I was recently sent a fantastic e-mail from an existing student of my Behaviour Grooming Diploma expressing concern over one of the practical tasks for our Skin and Coat Care Module. The e-mail detailed how the use of products for a Zoopharmacognosy exercise may in fact, pose a threat to the wellbeing of dogs if not properly researched prior to carrying out the task.
The student was absolutely right – education is indeed crucial, especially when considering the use of chemicals (natural or not) in grooming processes, and while I would never encourage HGA students to partake in exercises they aren’t competent in, it was evident that this wasn’t clear enough in the course material leading to her confusion. Her concerns inspired me to reevaluate how I will teach this module going forward, specifically, how I set tasks that could potentially make students feel a little uncomfortable and/or inexperienced to complete.
One of the products I mention in the course is essential oils, which I would like to focus on for the purposes of this blog post since essential oils are everywhere these days. They are often marketed as a natural solution for stress, sleep, and even pet wellness.
And whilst these fragrant products may seem harmless, scientific research paints a far more complex (and sometimes worrying) picture, especially when it comes to our hairy companions. As responsible caregivers and professionals, it’s critical to understand both the risks and the right way to use (or avoid) essential oils around pets.
Why Essential Oils Can Be Dangerous for Animals
Many essential oils contain compounds that, whilst generally safe for humans, can be toxic to dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals. Animals metabolise substances differently, making them far more susceptible to poisoning. For instance, cat’s lack certain liver enzymes that help break down phenols and terpenes – common in oils like tea tree, eucalyptus and citrus (Richardson, 2019).
Documented Health Risks – Scientific Documentation:
- Respiratory distress – inhalation of diffused oils can cause coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, and even pneumonia (Zoran & Ruch-Gallie, 2016).
- Neurological symptoms – some oils may trigger tremors, ataxia, or seizures, particularly in cats and small dogs (Gwaltney-Brant, 2019).
- Gastrointestinal upset – ingestion (even via grooming contaminated fur), can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, or liver damage (Hall et al., 2016).
What Does Science Say?
Let’s get gutsy – beyond the surface, the reality is that essential oils have sent thousands of animals to the vet. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Centre reported a significant rise in essential-oil related incidents (ASPCA, 2022). Many cases are due to accidental ingestion, but a worrying number involve well-meaning carers using diffusers or applying oils directly, unaware of the risks.
When I was reading about this in more detail, I panicked – diffusers, really? I use them in my home.
Common Offenders:
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca) – even a few drops can be fatal to cats and small dogs (Bischoff & Guale, 1998).
- Eucalyptus and Citrus – linked to liver failure and neurological issues in felines (Richardson, 2019).
- Pennyroyal, Wintergreen, Pine, Clove, Cinnamon, Peppermint: all have documented toxic effects in animals (Pet Poison Helpline, 2023).
Cats in particular are at risk, even walking through an area where oils have settled can result in absorption through their paws, leading to liver toxicity (Richardson, 2019) as well as, birds who are especially sensitive due to their unique respiratory system and exposure can be rapidly fatal (Zoran & Ruch-Gallie, 2016).
The Myth of “Natural means Safe”
It’s tempting to believe that “natural” products are inherently safe, but in the world of animal care, that assumption can be deadly.
Many essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts.
What’s therapeutic for a human can be catastrophic for a dog, cat, or bird. The dose makes the poison – and animals are far more sensitive than we often realise (Gwaltney-Brant, 2019).
How Exposure Happens
Routes & Risks
- Inhalation – diffusers, sprays, and candles can all release oils into the air. Dogs and especially cats may inhale these, leading to respiratory and neurological problems.
- Dermal Absorption – oils can be absorbed through the skin or paws, especially if applied directly or if pets walk across contaminated surfaces.
- Ingestion – pets may lick fur, bedding, or even surfaces where oils have settled leading to GI upset, liver damage, or worse (Hall et al., 2016).
Symptoms of Essential Oils Toxicity in Animals
- drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea
- weakness, tremors, uncoordinated movement
- difficultly breathing, coughing, wheezing
- depression, lethargy, seizures
- skin redness or burns (if applied topically)
If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect essential oil exposure, seek veterinary care immediately.
The Legal and Ethical Landscape
With the growing popularity of essential oils, some countries have issued guidance and warnings about the use of essential oils around pets.
The British Veterinary Association and American Veterinary Medical Association both caution against the use of essential oils in homes with animals (BVA, 2021; AVMA, 2022).
Ethically, we have a duty to prioritise animal welfare above our own preferences for a pleasant-smelling environment so definitely think about the risks and research thoroughly before using any, and if in doubt – don’t.
Practical Health & Safety Advice
Is Less More? Absolutely.
When it comes to essential oils and animals, less is not just more, it’s often safest to use none at all unless under veterinary guidance.
Safe Practices for Home & Professional Environments:
- Avoid diffusing essential oils entirely in shared spaces with pets present (especially in multi-species environments).
- Keep all oils and diffusers securely stored, well out of reach.
- Never apply oils directly to an animal’s coat and/or skin.
- Ventilate spaces thoroughly if oils are used for human benefit – an air purifier is also recommended to help keep air quality the best it possibly can be.
- Monitor pets for signs of distress if they are in a space where essential oils are being used – remove immediately if symptoms appear.
- Educate staff and clients – share the science, not just the marketing.
- Consult a Vet before using any aromatherapy or “natural” products around animals.
- Obtain the relevant education to ensure you are competent to use essential oils safely.
- To be extra cautious, consult a vet before using any aromatherapy products around animals.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils can offer benefits for humans and animals, but the risks are real and shouldn’t be ignored.
Err on the side of caution and always prioritise your animal’s health and wellbeing over a nicely, scented space.
As professionals and pet lovers, our responsibility is to challenge the “natural is safe” myth and champion evidence-based, ethical care always.
If you would like to read more on the potential benefits of essential oils for pet use, check out this blog post here.
References
ASPCA (2022) ‘Animal Poison Control Centre: Essential Oil Incidents on the Rise’. Available at: https://www.aspca.org/news.
AVMA (2022) ‘Essential Oils and Pets: What You Need to Know’. Available at: https://www.avma.org.
Bischoff, K. & Guale, F. (1998) ‘Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil poisoning in three purebred cats’, Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 10(2), pp.208-210.
BVA (2021) ‘Guidance on Essential Oils in Homes with Pets’. Available at: https://www.bva.co.uk
Gwaltney-Brant, S. (2019) ‘Essential Oils and Pets’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice , 49(2), pp.299-311.
Hall, J.O., et al. (2016) ‘Toxicology of Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats’, Veterinary Toxicology, 3rd ed., Elsevier, pp.251-259. j?/.
Smith, L. et al. (2020) ‘Acute respiratory and neurological distress in a dog following essential oil diffuser exposure’, Veterinary Case Reports, 8(1), pp.34-39.
Zoran, D.L. & Ruch-Gallie, R. (2016) ‘Pets and Essential Oils: A Dangerous Mix’, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 248(3), pp. 289-292.
