It’s easy to confuse natural with safe. However, the reality is a little different. Essential oils are potent substances that can pose serious risks when used improperly. If you’ve ever used essential oils yourself, then you know how much of a difference a few drops can make.
Applying oils topically can be irritating to the skin — yours and your dog’s. This is counterproductive for treating skin conditions and can add to your dog’s discomfort. Therefore, without proper professional guidance, it’s best to avoid using essential oils topically or directly on your dog. Instead, look for expertly formulated products that incorporate dog-safe essential oils.
The chemicals in essential oils are rapidly absorbed into the system, whether received orally or through the skin, and metabolized by the liver. Therefore, using essential oils could be problematic for puppies and young dogs, dogs with liver disease, or elderly dogs.
If your pup can reach the essential oil you put on him and licks it off, it could result in gastrointestinal upset. Never leave essential oils or bottles in a place where your dog (or any other pets, or children) can get them. If your dog does ingest essential oils, contact your veterinarian and poison control immediately.
Dogs’ noses are much more powerful than ours, so consider that if you use or diffuse essential oils in your home or use products containing essential oils.
Placing a few drops of lavender oil on a dog’s bedding may help calm them, or it may just cause further stress. Oils used improperly can also lead to changes in behavior, adverse central nervous system effects, and respiratory problems — all of which can be serious. Some essential oils are poisonous to dogs. This includes oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. These oils are toxic whether ingested by mouth or spread on the skin.
The following is the complete list of toxic oils, issued by Canadian Veterinary Medical Association:
Following are from various articles gathered from reputable sources and websites:
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