Dogs & Essential Oil Diffusers: What You Need to Know

Dr. Dave’s Guide to Pet-Safe Essential Oil Diffusers

Dr. Dave’s understands the importance of pet wellness, and we’re here to share what you need to know about dogs and essential oil diffusers. If you’re a dog lover living in Saratoga or Campbell, CA, then you know just how important it is to keep your furry friends healthy and happy. From feeding them the right diet to taking them on daily walks, pet owners will do anything to keep their pets thriving. However, have you ever considered incorporating essential oil diffusers into your pet care routine? Essential oil diffusers are becoming increasingly popular for their potential health benefits for humans, but did you know they can also benefit your pets?

Can My Dog Benefit From Essential Oils?

Essential oil diffusers are small devices that release a mist of essential oils into the air. The oils are typically extracted from plants and contain the plant’s natural scent and healing properties. People use essential oil diffusers for stress relief and improved sleep to, respiratory health, and mood enhancement. Dogs can also benefit from these oils, but with some caution. While some essential oils can have many benefits for dogs, others can be toxic or cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose essential oils that are safe for your furry friend and use them appropriately. By responsibly integrating essential oils into your pet care routine, you can explore holistic methods to enhance your pets’ well-being. Benefits include:

Boosts Immunity – Essential oils like frankincense and lemon have immune-boosting properties that can help improve a dog’s overall health.
Reduces Inflammation – Essential oils like ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint pain and other inflammatory conditions.
Relieves Anxiety and Stress – Essential oils like lavender and chamomile can promote relaxation and calmness in dogs, reducing anxiety and stress levels.
Improves Mood – Certain essential oils, such as grapefruit, have mood-boosting properties that can help uplift your dog’s spirits and improve their overall mood.
Promotes Better Sleep – Essential oils like valerian root and Roman chamomile can help your dog relax and fall into a deep and restful sleep.
Enhances Overall Relaxation – Combining different essential oils can create a relaxing and calming atmosphere that can help both you and your furry friend unwind and de-stress.

What Are the Risks of Using Essential Oils Around Dogs?

Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits, and people have turned to these powerful plant extracts to improve their overall well-being and even support their pets’ health. However, many essential oils are toxic to dogs, and if not used properly, even nontoxic oils can pose a threat. Consulting with a veterinarian before using any essential oils around your dog is always advisable to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some potential risks of using essential oils for dogs:

Respiratory Issues – Dogs can be sensitive to the particles released by essential oil diffusers, which may lead to respiratory problems, especially in breeds prone to respiratory issues.
Skin Irritation – Direct contact with undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation in dogs, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns.
Ingestion Risks – Some dogs might be curious and attempt to ingest essential oils or the diffuser itself, which can lead to poisoning or choking hazards.
Allergic Reactions – Just like humans, dogs can have allergies. Some essential oils may trigger allergic reactions in dogs, causing symptoms such as itching, swelling, or hives.
Organ Failure – Certain essential oils can cause liver and kidney damage in dogs if ingested or used in high concentrations over a long period of time.
Seizures and Tremors – Some essential oils, such as tea tree and pennyroyal, can be toxic to dogs and cause seizures and tremors. It’s important to research which oils are safe for your furry friend before using them around them.

Safe Practices for Using Essential Oil Diffusers Around Dogs

Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and some scents that are pleasant to us may be overwhelming to them. At our daycare, we’ve noticed no two dogs are the same. Just because one dog can tolerate a specific essential oil doesn’t mean your dog can, so it’s important to observe your dog’s behavior when using essential oils. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or agitation or tries to avoid the area, it’s best to discontinue use, even if the oil you’re using is generally considered safe. A happy and comfortable pup is always the ultimate goal. If you’re a pet owner and wish to use essential oil diffusers in your home, here are some tips to do so safely:

Consult Your Vet – Before using any essential oils around your dog, consult your veterinarian to ensure they are safe for your specific pet.
Dilution is key – If your vet approves using a specific essential oil for your dog, always dilute it properly. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be too intense for pets in their undiluted form. Use a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) to dilute the essential oil, typically at a ratio of 1-3 drops per ounce of carrier oil.
Do Not Apply to Skin – Dogs have sensitive skin and may be more prone to skin irritation or allergic reactions when essential oils are applied topically.
Do Not Administer Orally – Dogs metabolize substances differently from humans. Some essential oil compounds may be processed more slowly or differently in a dog’s body, leading to a buildup of toxic byproducts, which can place a significant burden on a dog’s liver and kidney.
Use Passive Diffusers – Passive diffusers, such as reed diffusers, diffuser jewelry, or simply placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball, rely on the natural process of evaporation to disperse the scent gradually. They are generally considered safer for use around dogs because they do not produce strong, concentrated bursts of aroma.
Allow for an Escape – Ensure your dog can leave the room or area where the essential oil diffuser is placed.

Essential Oils to Avoid Around Dogs

Certain essential oils are known to be more toxic to dogs, and avoiding them when using an essential oil diffuser in your home is vital. It is also important to avoid using them on your skin or anywhere your dog could come into contact with them. If they do get these toxic oils on their skin, bring them in for a thorough bathing to minimize the effects, and call your vet for a cautionary checkup. Since the potential for harm exists, it’s crucial to exercise caution when using essential oils around dogs and to be aware of the specific oils that should be avoided entirely. Here is a list of some essential oils that are known to be toxic to dogs:

Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil – Tea tree oil is highly toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, tremors, or seizures. It should never be used around dogs.
Pennyroyal Oil – Pennyroyal oil is known to be a potent toxin and can lead to severe liver and nervous system damage in dogs. It should be avoided entirely.
Wintergreen Oil – Wintergreen oil contains methyl salicylate, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied topically. It can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even death.
Pine Oil – Pine oil can irritate a dog’s skin and mucous membranes and cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.
Cinnamon Oil – Cinnamon oil can cause skin irritation and, when ingested, may lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage.
Clove Oil – Clove oil can be harmful to dogs and may cause symptoms such as drooling, difficulty breathing, and liver damage if ingested.
Thyme Oil – Thyme oil may cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and other adverse reactions in dogs.
Citrus Oils – Oils from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can irritate a dog’s skin and cause stomach upset if ingested. While they are not usually considered highly toxic, it’s best to avoid them.
Eucalyptus Oil – Eucalyptus oil can cause symptoms such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing if inhaled or ingested.
Ylang-Ylang Oil – This can cause skin irritation, excessive salivation, and nausea in dogs.
Bitter Almond Oil – Contains cyanide and can be highly toxic to dogs.
Peppermint Oil – Peppermint oil contains compounds like menthol and pulegone that can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and other adverse effects if ingested. Inhaling the strong aroma of peppermint oil can be overwhelming and lead to discomfort or respiratory issues.

Ensuring Safe and Beneficial Use of Essential Oil Diffusers

Dr. Dave’s is here to support your pet’s well-being. If you have questions or concerns about using essential oil diffusers around your dogs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to providing guidance and ensuring your pets live their best, healthiest lives. Essential oil diffusers can be a valuable addition to your pet care routine, providing potential benefits for you and your dogs. However, it’s essential to approach their use cautiously and prioritize safety. There are pet-safe products specifically designed for dogs, such as shampoos, sprays, or topical treatments, which are formulated to be safe and effective for them. In times of doubt, these may be a better option than using essential oils.