Are Essential Oils Safe To Use Around Pets?

If you love essential oils and you love your pets, you've probably wondered: are essential oils safe to use around cats and dogs? The short answer is that our furry friends are far more sensitive to essential oils than we are — so a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping them safe.

The short answer

Dogs can tolerate many essential oils in small, well-ventilated amounts, but some oils should be avoided around them completely. Cats are a different story — they can't easily process essential oils, so the safest approach is to avoid using them around cats altogether. Below is exactly which oils to be careful with, and how to diffuse safely.

Golden rules for diffusing around pets

• Never shut a pet in a room with a diffuser running — always let them leave.
• With indoor pets, diffuse for short periods only (around 30 minutes) and let fresh air through your home.
• Watch for any change in behaviour. Loss of appetite, lethargy or an upset tummy means stop immediately — and see your vet if it continues.

Essential oils to avoid around dogs

These oils are best avoided around dogs altogether:

Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Copaiba, Fir Needle, Spanish & Spike Lavender, Oregano, Black Spruce, Blue Tansy and Wintergreen.

Essential oils to avoid around cats

Cats are far more sensitive than dogs, and it's generally considered safest not to use essential oils around them at all. If you do, these oils in particular should always be avoided:

Bergamot, Clove, Eucalyptus, Fir, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Spike Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Tangerine and Tea Tree.

Using essential oils on your pet's skin

Some pet owners use diluted essential oils to support a specific issue — but this is something to approach with real caution, and always with your vet's guidance. For cats, we recommend never applying essential oils topically, as they truly can't metabolise them. For dogs, if your vet is comfortable with it, follow these guidelines:

• Always dilute well — never more than 1% (about 3 drops of essential oil per 10ml of carrier oil).
• Never apply where your pet can lick it. If you must, cover the area with a bandage.
• Never apply to broken skin.
• Use only for a short time, and stop once the issue has settled.
• Never use essential oils on or around puppies under 10 weeks old.

Only ever consider this to support a specific, existing issue — never as a preventative — and check with your vet first.

Signs your pet may be reacting to essential oils

Because toxicity can build up slowly and unseen, watch for: loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, vomiting or diarrhoea, unsteadiness, or any unusual change in behaviour. If you notice any of these, stop using essential oils straight away and contact your vet.

Frequently asked questions

Are essential oils safe for cats?
Generally, no. Cats can't metabolise essential oils the way we do, so the safest approach is to avoid using them around cats — especially the oils listed above.

Are essential oils safe for dogs?
Many are fine in small, well-ventilated amounts, but several oils (listed above) should be avoided. Always diffuse in a space your dog can leave.

Can I diffuse essential oils if I have pets?
Yes, with care — diffuse for short periods, keep the room ventilated, and make sure your pet can always walk away.

What should I do if my pet reacts?
Stop using essential oils immediately, give them fresh air, and contact your vet if symptoms continue.

For many of us, our pets are part of the family — so a little care goes a long way. Diffuse mindfully, keep the oils above out of their reach, and when in doubt, check with your vet. xx