Which Essential Oils Are Safe For Dogs + Cats?

As an aromatherapist, Im often asked if essential oils are safe to use around animals, especially dogs and cats.

With the use of essential oils expanding and many more people are using them as apart of there daily routine, they are wondering if they are safe to use around there pets.

It is important that people are aware that cats and dogs process scent very differently to humans, especially cats.

Not all home fragrances are dangerous, but it does mean we need to be more cautious when we have pets in our homes.

1. What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the fragrance and essence of the plant, used for aromatherapy and other purposes.

Essential oils are hydrophobic, volatile organic compounds extracted from plants, including flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds and fruit peels. They are called essential because they contain the essence or characteristic fragrance of the plant. Each essential oils has unique aromatic compounds that give it its distinctive scent and potential therapeutic properties.

2. which essential oils are safe for dogs?

-Lavender

-frankincense

-spearmint

-myrrh

-chamomile

-ginger

-cardamom

-Rosemary

-sandalwood

-orange

-basil

-geranium

-patchouli

-neroli

-ylang ylang

These are a few of essential oils that are safe for dogs.

3. Which essential oils are safe for cats?

-chamomile

-bergamot

-frankincense

-turmeric

-lavender

-copaiba

-cedarwood

-petitgrain

These are a few of essential oils that are safe for cats.

With the right knowledge and sensible precautions, many aromatherapy products can be used around pets in your homes.

Risk varies on the method of exposure, individual animal, concentration and the oil being used.

4. how to enjoy aromatherapy products in your pet home

-ensure good ventilation when burning candles or diffusing scent

-allow pets to move freely between rooms

-monitor behaviour

-avoid highly concentrated oils in enclosed spaces

When used thoughtfully, aromatherapy and many home fragrance products can be used in your pet friendly home.