As of late, essential oils have had an increase in popularity for several reasons. According to WebMD, these oils, which are “concentrated extractions from plants,” can have a myriad of benefits. For instance, some people may find lavender oil relaxing and tea tree oil can prevent fungal infections.

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That being said, if you are a pup parent, you need to be careful with how you use and store essential oils. VCA Animal Hospitals reported that these oils can be dangerous to our furry friends if ingested. Based on the amount consumed, our canine companions may experience “gastrointestinal upset” or issues with their “nervous system.” In addition, getting in contact with certain essential oils may cause skin irritation.

During a 2018 appearance on “The Doctors,” veterinarian Dr. Karen Halligan shared that using essential oil diffusers may also be potentially damaging to our furry friends.

“We have pets that are seizuring … and we’re tracing it back to an essential oil diffusers in the house,” shared the vet.

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She explained that due to the size of their lungs, “cats and small dogs” may experience some health issues just by breathing in the evaporated oil.

“They’ll go up to it and they’ll sniff it and they’ll knock it over. Then the oil will get on their skin, then it gets on their fur, and then what do they do? They lick their fur. So they smell it, they ingest it, and it can be deadly. Some oils are worse than others. Tea tree, citrus, peppermint, pine. Those are all very, very dangerous,” explained Dr. Halligan.

She then gave suggestions on how to use essential oil diffusers if you have a cat or a dog, stating,

“Make sure that you use low concentrated or diluted oils, not heavily concentrated. Set up a room. You’ve got a little essential oils therapy room so that the pets can’t come into that room. If you are going to use it, make sure that it’s very well ventilated and try to put it in a place where the pets can’t get to it.”

She also listed the ways a pup parent can tell if their pooch is suffering due to essential oil.

“They’ll be drooling, they’ll have dilated pupils. They’ll fall over, they’ll convulse. They’ll have burns on their mouth. They’ll burn their skin it’s very sad,” asserted Dr. Halligan.

VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that if you notice your pooch exhibiting these symptoms after coming into contact with essential oils “call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680)” as soon as possible.

Are Essential Oils Dangerous To Dogs?

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