Essential Oils For Pets, Are They Safe?

Many essential oils are marketed as “all natural” solutions for our pets, but did you know some of them can actually pose serious health risks to cats and dogs? While aromatherapy and herbal products have their uses, it’s crucial for pet owners to know which oils are unsafe and why. Let’s dive into what the research and veterinarians say, focusing on neem oil, lemongrass oil, and a few other prominent offenders that some brands use a lot in their products and really shouldn’t, they are not safe.

The Double-Edged Sword of Essential Oils

Essential oils contain concentrated plant compounds that can have antibacterial, antifungal, or insecticidal properties. Unfortunately, the same potency that makes them useful can also make them hazardous for our furry friends. Cats are particularly at risk due to their unique liver metabolism, but many oils are toxic to dogs as well.

Neem Oil: Not Always as Gentle as Advertised

Neem oil sometimes gets promoted as a safe, natural choice for controlling fleas and skin conditions. Neem products can create significant problems, especially for cats and dogs with pre-existing sensitivities. Ingestion or improper application may cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy or even seizures. Cats, who groom themselves more thoroughly, are at particular risk. Diluted neem oil may occasionally be used under veterinary supervision, but even then, any sign of distress should prompt immediate discontinuation and a call to your vet.

Lemongrass Oil: Harmful if Ingested or Overexposed

Lemongrass oil is sometimes included in pet sprays for its fresh scent and supposed insect-repelling properties. But did you know that even in small amounts, it can cause allergic reactions? And if your pet ingests a significant quantity, more serious symptoms like nausea, drooling, and breathing problems can develop. The oil contains plant chemicals that dogs and cats struggle to metabolize, making it a risky choice. Safer alternatives or veterinary-approved products are recommended, check out our alternatives, they are all 100% safe (and natural of course).

The Most Dangerous Essential Oils for Pets

Beyond neem and lemongrass, several essential oils are high up on the “AVOID” list for both dogs and cats:

• Tea tree oil (Melaleuca)
• Cinnamon oil
• Pennyroyal
• Any Citrus oils (like orange and lemon)
• Pine oils
• Peppermint and wintergreen oils
• Ylang ylang
• Clove and eucalyptus oils

All of these can cause severe adverse reactions, ranging from skin burns and stomach upset to liver damage, seizures, and even death.

Play It Safe, A Few Golden Rules

• Never apply these harmful oils directly to your pet’s skin, check oils are safe before doing so (our’s are).
• Avoid diffusing essential oils in confined spaces when pets are present, cats and small dogs can be harmed by simply inhaling vaporized oils.
• If you see signs like vomiting, lethargy, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, tremors, or skin irritation, seek veterinary help right away.
• Always consult a vet before using any of these aforementioned essential oil product marketed for pets.

Our pets count on us to keep them safe. With so many safe, vet-approved flea treatments and grooming products available, there’s usually no good reason to gamble with essential oils. When in doubt, skip the oil and ask your veterinarian for the safest options – our’s are all vet endorsed so you know you are in very safe hands, its what we do and why we are trusted experts in natural pet care. Your pet’s health is worth it.