Essential oils are extremely popular in the world of aromatherapy due to their numerous benefits for human health and well-being. However, many pet owners often wonder if essential oils are safe for their furry friends.
Are essential oils safe for animals?
Smell is one of the most basic, primitive senses, and pets are known to have a heightened sense of smell than humans. The aromatic compounds in essential oils are so small that they can cross the blood-brain barrier in humans and animals. Certain scents can be bothersome to our furry friends. While there is a list of oils to avoid, sensitivity is very individual to each pet, and you may find that your pet is not particularly sensitive to the specific oil of your choice. We recommend diffusing a little essential oil of your choice and monitoring if your pet shows any sensitivity.
Essential oils and cats?
Cats are particularly sensitive to oils containing polyphenolic compounds because they affect the liver's detoxification process. Be especially careful when using herbal and spicy essential oils like tea tree, thyme, oregano, and cinnamon around your feline friends.
Some essential oils that you should avoid around your feline friends:
citrus, pine, ylang-ylang, cinnamon, thyme, oregano...
Safe essential oils: lavender , frankincense , and chamomile: known for their calming properties.
These oils are safe to diffuse around cats in moderate amounts. Note: pure lavender oil, when diffused in moderation, is often considered one of the safer options for pets.
Essential oils and dogs?
While some essential oils can have many benefits for dogs, others can be toxic or cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to choose essential oils that are safe for your furry friend and use them appropriately.
Essential oils that you should AVOID using with your dog are:
cinnamon
citrus (d-limonene)
peppermint
pine
sweet birch
teapot
anise clove
thyme
spruce
yarrow
garlic
Essential oils can be a beneficial addition to your dog's life, but it's important to choose oils that are safe and non-toxic. Lavender , chamomile, cedarwood, rosemary , and frankincense oils are safe for dogs, as are eucalyptus , ylang-ylang , and bergamot oils that are safe to use in a diffuser in just a few drops.
