Aroma Oils: Safe Scents For Cats And Dogs

Aromatherapy is a popular practice that involves the use of essential oils for their aromatic and medicinal properties. While essential oils can be beneficial to humans, they can pose serious health risks to pets such as cats and dogs. This is because essential oils are rapidly absorbed orally and through the skin, and then metabolized in the liver. Cats, in particular, lack a certain enzyme in their liver, making it difficult for them to metabolize and eliminate toxins like essential oils. In this article, we will explore which aroma essential oils are safe for cats and dogs and provide guidelines for their usage.

Lavender oil is safe for dogs and cats when diluted

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, often used in aromatherapy and natural remedies. They are usually applied topically or inhaled via a diffuser. However, when it comes to our furry friends, it's important to exercise caution. While lavender oil is generally considered safe for dogs when diluted, it can be harmful to cats, even in small amounts.

Lavender Oil and Dogs

Lavender oil is safe for dogs when used correctly and diluted. Dr Lorraine Rhoads, an environmental biologist, suggests that many pet parents use lavender oil to ease symptoms of anxiety in their dogs. To dilute, mix one drop of lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil. This diluted solution can then be mixed with your dog's food or applied to the skin. Alternatively, you can apply it to the paw pads of the back feet.

Lavender Oil and Cats

On the other hand, lavender oil is generally not recommended for cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), lavender is toxic to cats and can cause nausea and vomiting. This is because cats lack the enzymes needed to process the compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, which are found in lavender. Even more concerning is that lavender oil has the highest toxicity levels. Due to their acute sense of smell and delicate skin, cats can quickly absorb these concentrated substances, leading to potential health risks.

Precautions for Pet Owners

If you're a pet owner, it's crucial to take some precautions. For dogs, always dilute essential oils before use and avoid their eyes, ears, nose, and genitals. For cats, it's best to avoid lavender oil altogether. Instead, opt for cat-friendly plants like catnip, oat grass, valerian, Cat's Claw, and licorice root. Keep in mind that cats can be sensitive to scents, so it's best to avoid diffusing strong fragrances into their environment.

Chamomile is safe for dogs

Chamomile is a plant in the daisy family that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It has been found to have several benefits for dogs.

Chamomile is also used to promote relaxation and ease symptoms of anxiety in dogs. It contains a naturally occurring chemical compound called apigenin, which binds with GABA receptors in the brain. This helps to block signals of anxiety and fear, making dogs feel calmer and more relaxed.

However, some dogs can be sensitive to chamomile, which may cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin reactions, or allergic reactions. It should be avoided in dogs allergic to plants in the daisy family, as well as in pregnant or lactating dogs, and puppies under 16 weeks old. If your dog is on any medication, it is important to consult your veterinarian before adding chamomile to their diet.

Avoid tea tree oil for dogs and cats

Essential oils are organic compounds made by plants and are often used for alternative medical therapies, cleaning products, flavourings, and personal care products. While they are derived from plants and are therefore considered "natural", they can present risks when used around pets.

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided. It is often found in varying concentrations, and high concentrations should never be used on pets. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is sometimes marketed for use on dogs and cats to treat external parasites. However, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before using any products containing tea tree oil on your pets.

As little as 7 drops of 100% tea tree oil has been known to cause severe toxicity, and applications of 10-20 ml can result in poisoning and even death in both dogs and cats. Symptoms of toxicity include a low body temperature, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors, coma, increased liver enzymes, and even death. These symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours of exposure but may take up to 8 hours to appear.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to tea tree oil, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately for life-saving treatment advice. It is important to act quickly, as there is no cure for tea tree oil toxicity, and supportive care is critical.

Citrus oils are dangerous for cats

Citrus oils are often listed as toxic to cats for a variety of reasons, although there is very little data or research to support these claims. One theory is that citrus oils contain d-limonene, which has been used in dog shampoos and fragrances. While the small amount present in dog products is safe for most sizes of dogs, it can be lethal for cats. D-limonene is also used in flavouring compounds, cosmetic products, and cleaning products, which should all be kept away from cats.

Citrus oils can act as irritants to the skin and gastric mucosa and commonly cause skin lesions and gastrointestinal upset. Exposure via the dermal or oral route can cause toxicity. In addition, cats can be exposed to citrus oils by tasting liquid potpourri as it simmers or by coming into contact with liquid from leaking or overturned containers. As cats are fastidious self-groomers, if these products get on their skin, they will often be ingested.

If you suspect that your cat has been exposed to citrus oils or other essential oils, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimise the harmful effects on your cat.

Diffuse oils in a secured area

If you want to diffuse essential oils in an area that your pets can access, it's important to do your research first. Cats and dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans, so something that seems light to us may be overwhelming to them. It's also worth noting that cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, so if you have a cat, it's best to avoid using essential oils altogether.

If you do decide to diffuse essential oils in a secured area, make sure that your pet cannot knock over the diffuser and potentially expose themselves to the oils. It is also important to only diffuse for a short period of time, in a well-ventilated area, and to allow your pet to roam freely. One hour a day is plenty, especially for cats, as they groom themselves frequently.

Some essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided. These include:

• Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
• Citrus oils
• Clove oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Oregano oil
• Cassia oil
• Rosemary oil
• Thyme oil

If you are unsure, always consult a veterinarian or pet aromatherapist before experimenting with essential oils.

Frequently asked questions