Which Essential Oils Are Harmful To Dogs And Cats?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Some common essential oils which are toxic to both dogs and cats include oil of

cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, tea tree (melleuca), wintergreen and ylang ylang

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Which essential oils are safe to diffuse around dogs?

  • Myrrh.
  • Frankincense.
  • Chamomile.
  • Lavender oil.
  • Ginger.
  • Rosemary.

Is it safe to diffuse oils around dogs?


Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets

. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.

Which essential oils are toxic to cats?

Essential oils that are known to cause poisoning in cats include oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil.

Is lavender toxic to cats?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals states

the common lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia) contains linlool and linalyl acetate, two compounds toxic to cats

(and found in other flowers like bergamot). Basically, in any form, lavender can make your kitty sick as heck.

Is lavender oil safe to diffuse around dogs?

Pet-safe Essential Oils. While pet parents should avoid using the majority of essential oils, a few are safe for pets if used appropriately. For example,

lavender (when used sparingly and in the proper concentration) is probably the safest essential oil for both dogs and cats

.

Can I diffuse essential oils around my cat?



Diffused oils are very dangerous, as the oils are inhaled

,” Bailey said. “Not only are these oil droplets dangerous themselves, but the inhalation of these oils can cause a foreign body pneumonia in cats.” Symptoms of respiratory irritation include a watery nose and eyes, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Is it safe for dogs to smell essential oils?

Signs Your Dog Can Smell Essential Oils


Yes, dogs can smell essential oils

. However, not all essential oils are safe for your dog. Lavender is perhaps the most popular (and one of the safest) because of its calming properties. Peppermint oil is another good one that can stimulate circulation and deter pesky insects.

Is eucalyptus safe for cats?


Dried or fresh, eucalyptus is dangerous for your cat

. Your cat can experience salivation, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and other concerning symptoms after consuming this potent houseplant. To keep your cats safe, use eucalyptus essential oil in a sealed container instead of fresh or dried plants.

Is lavender toxic to dogs?

Key Takeaways.

Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats

. Mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Lavender poisoning is possible and may cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and other symptoms.

Is peppermint safe for cats?

To answer your question,

no, cats cannot eat peppermint

. Cats should avoid peppermint plants, as well as any other mint plant types. Cats are poisoned by the essential oils found in these plants. Regrettably, this implies that you must be quite selective about the mint plants you keep in your home.

Is lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs in a diffuser?


No, you should not add lemongrass oil to an essential oil diffuser when your dog is around

. The ASPCA states that lemongrass (including the essential oil) is toxic to dogs as well as cats.

What scents are safe for cats?

A few common essential oils that are SAFE to use for your cat include

lavender, copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense

. If you diffuse oils in your home, it should not cause a problem for your cat, as oil used in a diffuser is highly diluted (versus direct topical application or dietary supplementation).

What if my dog eats essential oils?

If you believe that your dog has ingested or come in contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri,

call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), a 24/7 animal poison control center, immediately

.

Is chamomile toxic to cats?


Chamomile is generally not harmful in small doses, but can cause severe effects to felines if large amounts are ingested or if the plant is consumed over a long period of time

. Chamomile contains a variety of potentially harmful substances, including tannic acid, anthemic acid, chamazulene, bisabolol, and volatile oil.

Is Lemongrass safe for cats?


Lemongrass isn’t harmful to cats, as long as they nibble in moderation

. When made into an essential oil, lemongrass is potentially deadly for your cat. All cats lack glucuronyl transferase, a liver enzyme, that helps to break down most essential oils, including lemongrass.

Is Rosemary toxic to cats?

Rosemary is not a favorite herb of most pets, but

it’s safe for cats and dogs

. Although consuming too much of the herb can cause stomach problems, most pets will ignore the aromatic plant or merely take a small nibble.

Is chamomile safe for dogs?

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant commonly used for herbal teas. Best known for its calming properties,

chamomile is safe for dogs

and full of healthy benefits. In fact, it is actually one of the safest herbs you can offer your pet! Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antispasmodic properties.

Is patchouli safe for cats and dogs?


Yes, patchouli essential oil is toxic to cats

.

Essential oils are used in insecticides, aromatherapy, personal care products (such as antibacterials), flavorings, herbal remedies, and liquid potpourri, among other things. What is this? Pets, particularly cats, can be poisoned by patchouli essential oils.

Is chamomile essential oil safe for cats?


No, chamomile oil is not safe for cats

because the essential oil is far too potent in its concentrated form to be used around cats. It could be fatal if they ingest the oil, and diffusing or using it in any other way around them could also make them sick.

Is lavender essential oil poisonous to cats?


Lavender essential oil is the most toxic form of lavender for your felines

. “Cats are more susceptible to essential oils than some other species as they are missing a specific enzyme in their liver that helps them metabolize certain drugs, including essential oils,” says Richardson.

Is Lemongrass essential oil safe to diffuse around cats?


No, lemongrass oil is not safe for cats

as in its concentrated state, the essential oil is far too strong to use around cats. It’s possibly fatal if they consume the oil, and diffusing it or using it in any other way around them can also make them sick.

What does ylang-ylang do to dogs?

The first problem with essential oils interacting with your pup is that many common oils like peppermint, ylang-ylang, and tea tree oil are

poisonous for dogs when ingested

. This means a lick of calming essential oil can cause major tummy troubles for your dog – or worse, an emergency trip to the vet.

Can the smell of peppermint hurt dogs?


Many essential oils are toxic for dogs, whether ingested or applied topically

. Canine-toxic essential oils include tea tree oil, ylang-ylang, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil. You should never apply essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or yours.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.