How Dangerous Are Scented Oil Diffusers For Pets

Almost any pet owner will tell you how thankful they are for their pets and it’s no secret that pets bring an immense amount of joy, entertainment, and companionship into our lives. But almost every pet owner dreads the day their house smells like dog or litter when guests are about to arrive. Many of us will turn to candles, scented plug-ins, or even oil diffusers when they just don’t have the time for a deep clean. While these items may seem like a quick fix and may help mask odors, they can cause long-lasting damage to your pet’s health. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of diffusers and essential oils, and the effects they can have on your pets. 

Even though essential oils are labeled as “natural”, “non-toxic”, or “healthy”, many household pets and even humans have had adverse reactions to them. Vets have also seen an increase in ailments from these oils being used. Essential oil diffusers or plug-ins can be toxic to your pet and even cause illnesses such as seizures or in extreme cases can even result in your dog or cat dying. These oils are most commonly found for use in diffusers or wall plug-ins. You can do a simple online search for which essential oils may be safe for use in your home but we also recommend consulting with your veterinarian. Below is a list of ten common essential oils that your dog could be allergic to or have an adverse reaction to. Please note this is not a full list, and we encourage you to research any scent before using it. 

• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Sweet Birch
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
• Wintergreen
• Juniper
• Clove

 The following are essential oils that can be toxic to your cat. Again, this is not a full list and you should ensure any new scent is safe before using it in your home. 

• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Lavender
• Oregano
• Tea Tree
• Pennyroyal
• Wintergreen
• Ylang Ylang
• Thyme

If you are unsure about whether or not an oil is safe for use around your pet, please consult your veterinarian. They will be happy to answer any questions if it will help keep your dog healthy. They can also walk you through some warning signs to be aware of that would signal that your pet is having a reaction to the diffuser. Some things to look for include: 

• Drooling
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Difficulty walking
• Breathing problems or coughing
• Pawing at face or mouth
• weakness/collapse
• Muscle tremors
• Rash 

Please seek veterinary care immediately if your dog begins showing any of these symptoms of toxic poisoning. Time is essential in getting your pet treated and can impact the severity of their illness. 

After educating yourself on the dangers of essential oil diffusers or other plug-in scents, you may be looking for an alternative solution to keeping your home smelling fresh and clean. Although time consuming, it is best to thoroughly wash all pillows and blankets, carpets, and other soft surfaces several times throughout the year. Keeping your dog bathed regularly will also help keep the smell and fur down in your home. Your veterinarian can work with you to determine a bathing schedule, something to keep your dog clean but not too frequent. It is also important to note that not all essential oils are toxic to your pet. Some are completely safe for pets and some may only be harmful if your pet comes in direct contact with the oil, so a diffuser in your home shouldn’t cause harm. 

You know your pet better than anyone else so it is best to keep an eye on them when you are trying new essential oil scents. You also do not have to sacrifice having a clean smelling home just because you love your pets, taking a few extra steps before purchasing or using scented items can save you from an emergency vet visit and keep your dog feeling great! 

Almost any pet owner will tell you how thankful they are for their pets and it’s no secret that pets bring an immense amount of joy, entertainment, and companionship into our lives. But almost every pet owner dreads the day their house smells like dog or litter when guests are about to arrive. Many of…