One way to wind down or cleanse the air in your home is by using a diffusor with essential oils. While this is not the only way you can use essential oils in your home, it is the most common.
The use of essential oils can be beneficial to humans, however something you may not realize is there are certain essential oils that are TOXIC to your beloved pets and could kill them.
While not all essential oils are harmful to pets, you should always consult with your vet before using any oils in your home.
Essential oils harmful for dogs, but not limited to:
- Peppermint
- Garlic
- Yarrow
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
- Pennyroyal
- Pine
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree (melaleuca)
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
Essential oils harmful for cats, but not limited to:
- Lavender
- Wintergreen
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree (melaleuca)
- Pine
- Citrus (d-limonene)
- Peppermint
- Ylang Ylang
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Cinnamon
- Pennyroyal
Stay Aware
It is always a good idea to stay aware of how your pet is acting. This can help with early diagnosis of not only poisoning, but other alments your pet may experience.
Making yourself aware of the symptoms of poisoning will help you diagnose it earlier than assuming your pet is just acting a little different.
Symptoms of poisoning:
There are several symptoms that will occur when your pet has been poisoned by essential oils.
- Vomiting
- Difficulty walking/stumbling
- Drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Pawing at their face/mouth
- Smell of essential oils on their skin, breath, vomit or fur
- Muscle tremors
- Weakness
- Burns or redness on gums, skin, lips or tongue
My pet is showing these symptoms, what should I do?
If your pet is displaying these symptoms, make sure you seek professional help as quickly as possible. The most important thing is to do when your pet has been poisoned is to act fast.
Immediately call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213.6680.
If you are unable to reach your vet, take your pet to the nearest emergency animal hospital.
Follow these steps:
- Immediately wash off any oils that are on your pet’s skin or fur.
- Do not start any treatments to your vet without prior direction from your pet’s healthcare professional.
- Take any and all oils you think your pet came in contact with so your vet can get a proper diagnosis and start the right treatment.
More than just Essential Oils
Not only can essential oils poison your pets, certain cleaning solutions can be harmful to them as well. Always use pet-friendly cleaners and double check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Always get your vets approval before starting any treatments on your pets, even with products claiming to be safe for pets (such as animal essential oils, animal CBD, etc.)
It is always better to be extra cautious than risk injury or death.
Sources:
VCA Animal Hospital – Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Dogs
Michelson Found Animals – Essential Oils and Animals
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