Cats and dogs are sensitive to all kinds of smells. When it comes to essential oils there are oils that can benefit our four-legged friends and ones that can harm them. When using essential oils with pets the type of oil, dose, and route of exposure all determine the impact on the animal.

Essential Oils And Cats

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Below is a list of the essential oils that can be toxic for cats when exposed to regularly in high dosages.

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia; Citrus Aurantium)

• Cinnamon

• Clary Sage

• Clove (Syzgium aromaticum)

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)

• Geranium oil (Pelargonium sp.)

• Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

• Lemon oil (Citrus Lemonia) citronella

• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

• Lime oils (Citrus aurantifolia)

• Orange oils (Citrus sinensis)

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum)

• Pine, spruce, juniper oils

• Rosemary

• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• Thyme

• Wintergreen, peppermint, spearmint, mint (Mentha sp.)

• Ylang Ylang

The list of potentially toxic essential oils for cats may seem long but toxicity depends on the methods that the essential oil products are used and the individual cat’s sensitivity. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association reports that diffusing the essential oils which are toxic to cats actually exposes them to very low concentrations of the oil and poses a very small chance of harming the cat through overexposure. However, the report states that diffusing essential oils toxic to cats regularly over the long term may cause toxins to build up in the cat, potentially causing damage to the cat’s lungs and liver.

So how can I use essential oils with cats?

The safest way to diffuse scents with cats is to diffuse the oils only occasionally. Another great use of essential oils in a house with cats is to burn a candle scented with essential oils. Diffusers expel large droplets of the oil into the air which enters the cat’s lungs, the candle simply produces scent by heating the oils, this is far less bothersome for the cat.

Using Roll-on essential oils to put the essential oils directly onto your skin is a great way to use essential oils in a way that will cause no harm to your cat. You can also add essential oil bath soaks to a bath to enjoy the benefits of essential oils without harming your feline companion.

Essential Oils And Dogs

Below is a list of the essential oils that can be toxic for dogs when exposed to regularly in high dosages.

• Pine oil

• Tea tree oil

• Wintergreen oil

• Cinnamon oil

• Citrus oil

• Peppermint oil

• Sweet Birch oil

• Ylang Ylang

Dogs have a much shorter list when it comes to essential oil toxicity. Any oil not mentioned on the list is safe to diffuse in a home that has a dog. To be safe it is best to dilute the essential oils before putting them in a diffuser. Always ensure the dog can go outside when essential oils are being diffused in the house.

What Can Overexposure Look Like?

Take your pet to the vet if they are showing any of the following symptoms.

• watery nose or eyes

• redness of the lips, gums, or skin

• vomiting and drooling

• difficulty breathing or panting; coughing or wheezing

• lethargy, tremors, or wobbliness

• low heart rate

• low body temperature

The list above is provided by the Cabbage Town Pet Clinic