Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs to Smell – What You Need To Know
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Things to Know about Dogs and Pet Safe Use of Essential Oils – Introduction Video
A lot of pet owners wonder, “are essential oils safe for dogs to smell?” due to its increasingly popular in recent years. The sense of smell can evoke a positive emotion and relax the mind, which can truly transform an atmosphere.
Studies have concluded that certain scents like vanilla and clementine evoke pleasant feelings like enjoyment, excitement, relaxation, and sensuality – giving people the perfect conditions for falling asleep peacefully or having a productive day (Research Gate).
While essential oils can create positive changes, pet owners should be aware that essential oils are toxic to dogs, so if you own one, be mindful of leaving essential oil diffusers running when you’re away from the house.
Many people turn to essential oils not only to scent a room but as a natural option to treat various ailments in their dogs. Still, the truth is that the use of essential oils on dogs is not recommended by veterinarians. Essential oils are not carefully regulated as pharmaceutical medications, and health claims are often not supported by independent, peer-reviewed medical research.
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. They are obtained through distillation, which involves steaming or pressing different parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and fruits, to extract their volatile compounds. These compounds are what give essential oils their characteristic scent and therapeutic properties.
According to PetMD, using essential oils for flea control may not be best for our furry companions. Although essential oils have been tried on dogs and cats, the potential toxicity can carry high risks, and many veterinarians discourage their use. PetMD states that essential oils are not carefully regulated as pharmaceutical medications, and health claims are often not supported by independent, peer-reviewed medical research.
Essential oils can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fevers, organ failure, bleeding disorders, respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, comas, and even death. If you suspect or know your dog has been treated with essential oils, or accidentally ingested such a product, contact your veterinarian or poison control immediately.
Common Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Dogs
Many essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats, such as eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang. These oils can be dangerous whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers, or licked up in the case of a spill.
Diffusers emitting a lovely, nose-pleasing aroma may seem benign. Still, they can be unsafe since it uses water vapor to diffuse tiny oil droplets into the air. Inhaling diffused oils is known to cause negative respiratory effects on animals, especially if used in a small space and/or for an extended period of time.
It is important to note that cats and dogs are much more sensitive to scents than their human counterparts. What may be a pleasant and insignificant scent for humans may overwhelm and harm an animal. Pets have a much more sensitive sense of smell and can be affected by the smallest amounts of essential oils.
It’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and to always consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your pets. It’s also important to avoid using essential oils in a diffuser or in a small space and to keep all essential oils out of reach of your pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning in Dogs
According to the American Kennel Club, essential oils can cause a wide range of symptoms if not used properly. The symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs can include gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait, drooling, lethargy or weakness, muscle tremors, pawing at the mouth or face, redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin, and vomiting. The smell of essential oils may also be detected in the vomit.
Using essential oils topically can be irritating to the skin for both humans and dogs and can add to the dog’s discomfort; it’s best to avoid using essential oils topically or directly on your dog without proper professional guidance. Instead, look for expertly formulated products that incorporate dog-safe essential oils.
The chemicals in essential oils are rapidly absorbed into the system, whether received orally or through the skin and metabolized by the liver. Therefore, using essential oils could be problematic for puppies and young dogs, dogs with liver disease, or elderly dogs.
If your dog ingests essential oils, contact your veterinarian and poison control immediately. VCA also states that the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs can include difficulty breathing, difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait, drooling, lethargy or weakness, muscle tremors, pawing at the mouth or face, redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin, and vomiting.
It’s important to note that essential oils are potent substances that can pose serious risks when used improperly; it’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your pets. Keep all essential oils out of reach of your pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils Around Dogs
Consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils around dogs: It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog; they will be able to advise on safe usage and the right dosage and frequency. They can also help you determine if your dog has any underlying health conditions that could make them more sensitive to essential oils.
Keep essential oils out of reach of dogs: Essential oils should be kept in a secure place, out of reach of dogs, to prevent accidental ingestion. It’s also important to always keep the essential oil bottles properly labeled and stored in a cool, dark place.
It’s essential to use essential oils safely and responsibly to ensure the health and well-being of your furry companion. Always follow the usage instructions on the label and never exceed the recommended dosage.
Safety of Essential Oils and Risks of Oil Poisoning – Final Thoughts and Recap
In conclusion, essential oils can be a great natural alternative for humans. Still, their use on dogs should be approached with caution. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog to determine if it’s safe for your particular pet and to understand the appropriate dosage and usage methods.
It’s also important to dilute the oils before use and to keep them out of reach of dogs to prevent accidental ingestion. Remember that dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so what may seem like a small amount to us can be overwhelming and harmful to them.
1.- Essential oils can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause a wide range of symptoms.
2.- Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans and can be affected by the smallest amounts of essential oils.
3.- Essential oils are not regulated as pharmaceutical medications, and independent, peer-reviewed medical research often does not support health claims.
4.- Essential oils can cause serious health problems for puppies and young dogs, dogs with liver disease, or elderly dogs.
5.- Essential oils can be dangerous when ingested, inhaled, or applied topically and can cause a wide range of symptoms.
6.- While not recommended, diffusing essential oils can reduce the risk of skin irritation or toxicity.
7.- Essential oils should be kept in a secure place, out of reach of dogs, to prevent accidental ingestion.
8.- Essential oils should be kept properly labeled and stored in a cool, dark place.
9.- If you have a diffuser at home, it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated room and in a location that your dog can leave if they become uncomfortable.
10.- Consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your pets to determine if it’s safe for your particular pet and to understand the appropriate dosage and usage methods.
Essential Oils Safe for Dogs – FAQ
Are essential oils safe for dogs to use?
Essential oils are not safe for all dogs, some breeds and ages are more sensitive than others, and even a small amount of essential oil can cause a severe reaction. It’s always recommended to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog.
What are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs?
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs can include gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait, drooling, lethargy or weakness, muscle tremors, pawing at the mouth or face, redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin, and vomiting. The smell of essential oils may also be detected in the vomit.
Can I add essential oils to my dog’s food for added health benefits?
Adding essential oils to your dog’s food can be dangerous. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and even small amounts can cause serious health problems. Adding essential oils to your dog’s food is not recommended without consulting with a veterinarian.
Is lavender oil safe for dogs to use topically or in a diffuser?
Some essential oils, such as lavender oil, can be safe for dogs to use. Still, it’s important to consult a veterinarian before use and dilute the oil before use.
Can dogs have negative reactions to tea tree oil like humans do?
Yes, dogs can have negative reactions to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs if ingested or if used in large amounts on the skin. It’s important to always consult with a veterinarian before using tea tree oil on your dog.
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