Essential oils are a popular choice for aromatherapy, but are they safe for our furry friends? Many pet owners are unaware of the potential risks associated with essential oils, and the fact that some of them can be toxic to dogs. In this article, we'll explore the safety of essential oils for dogs, and provide tips on how to use them safely. It's important to note that many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. Whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked in case of a spill, these oils can cause serious health problems.
Dogs' noses are much more powerful than ours, so keep in mind that if you use or diffuse essential oils in your home. Placing a few drops of lavender oil on a dog's bed can help soothe the dog or cause more stress. Incorrect use of oils can also lead to changes in behavior, adverse effects on the central nervous system, and respiratory problems, all of which can be serious. Some essential oils are poisonous to dogs.
This includes cinnamon oil, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen and ylang ylang oil. These oils are toxic if ingested by mouth or spread on the skin. As you may already know, pure essential oils are much more than air fresheners. They have health benefits and medicinal qualities for both people and pets.
However, our pets are much more sensitive to odors than humans. Certain essential oils, such as clove and pennyroyal peppermint, can be dangerous to your pets. However, aromatherapy can do more than just help the brain visualize happy moments. They are also used in holistic healing.
For example, medical studies show that people can use wintergreen for muscle pain, and melaleuca as an antibacterial agent. Before you start using essential oils with your pet, it's important to ask yourself what essential oils are safe for dogs or other pets, such as cats. Their sense of smell is astronomically stronger than ours, so aromas (even natural ones) can have an adverse effect on them. Let's say you're taking care of your best friend's tense chihuahua's house and it's causing some stress to your discreet friend.
You might consider offering him some chamomile oil. It can relieve your stress and also soothe an upset stomach. In addition, if you have adopted a generally shy or fearful puppy, a little chamomile oil can help you learn to socialize better at the local dog park. While they may have some benefits, the use of essential oils in dogs poses serious risks.
They should only be used sparingly and with great caution. We recommend that you talk to your veterinarian and do your research before attempting to use them. For example, lavender oil can be soothing to the brain. You can use small amounts of lavender oil when you travel to calm your dog or make him sleepy. Fennel helps the adrenal glands and balances the pituitary, thyroid and pineal glands.
It can also break down toxins and fluids in tissues. Helichrysum is also antibacterial and can reduce bleeding after an accident. Helps regenerate skin and repair nerves. It is also useful in heart disease. Use a dilution of 0.5 percent to one percent - this means 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
She recommends using almond, coconut or apricot oil. Join the nearly 100,000 subscribers who love Dogs Naturally to unlock special discounts and premium content. You may prefer to spread essential oils after cooking to eliminate the smell of garlic or use lavender oil to relax before bed - but next time you do so make sure that the oil you are using is safe for your dog. If you're going to spread blends you've purchased make sure that they don't contain any dangerous oils - dogs have an acute sense of smell that is much stronger than ours so we have a hard time knowing how much essential oil will help them and how much it will overwhelm them. In addition just because an oil is safe for a dog or cat does not necessarily mean that it will improve their health - diffusers spray particles of essential oils into the air and your dog can breathe droplets or they can land on their fur where they can irritate their skin. The following list is not exhaustive but contains some of the most common hazardous essential oils: Cinnamon Oil; Citrus; Pennyroyal; Peppermint; Pine; Sweet Birch; Tea Tree (Melaleuca); Wintergreen; Ylang Ylang Oil. Beyond this the power of essential oils lies in their aroma making it difficult to use them with dogs - Sehaj Grewal veterinarian and CEO of The Melrose Vet explains which essential oils are bad for dogs and the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs. And keep in mind that while these oils are non-toxic they are not safe for your puppy to eat and should only be used sparingly. Pet parents can reduce the risk of harming their dogs and cats by following these safety tips when using essential oils at home: If your puppy can reach the essential oil you put on him and licks it it could cause gastrointestinal upset - also avoid pets with open wounds or sores from coming into direct dermal contact with such oils as broken skin could allow faster absorption. For example citrus oils (including citronella and lemon oils) when used to repel pests can theoretically help reduce the severity of flea and tick infestations as well as the presence of mosquitoes. While some holistic veterinarians and alternative doctors may recommend certain essential oils most veterinary professionals urge pet parents to stay away from them - in addition to pets with respiratory diseases (such as asthma and bronchitis) the use of essential oils should also be avoided around dogs and cats with liver disorders elderly pets puppies and kittens or pregnant or lactating animals.
