We want to keep our animals healthy and happy and often we feel having them experience the same things we do, such as bubble baths and massages, will keep them well. That is not always true. Read the following about essential oils:
Safe to Smell Is Not Safe to Soothe
Many natural pet care products appear to contain the same substances used in human aromatherapy products. But that does not mean any aromatherapy product should be used indiscriminately on your pet. Essential oils in pet care products are generally constituted in greatly diluted amounts. For example, many natural flea shampoos may contain essential oils, but because of the dilution of these oils with other ingredients, they are generally safe to use according to label directions. Remember, always follow the directions and never assume more is better. And for these reasons, never apply 100 percent essential oils from aromatherapy products on your pet, especially on broken skin. The volatile compounds can quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream and possibly damage vital organs. Essential oils should also never be given orally, because many of them can damage the liver. If your pet has ingested essential oils, call your veterinarian immediately.Scents Can Be Irritating
Dogs and cats have a much better sense of smell than we do, and what smells good to us may be overwhelming for them. You wouldn’t want to be trapped on an elevator with an overly perfumed companion, so always make sure your pets have a way to escape from smells that you think are wonderful — those same scents might in fact be irritating to them. Birds in particular should be safeguarded from strong scents — they have very different and more sensitive respiratory tracts than we do, and the inhalation of essential oils is not recommended.
And finally, while essential oils can be irritating and not so soothing to your dog, we have to also be aware that they can be lethal too! You can read more about this over on Vet Street but know, if ingested in great quantities, certain oils can be potentially toxic to our pets!
Simply, if you notice your dog is behaving in a strange way, looking ill, and you know he has been around essential oils, take him to a vet. It is better to be safe than sorry!
