Dogs, Cats, and Tea Tree Essential Oil

Dogs, cats, and tea tree essential oil...OH NO! 

Have you ever Googled “What essential oils are toxic to dogs or cats?”

The first answer to the post is often “Tea Tree!” 

When it comes to using essential oils with our pets, no essential oil out there gets as much negative attention as tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Will it kill your cat? it could, but not if it's used appropriately.

Let's take a look at where all this tea tree hype came from.

Is tea tree essential oil truly toxic to animals? 

Well... it depends on how you use it. Applying tea tree undiluted to the skin can cause problems for the skin or nervous system.  However, let’s back up for a historical, and science-backed perspective…

Back in 2014, a study called “Tea Tree Oil Toxicosis on Dogs and Cats” was published.   This was a retrospective study that looked at data retrieved from the ASPCA from 2002-2012.  (If you’re a science nerd like me, here’s the link. )

From 2002-2012, 443 dog and cat owners had contacted the ASPCA poison helpline because their pet had been exposed to pure, undiluted tea tree oil. 

Most of the animals (89%) were given tea tree by their owners intentionally, the remainder had been accidentally exposed.  Tea tree essential oil had been used in 1 of 3 ways. To half of the animals (50%), it had been applied topically.  To 30% of the animals, it was given both topically and orally, and 15% were given an oral dose only. 

All of these 443 animals had moderate to severe reactions to 100% undiluted tea tree essential oil. The most common reactions to overexposure of tea tree oil seen by the ASPCA were increased salivation or drooling, nervous system depression or lethargy, partial paralysis, ataxia (decreased coordination), and tremors. 

It’s easy to see how the conclusion of this data was that tea tree essential oil is toxic to dogs and cats.

There's another reported case of  tea tree used to treat 3 cats with fleas.

In an attempt to kill fleas and prevent further infestations, the pet owner shaved all 3 cats and had 100% (undiluted) Tea Tree applied topically to their skin. All 3 cats had severe adverse reactions- hypothermia, dehydration, loss of coordination- 2 recovered and unfortunately, 1 died due to liver toxicity.

Sadly, the results of this report, taken out of context, triggered the notion that tea tree essential oil will kill cats.  

In this context, using excess amounts at full, undiluted strength, tea tree essential oil is toxic to animals. And many other essential oils would be too. However, the truth is that it’s just like other essential oils, it needs to be highly diluted to be safe. 

Tea tree has a dermal max of 15%. This means that applying tea tree oil topically to human skin it needs to be diluted less than 15%, or 90 drops in 30 mL (1 oz) of carrier. That's a lot of tea tree. 

So is tea tree essential oil safe to use with animals? 

The 1% recommended dilution rate with animals is far below the max limit of 15%. This means that tea tree can be safely applied topically dogs. It should not be used topically with cats, due to the possibility of ingestion when self-grooming. It's best to use caution with any animals when diffusing tea tree. Stay aware and watch for signs of adverse reactions.

But it isn't the safest choice. I always recommend using the gentlest options with our fur babies and there are definitely safer options than tea tree.

For example, Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) essential oil is a gentle and safer option when you're looking for an antibacterial, antimicrobial, or antifungal oil to use topically.

Rosalina (Melaleuca ericafolia), also known as lavender tea tree, is a cousin to tea tree  (Melaleuca alternifolia) and another gentle and effective option. If you’re looking for a gentle essential oil that has strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, immune-stimulating properties, Rosalina essential oil is a good choice.

Looking to heal a skin wound? Try other skin-loving, antibacterial essential oils like lavender, helichrysum, geranium, carrot seed, or calendula infused oil.

Pay attention to what's in your blends. If tea tree is in a blend that you like, consider your animals before using diffusing it throughout the house. Using a personal aromatherapy inhaler would be a better choice for you, and safer for your fur baby.