Essential Oils for Pets

Q. How Can Essential Oils be Used Around Pets?
A. Diffusing essential oils as an aromatherapy in your home when pets are present is safe, but keep the essential oils and the diffuser away from direct contact with your pets. You may also want to run your diffuser for an hour at a time to monitor your pet’s reaction. Notice if your pet shows signs of discomfort. Also keep diffuser away from your pet’s favorite place to nap or hang out. Never give your pet pure essential oils orally. Topical use can also be dangerous and toxic to apply to an animal’s skin, (especially Tea Tree Oil).

Q. What Essential Oils Are Safe for Pets?
A. These essential oils are generally safe to use in a diffuser around dogs:

• Chamomile
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Lavender Oil
• Myrrh
• Rosemary

Essential oils are generally not recommended for cats. Although, some believe the following can be used at the owner's discretion:

• Chamomile
• Frankincense
• Lavender Oil

There is some crossover regarding which essential oils are safe for cats and dogs.

For example, Lavender is actually used in some calming toys for dogs. Always check for signs of distress, which include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Extreme lethargy
• Skin irritation
• Vomiting

Q. What Essential Oils Are Not Safe for Pets?
A. These essential oils are toxic and should not be applied to dogs or cats (or any blend with these ingredients:

• Anise
• Birch
• Citrus
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Eucalyptus Oil
• Juniper
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Tea Tree Oil
• Thyme
• Wintergreen

Animals have a different reaction to essential oils than humans. Therefore, dogs and cats may have certain sensitivities to them. It is best to check with your vet before considering using these essential oils in a diffuser in closer proximity to your pet.