Animals and Aromatherapy: How to Safely Use Essential Oils Around Pets
Our favorite friends to give gifts to are often times our furry ones! Whether it’s a treat, a toy or just walking through the front door, our pets are always generous receivers. And while we may love sharing the goodness of essential oils with all those who cross our path, your four-legged friends will thank you for not sharing essential oils with them.
Here’s Why
Essential oils have become a staple in natural remedies, and while we always want what’s best for our pets, essential oils may actually do more harm than good. For example, it’s not hard to tell from the outside that animals are different than humans. But just as all people have different medical histories, allergies, health needs, etc., so do animals. And what works for one animal, may not work for another.
They have a unique physiology, and cannot metabolize most essential oils like we can. It is for this reason that the use of essential oils around pets can cause severe health damage if used incorrectly. If you have pets in your home, we suggest speaking with a holistic veterinarian before using essential oils on or around them.
We see so many blog posts and articles online that champion essential oils as natural remedies for pets with issues ranging from ticks to bladder problems. But we rarely see these articles backed by scientific studies or animal aromatherapists. While they may not necessarily be wrong, they could be wrong for your animals.
An example would be using the same EO recipe on a small Boston Terrier and a large Great Dane. Which is why if you are considering using any oils on your pets we strongly suggest working with a holistic veterinarian.
The most important thing we want to stress is that your pets do not have a voice and cannot tell you when something is hurting them. A major sign to watch out for would be behavioral differences, such as whining, scratching or acting loopy. These types of signs are a red flag and a prime reason to stop using EOs around them.
Exploring Safety Further
But not all hope is lost when it comes to using essential oils to help your beloved pals. With proper use, and under the supervision of a certified animal aromatherapist, essential oils can be beneficial to animals. For more information on animal aromatherapy, we recommend picking a copy of Kristen Leigh Bell’s book Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals.
Finally, Here Are Some Guidelines on Using EOs on Pets
Do not use essential oils with the following:
- Cats/Felines (due to their highly sensitive metabolic systems, cats and essential oils do not mix)
- Fish and reptiles (due to their pH levels and aquatic environments)
- Birds (due to their respiratory and metabolic systems)
- Pet rodents and small mammals (gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, rats etc.) (There is not enough research on this topic, other than actual animal-testing and research results gained for knowledge use with humans).[1]
- Azzaro, Kelly Holland. Animal Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Safety. N.p.: Ashi Aromatics Inc, 2013. PDF.
About the Author, Jenna Jones
Jenna Jones is the Chief Marketing Officer of Edens Garden. Jenna’s background in journalism led her to investigate the world of essential oils, and what she discovered inspired her. She joined the team in 2016, spurring Edens Garden into a leading source for aromatherapy education.
This article was reviewed by our Lead Aromatherapist,
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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6 comments
Darlene Cassola
Could you list the ones that are “safer” to use around dogs, similar to the “children’s list”. Perhaps make a line of essential oils “safer” to use around pets. I know you cannot guarantee the pets safety, but some guidance would be helpful. Love your products. Hoping they don’t bother my labradoodle.
Thank you so much for your time!
Kimberly K Pillman
Thank you for putting forth information regarding EO’s and pets. I have great success using EO’s but do not dare use with our 2 newly rescued Teacup Chihuahuas. They have some health issues themselves. Thank you again! Helps me to trust your company immensely. God Bless!
Edens Garden
Hi Terrye! The above rules apply to all essential oils which can be diffused!
Terrye Soto
What about the EO we use in our defuse, can that be harmful to our pets?
Judith Moseley
Thank you for this information on essential oils and pets. It is complicated and I – as well as most pet owners – would not harm them for the world! I’m ordering Leigh Bell’s book and thanks for mentioning it. I’ll take this opportunity to also reiterate that I love the items I’ve ordered from Edens Garden and the gifts given were received as delightful. Judith
Edens Garden
September 27, 2021 at 8:18 am
Hi Darlene! This article lists essential oils that are safe for dogs: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/aaa-which-essential-oils-are-safe-for-dogs