Do you know some important oils are poisonous to pets?

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Essential oils expert Pat Princi-Jones gives us advice on how to use essential oils safely on pets.

I have no doubt that pure essential oils, when used carefully and as directed, can work wonders for our pets.

My decades of observations confirm that essential oil can actually strengthen the dog-human bond. During the “Era of COVID”, more and more people are caring for and adopting pets for the convenience and camaraderie they offer.

The use of essential oils has also seen a surge during this period, a way to lift your spirits while feeling trapped inside. But an increase in the use of potent antimicrobial essential oils has also led to an increase in reports of toxicity in pets.

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Dogs have millions of olfactory receptors and a keen sense of smell. Unlike humans, who can metabolize most essential oil particles relatively easily, dogs cannot. Cats, on the other hand, lack the enzymes to break down certain substances, which can lead to poisoning.

Note that not all oils are. Many essential oils are the best addition to a healthy pet lifestyle. Certain chemical groups found in essential oils, like esters, are safe and gentle, while others, like phenols and ketones, can be stimulant and irritating – if used carelessly and incorrectly around pets.

We need to remember that when we talk about essential oils we are really talking about organic chemistry. We know from application that essential oils are highly concentrated liquids made up of many chemical compounds made by the mother plant for its own protection.

If you don’t know where to start but love essential oils, Oil Garden takes the guesswork out of finding the right oils for you Doggy pampering package (lavender and geranium) and the Ready For A Cat Nap Pack (lavender and Roman chamomile including a squirt bottle). The oils in the packs have been carefully selected for their safety and benefits for cats and dogs.

If you’re looking to choose your own, we’ve put together a guide to using essential oils safely in pets! And if you’re looking for a diffuser, give the In Essence 360 ​​Diffuser a try.

DOGS

Safe Essential Oils For Dogs:

  • lavender is first aid in a bottle. One drop is all it takes to relax and calm your pooch down. Just warm a few drops in your hands and then apply by gently petting your dog for a few seconds.
  • geranium is a sweeter smelling option that heals wounds and has an overall calming effect. It is used as a tick repellent. Combine 2-4 drops to 1 tbsp. White wine vinegar before pouring it into a 1 liter spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray it around the bedding and area of ​​your dog. Do not spray directly on your pet.
  • Roman chamomile has a calming and calming effect and relieves inflammation.
  • incense grounds and soothes an overactive, anxious dog.
  • cedar is deeply grounding and can be used as a substitute for incense. It relaxes your dog and can also be used for skin conditions. Add a few drops to the bath water and mix well.
  • Australian sandalwood helps calm, protect, and groom your pet. It reduces inflammation.
  • Bergamot is very relaxing for hyperactive dogs before a trip, hike or puppy school. Trying a few drops rubbed into the hands and dipped gently over the snout of a stressed dog for a few seconds can have a calming effect.
  • myrrhis antifungal and treats inflamed skin conditions.
  • Sweet marjoram is a great substitute for tea tree if you are concerned that it is lovely.

There are a few chemical groups that you should avoid in or around dogs. It is important to note that the wrong essential oils are not easily tolerated by dogs if used in high concentrations, ingested accidentally, or used undiluted on large areas of their fur. Avoid using oils on or near puppies that are ten weeks old or younger. For designer breeds and miniature dogs, consult the breeder’s advice before using.

These oils are to be avoided topically, orally, or in high concentrations over an extended period of time. Toxic symptoms include incoordination, tremors, vomiting, ataxia, and skin irritation. If your pet shows any of these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away.

  • Phenolic oils such as oregano, savory and thyme (CT thymol) are too strong and can cause irritation and intoxication symptoms if accidentally ingested)
  • Oils with keytones like thuja, yarrow, pennyroyal, rue, dyssop, wormwood and mugwort. These oils are not available for home use.
  • Tea tree as it contains terpen-4-ol. There is much controversy surrounding the use of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) in pets. Although it is used in most dog shampoos and commercial grooming products – and is easily available from health food stores to supermarket shelves – it can cause side effects in dogs. The offensive chemical compound in the tea tree is terpen-4-ol (this is a phenol), which dogs simply cannot tolerate if used incorrectly and excessively. My research shows that most recorded cases of toxicity are the result of accidental ingestion, attempting to treat a skin condition through concentrated and clean application, and distributing excessive amounts over long periods of time in an enclosed, unventilated area. But it’s best to avoid using it in dogs.
  • Other oils that are stimulating and irritating when absorbed, ingested, or excessively inhaled through the skin include basil, rosemary, cinnamon, wintergreen, clove bud, pine, birch, ylang ylang, star anise, juniper (Juniperus sabina) and sage.

CATS

If you are new to aromatherapy it is important to make sure that you are doing the safest possible for your cat. Essential oils are so strong and their chemistry so strong that if used incorrectly on pets, and especially cats, they can do more harm than good.

Cats lack the enzymes needed to break down certain substances and then excrete them effectively. Instead, they store them in their bodies, putting them at risk of toxic buildup – and even death – over time. For this reason, essential oils are not recommended for topical use in cats.

Oils that cat lovers should avoid around cats

  • Orange, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, lime, and tangerine all contain high levels of lime.
  • Cinnamon, peppermint, eucalyptus, sage, oregano, thyme, basil, citronella, wintergreen, clove, savory, tea tree, pennyroyal, hyssop, yarrow, pine, spruce, fir, cypress, juniper berry, rosemary, lemon myrtle and nutmeg should be avoided become.

Familiarize yourself with these general rules for using oils in cats:

  • Do not apply oils to your cat’s body undiluted
  • Do not give oils orally to cats
  • Do not put clean oils in the litter box or cat bed
  • Avoid getting oils in the ears, face, nose and eyes
  • Avoid leaving oils in dishes at floor level to ensure your cat doesn’t ingest them
  • Do not use oils on or around kittens younger than 10 weeks
  • If your cat is sick, do not use essential oils. Get veterinary advice.
  • Aspiration (diffusion) can also contribute to toxic formation in cats and, if the wrong dose is high, can cause irritation of the respiratory tract over a long period of time.

Remember it Good judgment is important to a healthy, happy cat. There aren’t many published studies on the toxicity of essential oils and cats. Most of the evidence is anecdotal, so understanding the key properties of these oils is still important.

The benefits that you and your pets will reap are endless when used as directed.

Pat Princi-Jones is an oil garden aromatherapy expert and the author of A Scented Life.