Imagine this: you go into your bedroom, which smells deliciously of peppermint essential oil thanks to your new diffuser, and see your cat Luna lying on the bed. She looks a little lethargic, her breathing is difficult and her eyes are watering. Worried, take her to your vet who will surprise you with news that her new essential oil is causing her breathlessness.
Even if you haven’t ventured into the big wide world of essential oils, you’ve probably smelled them by now – perhaps eucalyptus to draw attention to, or a drop of lavender put on a temple to relieve stress. Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular, and as they become more widespread, so too is their abuse. Unfortunately, pets can pay the price if people aren’t careful with their essential oils.
Just as many people search for essential oils in hopes of using alternative, natural remedies for their ailments, zookeepers may be tempted to turn to oils when caring for their dog or cat. But essential oils require caution. While it may seem like they are “safe” because they are vegetable, it is not necessarily the case. Some oils are poisonous to dogs and cats; others can be dangerous if too concentrated. VCA Animal Hospitals lists cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (Melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang as toxic to dogs and cats, whether they ingest it or simply get it on their skin.
The concentration of the oil used is also crucial. If an oil is not diluted, it can be toxic to your pet if ingested or metabolized through the skin and can even cause burns if applied directly. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, no essential oil in its most concentrated form should be applied directly to your pet’s skin. It is important that all concentrated essential oils are stored in a safe, pet-safe place where your furry friends cannot get messed up and accidentally come into contact with them. These include diffusers that can be knocked over by curious cats or dogs, causing them to lick or go through leaking oils.
Also, because they release tiny droplets of oil into the air, diffusers can cause breathing problems if you use an oil that is toxic to your pet, if the diffuser is used in a small or enclosed space, or if it is used for an extended period of time. If you have birds, diffusers can be especially dangerous. Birds have a highly sensitive respiratory system and are easily affected by inhaled toxins, so regardless of the oil used, they should never be kept near an active diffuser.
Signs that your pet may have come into contact with an unsafe oil include insecurity and difficulty walking, drooling and vomiting, lethargy and depression, difficulty breathing or redness on the skin or lips and tongue. If you experience any of these symptoms in your dog or cat, take them to your veterinarian right away. If you notice any oils on their fur or skin, you can wash them off with mild dish soap to reduce the chance of burns.
If you’re both an essential oil lover and a pet guardian, there’s no need to panic and toss your oils in the trash for fear of poisoning your mate. Just do your research, keep them in a safe place, and be careful.
Julia Lamont is Marin Humane’s social media and marketing specialist contributing Tails of Marin articles and welcoming animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, Twitter.com/marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org
