How to Protect Your Pets While Enjoying Essential Oils

Many of us enjoy a fragrant home, using essential oils like lavender or citrus to create a calming atmosphere. But what’s soothing to us can be harmful to our pets.

In this blog, we explore the hidden risks essential oils can pose, how to recognise signs of exposure, and the best ways to use them safely around animals.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. While generally safe for humans when used correctly, pets process these substances very differently. Cats, for example, lack certain liver enzymes that help break down compounds found in many oils, making even small exposures potentially toxic.

It’s not just cats and dogs at risk - birds, rabbits, and other small animals are also highly sensitive. Their small size and delicate systems make them especially vulnerable to inhaling, absorbing, or ingesting even tiny amounts.

Understanding how your pet might come into contact with essential oils is the first step in preventing harm. Here are the most frequent exposure routes:

1. Inhalation

A popular way to use essential oils is by diffusing them in the air. While diffusers may make a room smell lovely, pets can suffer when exposed to vapours over extended periods, especially in small, enclosed, or poorly ventilated spaces.

2. Skin Contact

Essential oils should never be applied directly to your pet’s fur or skin, either neat or diluted, unless under the direct guidance of a veterinarian. The oils can be absorbed through the skin, leading to localised reactions or systemic toxicity.

3. Ingestion

Accidental ingestion can happen when curious pets lick residue off furniture, walk through spilled oil and lick their paws, or chew on items infused with oils, such as potpourri, reed diffusers, or essential oil-treated toys.

If your pet has come into contact with essential oils, symptoms can manifest quickly or over a prolonged period. Be vigilant for the following warning signs:

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Wobbly walking or disorientation

• Weakness or unusual lethargy

• Muscle tremors or seizures

• Unusual behaviour such as hiding or vocalising more than usual

• Yellowing of the skin, gums or eyes (a sign of liver distress)

Any of these signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for your pet.

While many essential oils can cause harm if misused, some are more dangerous than others. Below are a few that should always be avoided around pets:

• Tea Tree Oil: One of the most widely known harmful oils for pets. Even small amounts applied topically can cause severe poisoning, especially in cats.

• Eucalyptus: Often found in cleaning products and diffusers, eucalyptus oil can cause salivation, vomiting, and seizures if inhaled or ingested.

• Camphor: Commonly used in vapour rubs and ointments, camphor is toxic when ingested and can trigger seizures and liver failure.

• Wintergreen: Contains methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Exposure may lead to gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and even death.

• Clove Oil: This oil can cause liver damage and depression of the central nervous system. Even a small amount can be hazardous when ingested or absorbed through the skin.

If you enjoy using essential oils, you don’t necessarily have to give them up completely—but caution is key. Here’s how to reduce the risk to your pets:

1. Diffuse Responsibly:  If you use a diffuser, make sure your pet can freely leave the room at any time. Avoid confined spaces and ensure good ventilation. Limit the frequency and duration of diffusion.

2. Never Apply Oils Directly to Pets: Even diluted oils can be harmful if applied to your pet’s fur or skin. Do not use essential oils as a flea or tick repellent without veterinary guidance.

3. Secure Storage: Always keep essential oils out of reach, in tightly closed containers, and stored safely away from where pets eat, play, or sleep.

4. Choose Products Wisely: Look for pet-safe cleaning and grooming products. Many brands now offer natural alternatives that don’t include harmful essential oils.

5. Consult Your Vet First: If you’re considering using essential oils for a therapeutic reason, always speak with your veterinarian. Some oils may have limited use under professional supervision, but never try to diagnose or treat your pet on your own.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to an essential oil, act quickly:

1. Remove the Source: If it’s a spill, clean it up immediately. If it’s a diffuser, turn it off and remove your pet from the room.

2. Avoid Inducing Vomiting: Do not try to make your pet vomit unless instructed by a vet.

3. Contact the Animal Poisons Helpline: Call 1300 869 738 for urgent advice.

4. Visit Your Vet Promptly: Even if your pet appears stable, internal damage can develop hours later.

Quick intervention can make all the difference in recovery.

At Ipswich Family Vet Clinic, we believe in empowering pet owners with accurate, up-to-date information. The more you know about household hazards like essential oils, the more confident you'll feel in creating a safe environment for your pet.

We recommend subscribing to reputable sources like the Animal Poisons Helpline newsletter, which shares alerts and education tailored to Australian pets and households.

We’re here to support you in every aspect of pet care - from nutrition and safety to emergency treatment. If you have any concerns or want personalised advice on products and home care routines, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Your pet’s health and happiness matter to us always.