While it may seem like essential oils would be “safe” because they’re plant-based, that isn’t necessarily the case. Some are toxic to pets,
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Picture this: You walk into your bedroom, deliciously scented with peppermint essential oil thanks to your new diffuser, and see your cat, Luna, lying on the bed. She seems a little lethargic, her breathing is heavy and her eyes are watery. Worried, you bring her to your veterinarian, who surprises you with the news that the cause of her respiratory distress is your new essential oil.

Even if you haven’t ventured into the wide world of essential oils, it’s likely you’ve smelled them — eucalyptus marketed to promote alertness, perhaps, or a drop of lavender applied to a temple to reduce stress. Essential oils are experiencing a surge in popularity and as their use becomes more widespread, so does their misuse. Unfortunately, when people aren’t careful with their essential oils, pets can pay the price.

In the same way that many people seek out essential oils in the hopes of utilizing alternative, natural remedies for their ailments, pet guardians may also be tempted to turn to oils when caring for their dog or cat. But essential oils require caution. While it may seem like they would be “safe” because they’re plant-based, that isn’t necessarily the case. Some oils are toxic to dogs and cats, and others can be dangerous if they’re too highly concentrated. VCA Animal Hospitals lists cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen and ylang ylang as being toxic to both dogs and cats, whether they ingest it or simply get it on their skin.

The concentration of the oil you’re using is also key. If an oil isn’t diluted, it can be toxic to your pet when ingested or metabolized through the skin, and can even cause chemical burns when applied directly. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, no essential oil should be applied directly to your pet’s skin in its most concentrated form. It’s important that all concentrated essential oils be kept in a secure, pet-proof place where your furry friends can’t get into mischief and accidentally come into contact with them. This includes diffusers, which can be knocked over by curious cats or dogs, leading them to lick or walk through leaking oils.

Because they disperse tiny droplets of oil into the air, diffusers can also cause respiratory problems if you’re using an oil that is toxic to your pet, the diffuser is used in a small or enclosed space, or if it’s used for an extended period of time. If you have birds, diffusers can be especially dangerous. Birds have highly sensitive respiratory systems and are easily affected by inhaled toxins, so they should never be kept near an active diffuser, regardless of the oil in use.

Signs that your pet may have come into contact with an unsafe oil include unsteadiness and difficulty walking, drooling and vomiting, lethargy and depression, trouble breathing, or redness on their skin or lips and tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog or cat, immediately take them to your veterinarian. If you are aware of any oils on their fur or skin, you can wash it off with mild dish soap to reduce the likelihood of a chemical burn.

If you’re an essential oil aficionado as well as a pet guardian, there’s no need to panic and toss your oils in the trash for fear of poisoning your pal. Simply do your research, store them in a safe place and use caution.

Julia Lamont is the social media and marketing specialist for Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions and stories about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, Twitter.com/marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org