Pet-Safe Perfumes and Essential oils

Fragrances have been an integral part of human civilizations for centuries. Maybe you’re a fan of fragrances, especially natural perfumes and essential oils, due to their remarkable therapeutic and grooming benefits. With increasing awareness of side effects, the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic purposes, known as aromatherapy, has exploded in popularity over recent years. Aromatherapy is generally considered a safer natural alternative treatment option to conventional Western medicine.

However, like many other pet parents, you might wonder whether essential oils and perfumes are also beneficial for your beloved pets. What are some pet-safe perfumes and essential oils? Is it safe to use natural essential oils to scent around your pets? Can you use essential oils to help calm your pets, especially when they are anxious? – Let’s explore the answers to all these questions together.

Understanding essential oils and pets

Essential oils are concentrated natural essences collected from various plant parts, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, resins, and more. They offer many benefits and advantages to humans in maintaining optimal health and wellness. But the consideration is quite different when it comes to our furry friends.

Pet-safe perfumes and essential oils are a newer trend in modern perfumery. As the perfume industry has evolved with cutting-edge innovations and synthetic chemistry, the scope has expanded to include even our felines and canines. Essential oils have medicinal properties and health benefits for our pets, too. However, pets are far more sensitive than humans, especially regarding the sense of smell, and certain essential oils can be intolerable to them.

How pets metabolize essential oils

The essential oils’ chemical compounds move straight to the liver, where specialized enzymes help break down individual chemical components into metabolites. These newly procured metabolites continue circulating into the bloodstream and are eventually eliminated from the body, primarily through urine.

Our pets may lack certain specialized enzymes needed to process and eliminate some chemical compounds, which could be dangerous for them, especially for younger ones, older ones, and those with some liver impairment. For example, a cat’s liver doesn’t have enzymes that can metabolize ketones, phenols, and terpenes, which is why essential oils containing these chemicals aren’t suitable for cats.

Importance of quality of essential oils

The quality of essential oils is immensely important as it directly affects the aroma profile, associated benefits, and safety. Low-quality oils may contain pesticides, heavy metals, or other types of adulterants that can harm the skin, eyes, nervous system, and endocrine system and even cause certain types of cancer. When buying essential oils, look for only pure and natural ones that are extracted in a way that preserves their natural chemicals and associated healing properties intact.

Pet-safe essential oils

Although pets are far more sensitive than humans, some essential oils are generally considered “safer for pets” than others. It’s highly recommended to consider consulting with your veterinarian before using any essential oils for your beloved furry friends. Essential oils that are well-tolerated by one pet may not always be tolerated by another one. So, always practice caution and use essential oils sparingly.

Let’s take a quick look at some essential oils that are pet-safe perfumes, separately for dogs and cats.

Essential oils safe for dogs

Some essential oils are generally considered safe for dogs, but only when diluted into carrier oils. Undiluted versions are highly concentrated and too strong, which can cause adverse reactions.

A 2022 study on canine smell preferences published in Animals showed that “dogs are more likely to interact with scents of blueberry, blackberry, mint, rose, lavender, and linalol,” and it is assumed that these smells are well-tolerated by them.

Essential oils that are deemed to be safe for dogs include:

Essential oils safe for cats

Similar to their use with dogs, essential oils diluted in carrier oils are considered safe for use on cats. Undiluted oils are too concentrated and strong and can cause adverse effects.

Essential oils that are considered safe for cats may include:

Essential oils to avoid

One of the worst essential oils for dogs and cats is tea tree oil. It is highly toxic to the central nervous system and can cause drooling, skin irritation, and other health problems. In addition, the more concentrated the essential oil, the more dangerous it is for pets.

Let’s examine some essential oils that could be toxic for dogs and cats, and pet parents should avoid using them.

Toxic essential oils for dogs

Tea tree
Wintergreen
Birch

Pet parents should practice extra caution when using the following oils with their dogs:

Toxic essential oils for cats

Tea tree
Birch
Basil
Cinnamon
Citrus (lemon, lime, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine, orange)
Fennel
Clove
Wintergreen
Spearmint
Rosemary
Thyme
Peppermint
Oregano

Using essential oils safely around pets

Since pets are more sensitive than humans when using essential oils on or near them, exercise following safety guidelines:

Make sure your pet’s health is stable enough
Use only medicinal-grade essential oils
Practice extra caution when your pets are young, pregnant, or nursing mom
If you are already using a dermal patch or topical medication, don’t use them topically
When first time using essential oils, observe your pet’s behavior
If you see your pets show any symptoms of discomfort, stop all use and consult your vet

Dilution and application methods

As we know, pure essential oils are too powerful and may cause specific adverse reactions. Diluted oils are safe to use on and around pets. A rule of thumb for dilution is to add 4 to 5 drops of essential oils into 10 ml of carrier oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba oils. You can use diluted essential oils topically, but skip the sensitive areas such as eyes, nose, ears, and genitals.

Using diffusers responsibly

You can let your pets enjoy healing essential oils by diffusing them in a diffuser. You might consider using an ultrasonic electric diffuser that makes steam-like molecular water droplets that carry essential oils and scent your pets’ atmosphere. However, run the diffuser only for an hour and then shut it off. You can run it only two times a day, morning and evening, and that’s more than enough.

Signs of essential oil toxicity in pets

As a pet parent, you must know your pet best. If you see your pet is not feeling well after using an essential oil on or near your pet, consider calling your vet as soon as possible.

Some warning signs of essential oil toxicity in pets may include:

Drooling
Difficulty breathing
Unstable gait or difficulty walking straight
Panting
Vomiting
Lethargy or weakness
Diarrhea
Redness inside the mouth on the gums or lips
Pawing or rubbing at mouth and face

FAQs

How can I identify pet-safe essential oils?

While choosing essential oils for your furry friends, take into consideration the following:

Ask your vet: before using any aromatic oils, ask your vet to learn about safety, dosage, and potential adverse effects
Research: look for oils that have a proven past track record
Check toxicity: make sure the essential oil doesn’t contain any ingredient that could be toxic to your beloved pets
Observe: after using essential oils on or around your pets, observe them for at least half an hour to see if they show any behavioral changes or signs of distress.

Are there any essential oils that are toxic to both dogs and cats?

Yes, several essential oils, including tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, pine oil, sweet birch oil, and ylang-ylang oil, have been found toxic to dogs and cats.

What precautions should I take when using essential oils around pets?

When using essential oils around your pets, follow the safety precautions stated below:

Ask your vet: ask your vet which oils are non-toxic and how to use them
Dilute oils: dilute pure essential oils with carrier oils properly
Avoid ingestion or direct contact with sensitive areas: never use orally unless you’re advised to do so. Avoid direct contact with the eyes, ears, nose, and genitals.
Use a diffuser for a limited time: use a water-based diffuser and run it for only one hour or less.
Keep essential oils out of reach: keep oils in such a place that your pets can’t reach.

Can I use essential oils to help calm my pet?

Yes, certain essential oils have significant calming effects, such as lavender oil, which can help your pet calm down when it gets anxious.

Disclaimer: This blog contains only informational content to educate our readers. For diagnosis and medical advice, talk to your professional vet.

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