If you’ve ever searched for  “which essential oils are toxic to dogs” you probably found a list that looked something like this…

 

 A Google or Pinterest will bring up several lists of essential oils that are toxic (or harmful) to dogs. On the surface, these lists appear good… they list enough essential oils to seem complete and not enough to feel overwhelming. There are just right.

However, when you actually know essential oils, and how to use them with animals, these lists are misleading.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad pet parents are asking what essential oils are bad, harmful, or toxic to their dogs.  And I’m really glad they want to keep their pets safe. But these lists can be misleading. For example…

• Any essential oil can be harmful to dogs, cats, or any animal, children, and adults if used incorrectly. The key is knowing the safety issues of the individual essential oils you use and how to use them safely, with yourself and your pets.

 

• The list doesn’t tell you why the essential oil is harmful. This information is important. When I look at that list I know the safety concerns that put them on the list. Some are skin sensitizers, and not a concern with inhalation, only if you apply topically. Animals benefit from inhaling, using them on their skin isn’t necessary.

 

• These lists are incomplete and can give a false sense of what’s safe and what’s not. Most of these lists include 11-14 essential oils. In my  I list 27 essential oils best avoided by people and pets due to their chemistry.  Plus, there are essential oils that are generally safe to use, but shouldn’t be used with specific conditions like epilepsy, pregnancy, diabetes, or if your dog is having surgery.

Here’s the truth about this list of essential oils… Assuming the dog chose the essential oil through self- selection, the essential oil is inhaled, and diluted appropriately at 1%. 

 

Pennyroyal: has several safety concerns, and no reason to use in aromatherapy. 

Peppermint: is a skin sensitizer, Peppermint is safe for dogs to inhale or use topically in a blend when properly diluted and used in moderation.  

Cinnamon: There are 2 types- Cinnamon Leaf and Cinnamon Bark and neither should not be used topically with animals. I

Wintergreen and Sweet Birch: Both are strong skin sensitizers and powerful analgesics and anti-inflammatories. These essential oils have almost identical chemistry. It’s best to avoid or use these oils with caution. They are okay for inhalation for dogs when diluted at 1% or less. (Consult an animal aromatherapist before offering them to your animals.)

Pine: There are several different types of pine are available.  Scots pine (pinus sylvestris) is the most common pine oil and is safe for dogs when used appropriately. White pine (Pinus strobus) is softer and a nice option for pets. A few pines have safety issues, so know which species you’re using.

Thyme: Several different chemotypes (ct) are available. Thyme ct linalool is the gentlest chemotype and considered the safest to use with animals.

Tea Tree: Contrary to public opinion, Tea Tree can be used safely with animals when properly diluted, used appropriately and in moderation. However, it’s not the first choice as there are safer alternatives.  (Learn more in my blog post Dogs, Cats, and Tea Tree Essential Oil)

Anise: There is Anise Seed and Anise Star and both have safety concerns. Neither need to be used with animals.

Clove: There’s Clove Bud, Clove Leaf, and Clove Stem, and all have safety concerns. A powerful antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal, Clove is okay to inhale when appropriately diluted and in moderation. Use caution or avoid with cats. (Consult an animal aromatherapist before offering to your animals.)

Ylang Ylang: Safe to use for inhalation. (Ylang Ylang is very helpful for animals with anxiety and lack self-confidence.)

Juniper: Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) is safe to use with animals when used appropriately. Make sure you have the correct species.

 

Remember, cats have their own Do Not Use list. On this list, Ylang Ylang and Juniper Berry can be used cautiously with cats.

If you use pre-made blends in a diffuser, make sure you know which essential oils- and which species- are in the blend. If any of these harmful or  “toxic” essential oils are in the blend, you can choose to not use that blend around your pets, or use it cautiously and watch your pets for adverse reactions.

 

Interested in learning about essential oils at this deeper level  or learn more about using essential oils with your fur baby?  You’d probably like my program Aromatherapy for Pets.  Check it out here.