Dogs, cats, and Tea Tree essential oil…OH MY! 

I’ve seen this question posted on social media a lot… “Is there a list of what essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats?”

(The short answer is YES, I created one. You can grab it here.) 

But the first answer to the post is always “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. Where did all this Tea Tree hype come from?

Is Tea Tree essential oil truly toxic to animals? 

Well… it depends on how you use it. But, there’s no question that using Tea Tree undiluted can cause problems for the skin or nervous system.  However, let’s back up for a historical, and science-backed perspective…

 

Back in the 1990’s it was thought that tea tree was safe to use undiluted but since then much more safety data is available.

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. Tp literally 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, this is where most of the hype came from. 

In this context, used at full, undiluted strength, Tea Tree essential oil is toxic to animals. And many other essential oils would be too. However, the truth about Tea Tree is that it’s just like other essential oils, it needs to be diluted to be safe. 

It’s known to us aromatherapy professionals that Tea Tree has a dermal max of 15%. This means that if you apply Tea Tree oil topically it needs to be diluted no more than 15%, or 90 drops in 30 mL (1 oz) of carrier. 

 

So is Tea Tree EO safe to use with animals? 

If the 1% recommended dilution rate with animals is used, which is far below the max limit of 15%, and Tea Tree is used appropriately, it can be used safely with dogs. It’s a strong essential oil that shouldn’t be used with cats.

However. That doesn’t mean it’s the best choice to use with our dogs. I always recommend using the gentlest options with our fur babies and there are definitely safer options than Tea Tree.

For example, Rosalina (Melaleuca ericafolia), also known as lavender tea tree, is a gentle and effective and is a cousin to Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). 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 a skin-loving, antibacterial essential oil 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.

 

If you want to learn all about Animal Aromatherapy, check out my new course Aromatherapy For Pets