Aroma Diffusers: Safe Or Harmful For Dogs?

Essential oil diffusers have become increasingly popular for creating a relaxing atmosphere at home. However, they can be harmful to pets and have been linked to various health issues in dogs. While essential oils can provide numerous benefits to humans, many are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems, including liver damage and aspiration pneumonia. This article will explore the potential dangers of using an aroma diffuser around dogs and provide guidance on how to use them safely.

Toxicity and poisoning

Essential oils are the concentrated liquids (volatile organic compounds) of plants. They are popular in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, but their use can be harmful to dogs.

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang, are toxic to dogs. These oils are toxic whether applied to the skin or used in diffusers.

Oil diffusers use water vapour to diffuse tiny oil droplets into the air. Inhaling diffused oils can cause aspiration pneumonia if the diffuser is used in a small space or for a long period of time. In addition, dogs can absorb topically applied oils through their skin or ingest them orally when they groom themselves.

Signs of essential oil poisoning in dogs include:

• Fragrance or scent on hair, skin, or breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin
• Vomiting (you may detect the smell of essential oils in the vomit)

If you suspect that your dog has been exposed to essential oils, it is important to act quickly. Call your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control centre immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to your dog, as this may worsen their condition. Instead, wash off any oil on their skin with hand dishwashing detergent and put the product packaging in a sealed container to take with you to the veterinary clinic.

The veterinarian will perform blood work to determine if the liver and kidneys have been affected and may use intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration. Other treatments may include anti-vomiting medication, stomach protectants, pain medication, antibiotics, and medication to protect the liver.

To prevent your dog from being exposed to essential oils, keep all essential oil products out of their reach at all times. Never leave opened essential oils unattended, and consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils on your dog.

Essential oils to avoid

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant substances. They are popular in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, as well as in cleaning products and personal care products. While they may be beneficial to humans, many essential oils are toxic to dogs.

Essential oils are most toxic when ingested or when they come into contact with a dog's skin. However, even inhaling essential oils can be harmful to dogs. The most common symptoms of essential oil toxicity in dogs include drooling, vomiting, coughing, and sneezing. Diffusing oils can be fatal to dogs with asthma or other respiratory issues.

The following essential oils should be avoided due to their potential toxicity to dogs:

• Tea tree oil (melaleuca)
• Pennyroyal
• Citrus oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Clove oil
• Pine oil
• Wintergreen oil
• Sweet birch
• Ylang-ylang
• Eucalyptus oil
• Peppermint oil

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these essential oils, remove the source of exposure, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control centre, and wash your dog with warm water and mild soap if the oil is on their skin.

Symptoms of poisoning

One of the most common symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Other possible symptoms include drooling, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, dogs may experience skin irritation, redness or burns on the skin, lips, gums, or tongue, and agitation or lethargy.

More severe symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs can include seizures, tremors, difficulty walking, uncoordinated gait, low body temperature, and depression. Ingesting concentrated essential oils can also lead to liver damage and central nervous system issues.

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to essential oils, it is important to act quickly. Remove the source of the essential oils, clean any spills, and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline for advice. Do not induce vomiting or give your dog activated charcoal, as this may worsen their condition. Instead, wash off any essential oils on their skin with warm water and mild handwashing or dishwashing soap.

How to use diffusers safely

If you have pets and want to use an essential oil diffuser, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure your furry friends stay safe and healthy. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow:

Choose Pet-Safe Oils:

Before using any essential oil, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is safe for your pet. Some oils that are commonly toxic to dogs include tea tree oil, pennyroyal, citrus oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, pine oil, wintergreen oil, sweet birch, ylang-ylang, and eucalyptus oil. If you're unsure about a particular oil's safety, it's best to avoid it altogether.

Proper Ventilation and Placement:

Always use your diffuser in a well-ventilated area. Place it in an open room with good airflow, and avoid using it in small, enclosed spaces. Keep the diffuser out of your pet's reach, especially if they are curious or prone to knocking things over. Consider using the diffuser in a room where your pet doesn't have access, or opt for a passive diffuser that doesn't use electricity or vibrations to diffuse the oils.

Short and Supervised Sessions:

Limit the use of your diffuser to short periods when you can directly supervise its use. Do not leave your pet unattended with the diffuser running. The longer the exposure, the higher the risk of adverse effects.

High-Quality Oils:

Invest in high-quality essential oils from reputable sources. Choose companies that provide detailed information about their products, including how the oils were created, what parts of the plant were used, and if any blending or dilution has occurred. Transparency in the production process is crucial to ensuring the safety of the oils.

Safe Storage:

Store your essential oils in a secure location that your dog cannot access. Dogs may be attracted to the strong scents, so keeping them locked away prevents accidental ingestion or spills.

Monitor Your Pet's Reaction:

Even if you're using a pet-safe oil, pay close attention to your dog's behavior during and after diffuser use. If they exhibit any signs of discomfort, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, or lethargy, discontinue use immediately and consult your veterinarian.

Consult Your Veterinarian:

Before introducing essential oils into your home, discuss it with your veterinarian. They can provide specific guidance based on your pet's individual needs and health status. They can also advise you on which oils to avoid and recommend alternative options if necessary.

Remember, while essential oil diffusers can provide a pleasant aroma and potential therapeutic benefits for humans, they can pose serious risks to pets if not used with caution. Always prioritize the health and safety of your furry companions.

What to do if your dog is poisoned

Aromatherapy and essential oils are popular ways to improve health and lift moods, but they can be harmful to pets. Many essential oils are toxic to dogs, and even if they are not fatal, they can be overwhelming for dogs due to their heightened sense of smell.

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by essential oils or any other substance, it is important to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:

Identify the Toxin

If your dog appears stable, try to identify the toxin and how your dog came into contact with it. This information will be crucial for your vet to determine the necessary treatment. Common toxins that can be harmful to dogs include:

• Essential oils such as tea tree oil, pennyroyal, citrus oil, cinnamon oil, pine oil, and eucalyptus oil
• Medications, both human and pet
• Household and garden chemicals, such as antifreeze, screen wash, paint, and paint remover
• Luminous necklaces and glow sticks
• Flea and tick medication, especially if dog products are used on cats or in excessive doses
• Plants such as lilies, daffodils, onions, garlic, and chives
• Xylitol, an artificial sweetener

Call for Veterinary Advice

Even if your dog is acting normal, it is important to call for veterinary medical advice. Do not wait for your dog to show signs of illness, as it may be too late by then. Contact your family veterinarian or, if it is after hours, call a nearby veterinary emergency clinic. They will be able to provide specific instructions on how to proceed based on the type of toxin exposure.

Induce Vomiting (if advised by a professional)

A veterinary professional may advise you to induce vomiting at home with a product like hydrogen peroxide. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so, as it can be unsafe in some cases. If advised to induce vomiting, administer the recommended amount of hydrogen peroxide by mouth.

Bathe Your Dog (if necessary)

If your dog's skin or coat came into contact with a toxin, your veterinarian may advise you to bathe your dog. They may recommend using normal dog shampoo, a stronger cleanser, or a grease-cutting cleanser like Dawn dish soap.

Call Animal Poison Control

Your veterinarian may ask you to call animal poison control for further advice. Keep the following phone numbers handy:

• ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (800) 213-6680

General Precautions

It is always better to prevent toxin exposure in the first place. Keep dangerous items out of your dog's reach, use pet-safe products in your home and yard, and be careful when cooking or handling potentially harmful food items. Additionally, make sure to keep your dog's medical records, including vaccination history and current medications, easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Frequently asked questions