Pet Safety with Essential oils and diffusers

Over the past few years, the use of essential oils has spread rapidly. Despite being extremely popular, there is few and conflicting scientific evidence regarding the benefits to health. This is especially true when talking about how your pet's health may be affected. How safe is our pets when using these essential oils?

Numerous essential oils are outright poisonous to animals, including eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang. These are harmful whether they are licked up after a spill, applied to the skin, or used in diffusers.

Diffusers, which give off a pleasant perfume and may seem harmless, can actually be dangerous since they release minute oil droplets into the air using water vapor. If applied in a limited area and/or for an extended period of time, dispersed oils are known to have adverse respiratory effects on both people and animals.

It's important to remember that compared to us, animals like cats and dogs are far more sensitive to smells. A scent that seems insignificant to you may be overpowering and damaging to an animal.

What are Essential Oils and what are the Benefits?

Essential oils, which are produced from highly concentrated plant materials, are widely used in aromatherapy, complementary medicine, and household air fresheners. There are many different kinds of essential oils, and each one has a unique physical and chemical characteristic.

People think that using these "natural" essential oils will benefit both their own health and the happiness of their pets. Some pet parents have decided to attempt a holistic, "natural" approach to help with a wide variety of medical disorders, from anxiety and skin issues to flea and tick prevention, after learning about the alleged health advantages of essential oils.

However, the relaxing sensations, reduced stress, increased energy, and enhanced focus that essential oils are said to have for you may have a severe detrimental impact on your cherished pet.

The word "natural" doesn't necessarily always imply the product is safe.
There is some preliminary research that suggests essential oils may have some health advantages for pets. This research has been mostly supported by businesses that market herbal-infused pet products. Some holistic vets have included essential oil therapies to their practices as a result of this.

Many animal hospitals don't use this as-yet-unproven therapy since the risks exceed any potential advantages, despite the fact that research is still in its early phases. Instead, we advise giving your local vet a call and ask about the products being used and ensure to keep all products that is harmful to your pets away from their home.

How do Essential Oils Put Your Cat at Risk?

Essential oils can be hazardous to cats whether ingested, applied to the skin, or just inhaled. According to established research, serious liver damage, liver failure, respiratory failure, convulsions, and even death can result from exposure.

Cats lack some enzymes necessary for the normal processing of different chemicals (referred to as "gluconuridation") found in essential oils, particularly phenols. The liver is most susceptible to organ failure due to phenolic chemicals, which are naturally present in plants and are concentrated in essential oils.

A lot of essential oils in candles, liquid potpourri items, room sprays, and aromatherapy diffusers are all sources of airborne essential oils that can be inhaled or licked off of a pet's fur. If you can smell the oil's aroma, there is oil in the air, which might cause respiratory distress for your pets.

Guidelines for using essential oils in your house with your kitty pals generally are as follows:

You shouldn't feed or apply essential oils directly to cats or leave them in places where they might come into contact with them. Although some oils smell lovely and can serve as insect repellents, there is a considerable likelihood that your cat will experience adverse or fatal reactions. Your curious pet will appreciate it.

Avoid using any essential oils if your cat suffers from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

Keep cats away from rooms containing a lot of essential oils. Kittens, elderly cats, or cats that have liver or respiratory issues are to be kept out of rooms with essential oil diffusers.

Pet Exposure to Essential Oils

Steps to take if your pet is exposed to essential oils:
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Wash them right away with pet-friendly shampoo to ensure no essential oils are on their fur, for further irritation. Keep an eye out for signs in your pet and call your local vet if you're concerned that they've been exposed.  Bring your pet to your local vet or an emergency veterinary facility if they start to exhibit unpleasant reactions.

Typical signs of essential oil poisoning includes:

• watery eyes or nose
• redness of the skin, gums, or lips
• drooling and vomiting
• difficulty with breathing or panting; wheezing a coughing
• lethargy, wobbliness, or tremors
• low heart rate
• a decrease in body temperature

What to do before visiting the local vet or emergency animal hospital:

• Take them outside right away if they inhaled the product.
• If your pet receives oil on its skin or fur, wash it off with pet-friendly shampoo or if you do not have any on hand, use hand dishwashing soap as soon as you can.
• Don't provoke vomiting or give them activated charcoal if they eat something. This puts your pet at risk since essential oils can adhere to the airways and lungs, causing airway obstruction or lung inflammation.
• Place the item and its packaging in a sealed bag to show your veterinarian, then deliver it to the clinic or emergency room.

Conclusion:

We believe there are more dangers than advantages to using essential oil diffusers in your home, particularly if you have curious animals nearby. While we don't openly advise against using these oils, we do advise caution. Important factors to consider are the essential oil's form, the dosage, and the exposure route.

We recommend taking your pet to get proper attention if you experience an emergency linked to exposure to essential oils outside clinic hours. Talk to your veterinarians about their suggestions and always do your research. Not all essential oils are bad for your pets but take caution no matter what essential oil or diffuser you choose for your home.