Essential Oils TOXIC to Pets

While essential oils play large parts in our home remedies and everyday lives, they can be toxic to our beloved pets through ingestion, inhalation or touch. Below is an overview of what to watch our for based on your pets and how to avoid contact while still enjoying natural ingredients. Essential Oils Toxic to Dogs Essential oils can be deadly to dogs through ingesting or when put on the skin. To avoid contact do not let your pet lick anything that may have had essential oils on it (example: wash your hands after using them).

cinnamon

citrus

pennyroyal

peppermint

pine

sweet birch

tea tree (melaleuca)

wintergreen

ylang ylang.

Essential Oils Toxic to Cats Do not apply or feed essential oils directly to cats, or leave oils in areas where they may come in direct contact. Watery eyes, breathing difficulties and lethargy can be seen if a cat has come in contact with these essential oils. Always wash your hands after using an oil before petting your cats.

cinnamon

citrus

clove

eucalyptus

pennyroyal

peppermint

pine

sweet birch

tea tree (melaleuca)

wintergreen

ylang ylang.

Essential Oils Toxic to Birds While some essential oils are safe to use around birds through a diffuser, these are the ones that could cause serious breathing issues for your pet. Always wash your hands after using an oil before handling your birds.

arborvitae

cinnamon

citronella

clove

eucalyptus

peppermint

pine

oregano

tea tree (melaleuca)

Essential Oils Toxic to Small Pets Do not apply or feed essential oils directly to cats, or leave oils in areas where they may come in direct contact. Watery eyes, breathing difficulties and lethargy can be seen if a small animal has come in contact with these essential oils. Always wash your hands after using an oil before petting or playing with your small animals.

cinnamon

citrus

clove

eucalyptus

pennyroyal

peppermint

pine

sweet birch

tea tree

wintergreen

ylang ylang

Essential Oils Toxic to Livestock

Do not apply or feed essential oils directly to any livestock especially ones you are unfamiliar with. Watery eyes, breathing difficulties and lethargy can be seen if a large animal has come in contact with these essential oils. Always wash your hands before working with any livestock.

anise

birch

bitter almond

blue tansy

camphor

clove bud

garlic

mugwort

oregano

sage

tea tree

thyme

wintergreen

wormseed

yarrow

We hope this article is helpful in deciding how to go about using some of these in your life yet still keeping your animals safe. Take a look at our other articles regarding safe essential oil use in various animals here.