Fragrance Oils: Are They Poisonous To Our Pets?

Essential oils and fragrance oils are popular for their various benefits and applications, but they can be harmful to pets. While some essential oils are beneficial to humans, they can be toxic to animals, especially cats, due to their heightened sense of smell and different metabolism. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic products designed to mimic essential oils, and they may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates, which can cause health issues in both animals and humans.

Essential oils can be toxic to cats

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids derived from plants. They are popular for their use in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, but they can be toxic to cats. This is because cats' livers function differently, and they lack the necessary enzymes to break down and eliminate certain chemical compounds found in essential oils. As a result, using essential oil diffusers or applying oils topically to cats can potentially lead to liver failure.

Cats can be exposed to essential oils by inhaling them or through skin contact. They may also ingest essential oils if they come into contact with surfaces or their owners' skin and then groom themselves. Even if the oil has been diluted, those particles can be inhaled and absorbed by cats, leading to a toxic level.

Some essential oils that are particularly harmful to cats include tea tree/melaleuca oil, citrus oil or those containing d-limonene, eucalyptus, and lavender. Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, panting, low body temperature, and sudden collapse.

To prevent essential oil poisoning in cats, it is important to keep essential oils out of their reach and never leave opened essential oils unattended. It is also recommended to consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils or herbal products on cats, as they can be harmful even in small quantities.

While some sources suggest that lavender may be tolerated by cats in highly diluted forms, it is challenging to determine the exact amount of dilution needed to ensure safety. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid using essential oils around cats altogether.

Essential oils can be toxic to dogs

Essential oils are concentrated organic compounds made from plants. They are popular for their use in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, but they can be toxic to dogs.

Essential oils are often used in cleaning products, food and drink flavourings, herbal remedies, perfumes, and air fresheners. Because they are derived from plants, many people assume they are safe to use around pets. However, essential oils can be harmful to dogs, and it is important to use them with caution.

Some essential oils are toxic to dogs, and it is important to keep them out of your dog's reach. Oils such as tea tree (melaleuca), cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be harmful, and even a small amount on the skin or a few licks can be toxic. Puppies, dogs with liver disease, or elderly dogs are more sensitive to the effects of essential oils.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin
• Vomiting (essential oils may be detectable in the vomit)
• Difficulty walking or stumbling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Unusual behaviour

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to essential oils, it is important to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately for advice. Do not induce vomiting or give your dog activated charcoal, as this may worsen their condition. Instead, wash the oil off your dog's skin or fur with hand dishwashing detergent, and take the product packaging in a sealed container to the veterinary clinic.

To prevent essential oil poisoning, keep essential oils out of your dog's reach and never leave them unattended. Consult your veterinarian before using any essential oils or herbal products on or around your dog.

Fragrance oils are synthetic

The synthetic nature of fragrance oils means that they are not necessarily milder, safer, or less allergenic than essential oils. In fact, diffusing a synthetic fragrance oil can change your dog's blood chemistry. Dr Melissa Shelton, DVM, a holistic veterinarian and owner of animalEO, found that issues such as seizures, kidney and liver value elevations, feather picking, skin problems, and ear infections resolved when the use of synthetic fragrance products was eliminated.

It is worth noting that some plant-based fragrance oils are also available, which are created using only plant-based ingredients such as pure essential oils, absolutes, extracts, and aromatic isolates derived from natural, raw botanical sources. These oils do not contain any synthetic ingredients, lab-synthesized isolates, or synthetic stabilizers. However, they may be more challenging to work with than synthetic fragrance oils due to the absence of synthetic stabilizers.

When it comes to pets, it is important to carefully evaluate the use of essential oils, as they can be harmful to animals. This is because essential oils are highly reactive with the compounds in our bodies and in the bodies of pets. While some essential oils are harmless, especially in small quantities, it is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils around pets.

Some fragrances are safe for pets

While many essential oils are beneficial to humans, they are often harmful to pets. This is because essential oils are highly reactive with the compounds in our bodies and in pets' bodies. However, this does not mean that all fragrances are unsafe for pets.

Pet-safe fragrances are a newer trend in modern perfumery, thanks to cutting-edge innovations in industrial science and synthetic chemistry. These fragrances are designed to be safe for our feline and canine friends that share our living spaces.

Some product types that typically contain pet-safe fragrances include:

• Cleanup items
• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Paw wipes
• Cat litter
• Skunk odor removal products
• Deodorizing spritzes

It is important to note that while some essential oils are soothing to dogs, they can negatively affect their behavior and cause respiratory issues. Cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, and their reactions depend on the scent, the delivery method, and the character of the cat.

When choosing fragrances, opt for products that contain only 100% natural scents. Avoid products that say "nature identical," as these are synthetic and may contain unsafe contaminants. Instead, look for 100% pure organic essential oils, but be sure to research which oils are safe for your specific pet.

Some natural fragrances that are generally considered safe for pets include:

• Natural Cucumber Mint
• Natural Coconut Sandalwood
• Natural Honeysuckle Bloom
• Crushed Raspberry Leaves

These fragrances offer pleasant scents without compromising the safety and well-being of your furry companions.

Signs of fragrance poisoning in pets

Many essential oils and fragrances are toxic to animals, and it's important to know the signs of fragrance poisoning in pets.

The first thing to remember is that cats and dogs have much stronger noses than humans. Their sniffers are around 40 times stronger than ours, so fragrances that are pleasant to us can be overwhelming and harmful to our pets. Inhalation is the most obvious way for a pet to be exposed to harmful fragrances, but toxins can also be absorbed through the skin and then metabolised.

• Redness on their lips, tongue, or skin
• Changes in behaviour or sudden behavioural issues
• Difficulty breathing
• Watery nose and eyes
• Difficulty walking or stumbling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Low temperature and heart rate

If you suspect your pet is suffering from fragrance poisoning, it's important to act fast. Open a window or move your pet to provide them with access to fresh air, and monitor them closely. If the fragrance is on their fur, carefully wash it off with soap and water. If your pet has ingested the fragrance, call a pet poisoning hotline or your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting or administer detoxification medicine.

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