Essential Oils and Pets: A Loving Guide to Keeping Your Fur Family Safe 🐾🌿
Consider this a gentle PSA from us to you. While we’re big fans of the power of plants, we’re even bigger fans of keeping our furry friends safe and sound.
Whether you’re a die-hard diffuser devotee or just love your home smelling naturally beautiful, it’s important to know when it comes to essential oils and pets, even though the oils are natural, they can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Let’s walk through the dos, don’ts, and “definitely do nots” of using essential oils around your pets, so you can enjoy botanical bliss without putting your animals at risk.
A Quick Note Before We Begin…
We’re not vets, and this blog isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice. What we are is curious, conscious, and committed to safe self-care, for humans and animals alike. We’ve done our homework using reputable sources (linked at the end), and we’re sharing it here to support your own research and decision-making.
Why Essential Oils Can Be Harmful to Pets
It might surprise you (or not!) to learn that some essential oils can be harmful—or even toxic—to animals. Unlike humans, pets have different metabolisms, smaller bodies, and sensitive systems. Plus, their self-grooming habits mean they often ingest anything that ends up on their fur or skin. Not ideal if that “something” is tea tree oil.
While we totally understand wanting to freshen the house or mask a little doggo funk (we’ve all been there), it’s crucial to do it safely.
Essential Oil Safety: General Guidelines for Pet-Friendly Homes
Here are some hard-and-fast rules to keep everyone - two-legged and four - safe and happy:
🌀 Be mindful with diffusers
Don’t diffuse oils known to be harmful to cats or dogs (see our lists below), especially blends that may contain hidden offenders.
🌬️ Ventilation is everything
Even with safer oils, only diffuse in a well-ventilated space and always let your pets leave the room if they choose. No one likes to be trapped with a scent they didn’t sign up for.
👃 Watch for reactions
Keep an eye out for odd behaviour, panting, or lethargy - especially if it’s a new scent or setup.
🚫 No direct application
Never apply pure essential oils to your pet’s skin or fur.
🛁 Skip the scented baths
Unless your vet gives the green light, essential oils and pet baths are a no-go.
🧴 Keep oils well out of reach
Some pets may be drawn to the smell and try to lick or chew bottles, lids or diffusers.
💓 If your pet has asthma or heart issues, steer clear altogether
These conditions make them much more vulnerable to airborne irritants like essential oils.
Oils to Avoid Around Dogs
Here’s a list of common oils that are a definite no for dogs:
- Tea Tree
- Cinnamon
- Pennyroyal
- Ylang Ylang
- Wintergreen
- Pine
- Anise
- Clove
- Thyme
- Juniper
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Birch
- Citrus oils
Oils to Avoid Around Cats
Cats can be even more sensitive than dogs. Avoid exposing your feline friends to:
- Wintergreen
- Sweet Birch
- Citrus (including lemon, orange, lime)
- Pine
- Ylang Ylang
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Pennyroyal
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Tea Tree
- Lavender
(Yes, even lavender - which is generally calming for humans - can cause issues for cats.)
Signs Your Pet May Be Reacting to Essential Oils
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action:
- Heavy or unusual panting
- Discoloured gums (pale, blue, or purple)
- Lethargy or low energy
- Unusual or erratic behaviour
- Vomiting or excessive drooling
- The scent of essential oils on their fur or breath
What to Do If You Think Your Pet Has Been Poisoned
🆘 Not sure?
Call the Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 TOX PET (1300 869 738)
Or speak with your local vet or emergency clinic.
⚠️ Know for sure?
Act fast. Call the helpline and get your pet to a vet immediately. If you can, call ahead so they’re ready for your arrival.
In Short…
A beautiful-smelling home should never come at the cost of your pet’s health. With a bit of care, research, and common sense, you can enjoy your essential oils and keep your fur babies safe.
Because the best kind of self-care includes everyone in your home.
References
We’ve gathered information from the following trusted sources:
Stay safe, stay scented (in the best way), and give your besties a cuddle from us. 🐶🐱💛
Get your best natural scents (for humans) from our collection of Natural Botanical Perfumes.
