Essential oils offer many therapeutic benefits and are commonly used in diffusers. Pet owners can also use these oils for their furry friends to cheer them up or calm anxiety or aggressive behavior. However, some essential oils can be harmful to pets, so you need to choose the right ones and use them carefully. The following are some safety tips for using essential oils around pets.
- Select oils wisely: If you have pets at home, ensure that you choose essential oils that are safe for them. As pets have a heightened sense of smell, they are more sensitive to the fragrance of essential oils, and some oils are toxic for pets. So, ensure that you research and opt for pet-friendly essential oils only.
- Keep quality in mind: When it comes to safety tips for using essential oils around pets, you should always choose premium-quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils to prevent any negative side effects. Oils that do not contain any artificial ingredients and additives are the best options. Go for a company that is known for growing the ingredients without the use of pesticides and toxins.
- Use diluted oil in the diffuser: When using essential oils around pets, a diffuser is the safest option. That being said, you should mix the essential oil with a carrier oil or water in the diffuser for the safety of your furry friend. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to smell, and a strong aroma may irritate or overwhelm them. If you are using essential oil for the first time, keep an eye on your pet to see how they react to the aroma.
- Do not use essential oils directly on your pet’s skin: While you can smell essential oils and also apply them to your skin directly, ensure that you never try this with your pet. The strong aroma can be harmful to your dog or cat. Even if you’re using pet-safe oils, dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them on your dog or cat’s skin.
- Know the oils to avoid: This is one of the most important safety tips for using essential oils around pets. Do some research or consult a vet to know which oils are not safe for cats and dogs. If you have a dog, the essential oils to avoid include clove, juniper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, tea tree, wintergreen, and oregano. On the other hand, cats are more sensitive to lemon, cinnamon, citrus, clove, cassia, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, thyme, tea tree, birch, spruce, and pennyroyal essential oils.
- Keep the diffuser out of your pet’s reach: Remember to keep the diffuser at a place where your pet cannot reach it. Accidents may otherwise cause them to inhale or come in contact with undiluted essential oils, which may prove harmful.
Another must-follow safety tip for using essential oils around pets is to use the diffuser in a well-ventilated room and ensure that your furry friend can leave the room if they start feeling uncomfortable.