7 Essential Oils That Are Safe for Dogs (And 14 That Are Not) – DodoWell

You could also try diffusing essential oils after cooking to eliminate odors or use lavender oil to help you relax before bed, but next time you do so, double-check that the oils you use are safe for dogs.

Many types of essential oils are toxic to dogs and can make them very ill.

“While essential oils are completely natural and safe for humans to use in diffusers or on the skin, they can be harmful to most pets, including dogs,” Dr. Alex Crow, veterinarian at Happiest Dog, told The Dodo.

The Dodo spoke with Dr. Crowe and Dr. Sehaj Grewal, veterinarian and CEO of Melrose Veterinary, to find out which essential oils are harmful to dogs and the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs.

Why are some essential oils bad for dogs?

Essential oils are super-concentrated extracts of certain plants, such as eucalyptus, and are extremely potent.

“Essential oils are a bad idea for pets because they are sensitive to them,” Dr. Grewal told The Dodo. “They can damage the respiratory tract, affect the nervous system, and cause liver damage. They are harmful when applied topically or inhaled.”

A dog’s sense of smell is much sharper than a human’s, so a scent that may be fine for a human may be too strong for a dog, causing stress or even difficulty breathing.

Using essential oil diffusers is also not safe: Diffusers spray essential oil particles into the air that dogs can inhale, get on their fur and irritate their skin, or ingest if they lick themselves.

Additionally, candles containing essential oils are also prohibited as they may have the same effects as diffusers.

Which essential oils are safe for dogs?

There are essential oils that are safe to have around dogs, but you should always check with your vet before using them, and while these oils are not toxic, they are not safe for puppies to eat, so they should be used sparingly.

Essential oils that are safe for dogs have several benefits for them, including reducing anxiety and treating skin conditions.

According to Dr. Grewal, some common essential oils that are safe for dogs include:

Which essential oils are bad for dogs?

According to Dr. Grewal, here is a list of essential oils that are toxic to dogs:

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs

Signs of essential oil poisoning depend on several factors, including the amount of oil used and whether your dog ate the oil, inhaled it, or got it on their skin.

“Depending on the amount ingested or inhaled, essential oils can cause gastrointestinal and liver problems due to the metabolism of chemicals contained in the essential oils. [in the liver]”When applied to the skin, essential oils can be very irritating to the area, causing burning and itching,” Dr. Crowe said.

According to Dr. Grewal and Dr. Crowe, if your dog ingests essential oils, inhales them, or gets them on their skin, they may experience the following symptoms:

If you notice any symptoms of poisoning or know your dog has come into contact with essential oils, contact your veterinarian. If your dog gets any oil on his skin or fur, wash it off immediately. Also, if your dog inhales the oil, move him outside to fresh air.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely Around Dogs

The most important thing to keep your pup safe is to not bring toxic essential oils into your home.

If you use essential oils that are safe for dogs, make sure to store them out of reach so your dog doesn’t accidentally ingest them and avoid placing your diffuser near areas your dog frequents.

“Always keep these products out of reach of dogs. If you do use them, [your dog’s] Not close enough [to a diffuser] It could be impacted,” Dr. Crowe said.

In addition to making sure you don’t place your diffuser near your dog’s bed, use it for short periods of time and only in well-ventilated areas.

“If you use a diffuser, make sure there is air circulation and that pets are not confined to areas where the scent is concentrated,” Dr Grewal said.

If you want to use essential oils that are safe for dogs for their health benefits, check with your veterinarian first and dilute them before use. [them] “Even safe oils should be diluted if you’re using them on the skin,” says Dr. Grewal.

Although essential oils smell great and are very calming, some can be dangerous to dogs, so if you do use essential oils, double check that the oils you use are safe for dogs and check with your vet first.