{"id":6757,"date":"2022-11-13T17:48:16","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T01:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/?p=6757"},"modified":"2022-11-13T17:48:51","modified_gmt":"2022-11-14T01:48:51","slug":"essential-oils-around-cats-and-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/essential-oils-around-cats-and-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"What Essential Oils Are Safe to Diffuse Around Cats and Dogs? (Quick Facts)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you\u2019re a pet owner who enjoys the benefits of diffusing essential oils, you may wonder which ones are safe to diffuse around your cat or dog.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cats are more sensitive to the adverse effects of essential oils, but you have to be cautious about which oils you expose your dog to as well. Common oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil should never be diffused around your pets.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn how you can continue to enjoy the effects of diffusing essential oils without harming your pets.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-Essential-Oils-Are-Safe-to-Diffuse-Around-Cats-and-Dogs-800.jpg\" alt=\"What Essential Oils Are Safe to Diffuse Around Cats and Dogs\" class=\"wp-image-6779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-Essential-Oils-Are-Safe-to-Diffuse-Around-Cats-and-Dogs-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-Essential-Oils-Are-Safe-to-Diffuse-Around-Cats-and-Dogs-800-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/What-Essential-Oils-Are-Safe-to-Diffuse-Around-Cats-and-Dogs-800-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diffusing Essential Oils Around Your Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/news\/latest-home-trend-harmful-your-pets-what-you-need-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ASPCA<\/a>) alleviates some distress that you might have about exposing your pet to essential oil mist from your diffuser.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Similar to adults, if your pet has a history of lung issues, it\u2019s best not to diffuse oils in your home. Otherwise, diffusing essential oils in an area closed off to your pet shouldn\u2019t cause any problems for your cat or dog.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where you might run into problems is when the dog or cat is in the same area of the home as your diffuser while it\u2019s operating.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are three main problems that can result from diffusing essential oils around your pet:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>The fragrance may overwhelm your pet, even if it\u2019s subtle to you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inhaling the oils might pose a health risk to your pet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil droplets might land on your pet\u2019s coat, leading to ingestion once it grooms itself<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The first problem has an easy cure. <\/strong>Wherever you\u2019re diffusing in the home, you can make it easy for your pet to exit the room, if it becomes irritated or overwhelmed by the scent. The last point is one I hadn\u2019t even thought about, but we\u2019ll save it for later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Calgary Veterinarian discusses Essential Oils diffuser for Pets\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/buxC9c3ldUY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diffusing Essential Oils Around Cats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can avoid diffusing essential oils around cats altogether, I would suggest doing that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After inhaling the fine mist of water and essential oils from your diffuser, cats can experience <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.matthews.carolinavet.com\/site\/pet-health-blog\/2021\/02\/28\/aspiration-pneumonia-in-cats\" target=\"_blank\">aspiration pneumonia<\/a>. Their already sensitive lungs and airway passage would become inflamed from inhaling the essential oil and water droplets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Your cat might have trouble breathing, lack an appetite, have difficulty swallowing, or experience lethargy. You might notice a fever or hear respiratory sounds, like gurgling or rattling. <\/strong>These are just a few of the symptoms, but if you notice a change in your cat\u2019s behavior after it\u2019s been exposed to diffused oils, then you\u2019ll want to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, aspiration pneumonia is one of the most difficult forms of pneumonia to treat in a cat. <strong>Other ailments your cat might experience from inhaling essential oil particles from your diffuser are central nervous system depression, liver damage, or gastrointestinal upset.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In more extreme cases, inhaling essential oils can lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/cabbagetownpetclinic.com\/2020\/03\/02\/how-essential-oils-can-affect-your-pets-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seizures or even death<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, going back to my first suggestion, if you have cats, you may not want to diffuse essential oils around them at all, unless it\u2019s specifically formulated for cats and\/or is prescribed by your cat\u2019s veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some essential oil fragrances might actually attract your dog, piquing its interest. <strong>This curiosity might lead to your dog searching for the source of that fragrance.<\/strong> <strong>Therefore, it\u2019s even more important to keep your diffuser out of your dog\u2019s reach.<\/strong> If your dog finds it and accidentally knocks it over, this would create a different set of problems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Oils You Should Not Diffuse Around Your Pet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cats don\u2019t have the enzymes needed to process phenol compounds found in essential oils. The high concentration of phenols in plant matter is what makes essential oils especially toxic for cats. Exposure often leads to organ failure or <a href=\"https:\/\/cabbagetownpetclinic.com\/2020\/03\/02\/how-essential-oils-can-affect-your-pets-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">respiratory distress<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Veterinarians point out that kittens and elderly cats are even more vulnerable and should never be around essential oils.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cabbagetownpetclinic.com\/2020\/03\/02\/how-essential-oils-can-affect-your-pets-health\/\" target=\"_blank\">This Ontario pet clinic<\/a> lists eleven <strong>essential oils that are poisonous to your cat no matter the age<\/strong>. Two were added from other sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poisonous Essential Oils for Cats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cinnamon oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citrus oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clove oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eucalyptus oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oregano oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pennyroyal oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peppermint oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pine oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweet Birch oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tea tree oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thyme oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wintergreen oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ylang ylang oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The effects of essential oils on cats is far worse than for dogs but you have to be cautious around your dogs as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s their nose that\u2019s more sensitive than their organs. So always watch your pet and stop diffusing if your dog looks irritated or you notice other changes in its behavior.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The same essential oil that might calm one dog, might cause another one to feel more stress. Dogs can also experience respiratory and central nervous system challenges.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to using essential oils around dogs, it is best to consult a veterinarian.&nbsp; But there are a number of essential oils that should never be used around dogs, either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poisonous Essential Oils for Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Anise oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cinnamon oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citrus oil&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clove oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Garlic oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Juniper oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pennyroyal oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peppermint oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pine oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sweet birch oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tea tree oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thyme oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wintergreen oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ylang ylang oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re diffusing these oils or using them topically, they are completely unsafe for your pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some experts offer even <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/pet-talk\/a-scent-sitive-subject-essential-oil-diffusers-and-your-cat\/\" target=\"_blank\">more extensive lists<\/a> that you might want to research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Droplets on Your Pet\u2019s Coat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another danger of diffusing essential oils around your pets is that the tiny droplets can land and accumulate on their coats. The problem with that is cats and dogs frequently groom themselves throughout the day.<strong> If they ingest essential oil droplets, they can experience any of the previously mentioned symptoms. But the reaction might also be more subtle.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You might notice:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Runny nose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watery eyes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflammation of the skin, lips, or gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drooling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coughing, wheezing, or panting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unsteady gait<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tremors or lethargy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low body temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low heart rate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you notice that essential oil droplets have landed on your pet\u2019s coat, remove your pet from that room, and then wash their coat with soap and water. If the diffuser is still operating, then keep your pet out of that room.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In cases where they\u2019ve already licked the oils, it\u2019s best to take them to the vet.<\/strong> Do not induce vomiting because it can worsen the condition. Remember to take the essential oil with you to the office or emergency clinic so that the vet will know which treatment options are best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Expose your pet to fresh air if you notice difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or similar symptoms. <\/strong>If exposure to fresh air doesn\u2019t help, then you\u2019ll want to take your cat or dog to the veterinarian.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Oils Safe to Diffuse Around Pets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a number of essential oils that are safe to diffuse around your cat or dog. Diffusing is actually preferred over topical use of essential oils with pets. As you can probably imagine, the approved list for cats is much shorter than the one for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Oils Safe to Diffuse Around Cats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Chamomile oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frankincense oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lavender oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential Oils Safe to Diffuse Around Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cedarwood oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chamomile oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geranium oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ginger oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frankincense oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lavender oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Myrrh oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rosemary oil<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s best to diffuse single oils around your pets. If using blends, carefully read the ingredients list before diffusing. The oils listed here are only suggestions compiled from expert agencies. You should always have a talk with a veterinarian about which oils to diffuse around your specific dog or cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some additional essential oil diffusing pointers:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If your pet\u2019s in the room while you\u2019re diffusing essential oils, always add fewer drops than what\u2019s recommended for humans. This makes the scent less strong for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always leave a door open in case your pet elects to leave the room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure there\u2019s proper ventilation in the room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use interval settings; never run the diffuser continuously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diffuse for no more than 10 minutes at a time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even if an oil is vet-approved, test a small amount first to see how your pet will respond to it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid using the diffuser in areas where the vapor can land on their pet bed, toys, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Essential oils can make your home smell nice and even eliminate pet odors, but you have to diffuse them safely around your pets. You\u2019ve taken a big step towards creating a safe home environment for your cat or dog. Educating yourself on the topic will go a long way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If your cat or dog has pre-existing breathing problems, you\u2019d best serve them by not diffusing essential oils in your home at all. Otherwise stick to the short list provided above.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But always consult with your pet\u2019s veterinarian before diffusing essential oils around them because each species is unique. Even pet safe oils can cause your pet to respond differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>If for some reason you can\u2019t access medical services for your pet, you can always call APCC at (888) 426-4435.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re a pet owner who enjoys the benefits of diffusing essential oils, you may wonder which ones are safe to diffuse around your cat or dog.&nbsp; Cats are more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6757"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6757"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6781,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6757\/revisions\/6781"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6757"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/housefragrance.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}