Essential oils are more popular than ever. If you like to use essential oils in your home, you may wonder if they’re safe for your dog.
While essential oils may benefit humans, many are toxic to dogs. These oils include tea tree oil, pennyroyal, citrus oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, pine oil, wintergreen oil, sweet birch, ylang-ylang, and eucalyptus oil.
Essential oils are most toxic if they’re ingested or if they come into contact with your dog’s skin, says Dr David Dorman, a professor of toxicology at NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Generally, inhaling essential oils is less concerning, but some dogs may not like the smell.
Let’s explore the potential dangers of essential oils, when to see a vet, and how to use them responsibly.
20 Toxic Essential Oils for Dogs
Certain essential oils can be toxic to dogs when ingested or when they come into contact with your dog’s skin. We’ve compiled this list of dangerous essential oils with help from Dr Ravinder Sappal, an assistant professor of veterinary toxicology at Long Island University in the USA.
If your dog has been exposed to a harmful essential oil, signs of toxicity usually appear within six to eight hours. Symptoms will depend on the type of oil and its concentration. Watch for:
| Toxic Essential Oil | Potential Poisoning Symptoms |
| Tea Tree Oil (aka melaleuca) | Depression, loss of coordination, paralysis, vomiting, low body temperature, skin irritation |
| Peppermint Oil | Irritation inside the mouth & nose, ulcers, drooling, vomiting, central nervous system (CNS) damage, seizures |
| Citrus Oil | Skin irritation, agitation, lethargy, vomiting, trembling, seizures |
| Cinnamon Oil | Low blood sugar, liver disease, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart rate fluctuations |
| Pine Oil | Skin or stomach irritation, vomiting (possibly bloody), drooling, weakness, loss of coordination, CNS damage, and potential kidney & liver effects. |
| Sweet Birch | Gastric ulcers, kidney failure, seizures, death |
| Wintergreen Oil | Vomiting, stomach upset, ulcers, renal & liver failure |
| Clove Oil | Drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory issues |
| Pennyroyal | Lethargy, vomiting & diarrhoea (often bloody) due to liver failure |
| Ylang Ylang | Weakness, unstable walking, difficulty breathing, vomiting |
| Eucalyptus Oil | Drowsiness, confusion, unsteadiness on feet, seizures |
| Anise Oil | Convulsions, trembling, vomiting |
| Garlic Oil | Lethargy, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, weakness, pale gums, nausea, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea |
| Juniper Oil | Weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea |
| Yarrow | Vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, anorexia, and hypersalivation |
| Camphor Oil | Skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, seizures |
| Bitter Almond Oil | Skin & eye irritation, vomiting, respiratory failure |
| Hyssop | Seizures, irritation of the respiratory tract |
| Horseradish Oil | Irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat, vomiting, diarrhoea |
| Thyme Oil | Skin irritation, gastrointestinal (GI) upset |
When To See a Vet for Essential Oil Poisoning
To help your dog, Dr Dorman advises removing the source (eg cleaning any spills) and contacting your local vet or a reputable advice line, such as the UK’s paid-for 24/7 Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.
Dr Dorman advises against inducing vomiting if a dog ingests the oil. If your dog inhales it, move it to fresh air ASAP. Lastly, clean the affected area with warm water and mild handwashing or dishwashing soap if the essential oil is on their skin.
Treatment will depend on the type of essential oil, your dog’s condition, and how long ago the exposure happened. Dr Dorman says common treatments include:
- IV fluids
- pain medication
- anti-vomiting meds
- feeding tube
The most important thing is to seek medical care quickly to minimise the toxic effects and begin the recovery process.
How To Safely Use Essential Oils Around Dogs
While essential oils can be toxic, that doesn’t mean you can’t use them in your home. However, you’ll need to take certain safety measures around pets, including:
- Use high-quality oils. Dr Laurie Coger, a holistic veterinarian and the owner of The Healthy Dog Workshop, says a company should be able to tell you how the oils were created, what parts of the plant were used, what oils are present in a blended product, and if it needs to be diluted, with specific instructions.
- Follow preparation guidelines. Dr Coger tells pet parents to check if the essential oil requires dilution or has already been diluted and is ‘ready to use’ (RTU).
- Use proper ventilation when diffusing oils. Place the diffuser in an open room where fresh air is available. Remember, if the smell overpowers you, it’s much worse for your dog.
- Store out of your dog’s reach. Dogs may be drawn to the strong smell of essential oils. To prevent accidental ingestion, never leave oils unattended, and keep them locked away at all times.
Takeaway
While we may enjoy the soothing scents of essential oils, consider whether they are the best choice for our pets. You should always prioritise pet safety when incorporating aromatherapy into your home. If you decide the risks outweigh the benefits, you can ask your vet about pet-safe alternatives like clean-burning candles (soy & beeswax) or simmering aromatics on your stovetop.
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