Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the smell and flavor, known as essence. They are obtained through distillation or mechanical methods, like cold pressing. They capture the plant’s flavor and scent and are commonly used for aromatherapy where they can be inhaled or applied on the skin after diluting. People all over the world are learning more about these oils and putting them to work, whether they use them for cleaning purposes, to relax, and even to better their health.

The logic then follows that all the oils you use for yourself can also be used to make your pets happier and healthier. Unfortunately, many of these essential oils are actually harmful to pets and can even kill them if ingested or applied directly to their skin. Before bringing any type of essential oil into your home, ask your veterinarian if it is safe and harmless to your furry friend. There are many essential oils that have absolutely no pet toxicity and can even be beneficial to your pet in small doses. There is no rule saying that you absolutely can’t enjoy both pets and essential oils, you simply have to find safe essential oils for pets so you can all benefit at once:

1. Harmful essential oils for cats

If you are a cat parent, then you need to know which oils are going to harm your furry feline. Below is a list of all essential oils that have a history of cat toxicity according to pet health professionals:

• Wintergreen
• Sweet birch
• Citrus or lemon
• Pine oil
• Peppermint oil
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus oil
• Tea tree oil (also known as Melaleuca oil)
• Thyme and oregano
• Lavender oil

2. Dangerous essential oils for dogs

Dogs are different from cats, meaning that some of the same oils are harmful to them, but there are other oils that may be harmful to dogs that do not necessarily phase a cat. It’s yet another reason that you should always ask your veterinarian before using any new oils around your pets. Below is a list of essential oils that ARE harmful to dogs:

• Cinnamon
• Citrus or lemon oil
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint oil
• Pine tree oil
• Sweet birch
• Tea tree oil
• Wintergreen
• Ylang ylang
• Anise
• Clove
• Thyme
• Juniper
• Yarrow
• Garlic

3. Identifying pet toxicity

The most difficult thing to figure out is how to know if your pet is experiencing negative side effects due to exposure to an essential oil. If you have used any of the above essential oils around your pets without knowing it could harm them, then you need to look for signs that they may be having a bad reaction so you can get them to their vet as quickly as possible. Below are the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in your pet to be aware of:

• Labored breathing
• Drooling and pawing at the mouth or face
• Fatigue
• Weakness or difficulty walking
• Muscle spasms
• Redness or blisters around the face
• Vomiting

If your pet shows these symptoms or is acting strangely in any way, call your vet immediately and have them seen as soon as possible. Be educated and keep your furry companions safe.