Did You Know That Your Favourite Essential Oil can be Toxic for your Pets?
Who doesn’t love the smell of essential oils? Essential oils are huge these days, especially nowadays due to Covid-19. Since many of us are working from home, our essential oil diffuser is used more than ever!
However, most of us may not be aware that the smell of essential oils can be dangerous and toxic for your pet. That’s right, your favourite holistic remedies might be toxic for your dog or cat.
However, this definitely, does not mean that you should abandon your favourite essential oil and your oil diffuser. PlantOrigin has put together all the information that’s needed to keep your pet healthy and safe.
We have put together this guide to help you stay well informed on essential oils and their reaction on animals. This article will give you detailed information as to which essential oils are safe for your pet and which ones can be harmful for your dog or cat.
Most of us love the smell and fragrance of essential oils; we are also aware that most essential oils are beneficial for our health and wellbeing. Essential oils are oils that have been extracted from plants, and have a strong fragrance of that particular plant. Essential oils have become increasingly popular and families all over the world. A few drops of our favourite essential oil in our oil diffuser can be very relaxing. Helping us unwind, make the house smell clean or can be used for various health reasons.
Unfortunately while many essential oils can be beneficial to humans they can make your pet sick.
Why Do Animals And Essential Oils Don’t Mix?
Essential oils are extremely powerful and have a very strong fragrance. Along with that, their molecules tend to react highly with the compounds in our bodies and in our pet’s body as well.
It is for this reason that essential oils are so useful for our bodies and are soothing for us. However, many oils can be poisonous or toxic for our cat or dog because their reaction messes up a pet’s natural body chemistry. Human bodies can process a lot more stuff which animals cannot. Also your pet’s sense of smell is so much stronger than humans. Therefore, contact with an essential oil’s smell can be dangerous for your pet. Whenever using an essential oil, it is crucial to know which oil can make your dog or cat sick.
Which Oils Can Be Harmful for Your Pet?
If you are using any essential oil in your home or it may come into contact with your pet, please contact your veterinarian first.
Some oils are completely harmless in small quantities and can be enjoyed with a pet around your house (Even though we don’t recommend the use of essential oils in the presence of your pet). Please always ask your veterinarian for guidance before using.
Essential Oils Harmful to Dogs
Oils that are harmful to dogs include, but are not limited to:
- Cinnamon
- Citrus (d-limonene)
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Wintergreen
- Ylang ylang
- Anise
- Clove
- Thyme
- Juniper
- Yarrow
- Garlic
Essential Oils Harmful to Cats
Oils that are harmful to cats include, but are not limited to:
- Pine
- Ylang ylang
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Pennyroyal
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Wintergreen
- Sweet Birch
- Citrus ( d-limonene)
What Are the Symptoms of Poisoning in Pets
There are several symptoms of poisoning in pets. As a pet owner, you must always stay alert and watch out for symptoms if your critter is showing a change in behaviour. If you think your pet has been exposed to an essential oil, watch out for:
- The smell of essential oils on their fur, skin, breath or vomit
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking or stumbling
- Muscle tremors
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Redness or burns on their lips, tongue, skin or gums
- Vomiting
What to do in case your pet is showing any of the above symptoms or if you think they have been exposed to essential oils.
You must seek immediate assistance by calling your veterinarian or the pet poison help line at (800) 213-6680 or take your pet to an emergency pet centre.
If the Oil is on your Pets fur or skin, wash it off immediately.
Do not treat your pet yourself, consult a veterinarian.
Take the Oil with you to show the veterinarian.
PlantOrigin does not recommend the use of an essential oil or a diffuser in the presence of a pet, however, if you want to do so please consult your veterinarian first.
Keep all essential oils out of the reach of your pet. Store all oils in a place where your dog or cat cannot get to them.
We hope that this article has been helpful for you and your pet.
If you are bored and at home due to the Covid-19 virus, we have put together a couple of healthy homemade dog treat recipes that your pooch will absolutely love!
Crunchy Apple Pupcakes
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cup water
¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
2 tbs of honey
1/8 tbs vanilla extract
1 medium egg
4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup dried apple chips (unsweetened)
1 tbs baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degees
Mix water, applesauce, honey, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl
Add remaining ingredients and mix well until blended
Pour into lightly greased muffin pans
Bake for 1 ¼ hour
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix water, applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla together in a bowl
- Add remaining ingredients and mix until well blended
- Pour into lightly greased muffin pans
- Bake 1 ¼ hours
Peanut Butter Doggy Bone Treats
Ingredients:
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 large eggs
3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, Set aside.
In an electric mixer beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs until well combined and the dough is no longer sticky.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin roll the dough until it comes together and to a ¼ inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter cut out the desired shape and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Let the treats cool completely before giving to your pet.
PlantOrigin
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