11 Essential Oils You Should Never Use Around Your Pets
Essential oils might be good for you, but that doesn't mean they're good for your pet.
Despite what some blogs and product marketers say, certain popular essential oils are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. We created this list based on recommendations from respectable sources, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
We avoided sources that made broad claims about essential oil safety for animals, especially those that were trying to sell some sort of pet product. It turns out many essential oils are popular for good reasons, but pet owners should be very careful when using them.
Bergamot
Bright and refreshing Bergamot comes from a citrus fruit grown in southern Italy. Humans love its clean and happy scent, but it can be dangerous for pets.
Bergamot oil is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, according to the ASPCA. It can cause vomiting, dermatitis, and even depression in its essential oil form.
Cinnamon
You might love the smell of cinnamon wafting through your house, but your animal friends may not think as highly of it. Cinnamon essential oils are poisonous to dogs and cats if ingested.
To be clear, in small amounts, cinnamon typically doesn't cause problems for our furry friends, and simply pouring some in a diffuser probably won't cause an issue. However, if your cat or dog happens to consume some of the actual oil, they could experience vomiting and even liver damage.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage is a Mediterranean herb used regularly in holistic health practices. Many people swear by its aromatherapeutic effects, and there's some evidence that it can help lift depression in humans.
Some pet owners believe Clary Sage also has anti-anxiety effects on their pets, but the ASPCA lists it as a toxic essential oil. If too much is absorbed through your dog or cat's skin, they could experience vomiting, lethargy, or coordination issues.
Clove
You might have heard about using clove oil to treat toothaches or relieve an upset stomach. In traditional medicine, this oil is a staple for common ailments like these. However, if Fido has a dental problem or tummy ache, keep the clove oil far, far away.
Clove oil contains a compound called eugenol, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause nervous system depression, leading to drooling, diarrhea, and even breathing problems.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has several studied health benefits for humans. It can help open airways and reduce mucus when you're sick. It may also help with pain and stress relief.
The ASPCA warns dogs and cats to avoid eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptol, a compound found in eucalyptus essential oil, acts as a neurotoxin in many animals and could be fatal in large amounts.
Lemon Oil
Have you ever noticed you feel better after cleaning your home with lemon-scented products? It turns out that's not in your head. Lemon oil produces a powerful, calming feeling in many animals, including rats.
However, you shouldn't use it on your dog or cat. According to the American Kennel Club, lemon oil contains a couple of natural insecticides that could make your pet very sick. It can also irritate their skin if you rub it directly on them.
Rose
If you're a skincare junkie, you've probably heard of and likely used rose oil. It's known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a favorite for redness-reduction creams.
For dogs, this essential oil is considered safe in its diluted form. When your cat has skin issues though, you should put the rose oil away. It can give felines diarrhea, depression, and even muscle weakness.
Pine
Even in small amounts, pine oil is toxic to pets. It can hurt their central nervous system and cause kidney and liver dysfunction.
Unfortunately, pine oil is a common household ingredient. It's often in floor cleaners and disinfectants. So, before you go on a cleaning spree, it's a good idea to put your pets outside or in another part of the house.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a classic scent that many people swear by. They say it treats everything from scabies to the common cold.
We're not here to debunk any alternative medicine claims, but you should know sandalwood is problematic for pets, especially cats. Using it around a feline friend could cause serious respiratory problems.
Tea Tree
Whether you're fighting a vicious case of acne or a horrifying episode of dandruff, tea tree oil is your best friend. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties are well-studied in humans.
However, tea tree oil can be fatal to dogs and cats. If they ingest even a tiny amount or absorb too much through their skin, it can cause liver enzyme elevation, low body temperature, vomiting, and other severe symptoms.
Ylang Ylang
Some people claim ylang-ylang oil is safe to use around dogs and cats. However, the ASPCA disagrees.
According to them, ylang-ylang oil is a toxic substance that pet owners should avoid using. Exposure could cause vomiting, tremors, panting, and trouble breathing.
It's All About the Dose
Using essential oils around your pet isn't always a bad idea. As the ASPCA notes, whether an essential oil is okay or not is almost never clear-cut.
While ingesting the actual oil will almost always make your pet sick, putting it in a diffuser is unlikely to cause a problem. In a heavily diluted form, it might also be okay, though you should never apply it to your pet's skin or coat the way you might on yourself.
Essential Oils That Are Okay To Use
The ASPCA and many veterinarians say you should play it safe and avoid essential oil use around your pets. However, you might have noticed many products marketed as safe for animals contain essential oils.
Typically, products containing lavendar and chamomile are safe for pets, and you'll find many brands of shampoos and coat conditioners include them. However, to stay on the safe side, always consult with your veterinarian.
