Hairston | February 15, 2019       

Whether you’ve seen the many online articles or various infographics circulating on social media, you likely know that essential oils—and their potential harm (or benefit) for pets—are a hot (and often confusing) topic among pet parents and pet professionals. Perhaps you use essential oils yourself (for you or your pets) or have been asked questions about essential oils by your clients. As a pet-care professional it’s important to be educated on these essential facts about essential oils—and the benefits and dangers they can pose to pets in your care.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are the natural compounds that give plants their scents. These oils are extracted from plants and distilled, with uses ranging from simply making your home smell better to improving sleep or boosting your mood. Essential oils are hydrophobic (they don’t mix with water), so they can be absorbed through both mucous membranes and skin.  The use of oil diffusers to release the oils into the air has grown in popularity in recent years.

Do essential oils pose a danger to pets?

Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, Board-certified veterinary specialist in emergency/critical care and toxicology, says the biggest danger to pets is concentrated (100%) essential oils and that tea tree oil poses the biggest threat.  Dr. Lee, who authored It's a Cat's World... You Just Live In It, explains that while safe for humans, tea tree oil “should not be used in dogs and cats in concentrated (100%) form due to poisoning.” She notes that “only a small amount (e.g., as low as 7 drops of 100% oil) can result in significant clinical signs of poisoning, and amounts as little as 10-20 mls (of the 100% concentration) have been reported to cause poisoning and death in dogs and cats.^”

Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM, also explains that it’s important to understand that dogs and especially cats are more sensitive to the side effects of these oils than we are. As she explains, “while people can often safely apply undiluted essential oils directly to their skin, doing so in dogs and cats can be very dangerous.”

Dr. Coates is the author of the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms, Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian, and serves on the board of advisors for Pet Life Today™.

She recommends purchasing only therapeutic grade essential oils to reduce the risk of pets being exposed to contaminates and says to never use an essential oil on a pet without first speaking with your veterinarian about whether the oil is safe and effective (and if so, how it should be diluted and applied).

What are signs of poisoning from essential oils?

According to the ASPCA, the most common clinical signs with dermal exposure seen by its Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) include ataxia, muscle weakness, depression and behavior changes. In severe cases, hypothermia and collapse may occur. In cases of oral exposure, the ASPCA reports that vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system depression can be seen.

As an example, Dr. Lee says that with concentrated tea tree oil exposure, clinical signs can be seen within 1-2 hours after application and include neurological signs such as weakness, depression, rear limb weakness, walking drunk, tremors and coma, as well as low body temperature, liver injury, dermal or oral irritation, or even cardiorespiratory signs.

In severe cases, seizures and rarely liver injury have been reported with pennyroyal and melaleuca oils. If inhaled, aspiration pneumonia may occur. 

Pets will sometimes react badly to the strong smells associated with essential oils, and Dr. Coates shares that in these cases, you may notice “coughing, sneezing, red eyes and difficulty breathing.”

Can essential oils be beneficial for pets?

Some essential oils do appear to be helpful when used correctly for dogs and cats says Dr. Coates. She cites lavender oil which “seems to have antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-anxiety properties and may be useful in the treatment of some skin infections and as a stress reliever.”

Dr. Lee explains that while essential oils are okay to use in low concentrations, there isn't a lot of scientific evidence supporting direct benefits for pets.  When in doubt, pet owners should consult with their veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.

What safety precautions should pet parents take?

Dr. Coates offers this simple advice: “Keep essential oils away from your pets.”

Due to their altered liver metabolism cats are very sensitive to certain chemicals, advises Dr. Lee. She urges cat parents to keep liquid potpourri (heated on simmer pots) and essential oils out of paws’ reach so cats can't lick it or be exposed to it. 

Dr. Coates also reminds pet parents that if they’ve recently applied essential oils, it’s important to not let their cats or dogs lick their skin.

In its article, Trending Now: Are Essential Oils Dangerous to Pets, the ASPCA shares these tips:

• “It is best not to give or apply highly concentrated oils to pets.
• “If a pet has an underlying health problem, particularly a respiratory issue, it may be best to avoid use of essential oil diffusers in the household.
• “Do not use essential oil diffuser in the house if there are birds present.
• “If using a diffuser or warmer, make sure they are out of reach of pets and that pets can leave the area if the smell is getting too strong for them.
• “Don’t keep a diffuser in the same room (or use a strong concentration) for animals who groom themselves.”

Where can pet parents learn more about essential oil safety?

Both Dr. Lee and Dr. Coates recommend the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The APCC can be reached at (888) 426-4435 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. (The APCC website indicates a $65 consultation fee may be charged.) Dr. Coates also recommends the Pet Poison Helpline (www.petpoisonhelpline.com) as an additional resource for owners who are interested in learning more but notes that “an experienced, integrative veterinarian is your best option for recommendations regarding treating a particular pet with essential oils.”