Many essential oils are toxic to dogs
Concentrated essential oils can poison dogs when licked, applied to the skin or, less often, inhaled. Tea tree, pennyroyal, wintergreen, pine, cinnamon and eucalyptus oils are the most common culprits. Never apply undiluted oils to your dog or let your dog lick them.
Essential oils toxic to dogs
Pet Poison Helpline lists these oils as known causes of poisoning in dogs:
| Essential oil | Main toxic compound | Toxic to cats too? |
|---|---|---|
| Tea tree (melaleuca) | Terpinen-4-ol | Yes |
| Pennyroyal | Pulegone (liver toxin) | Yes |
| Wintergreen | Methyl salicylate (aspirin-like) | Yes |
| Sweet birch | Methyl salicylate (aspirin-like) | Yes |
| Pine | Phenols and terpenes | Yes |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamaldehyde | Yes |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) | Yes |
Cats are sensitive to an even longer list, including peppermint, citrus, ylang ylang and clove. If you have both, follow the cat rules.
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning
- Drooling, vomiting and pawing at the mouth
- Wobbliness, weakness or muscle tremors
- Difficulty breathing, coughing or wheezing
- Low heart rate and low body temperature
- Redness or burns on the skin, lips or tongue
- Liver damage (pennyroyal, tea tree in large amounts)
Signs can start within hours. Pet Poison Helpline notes they can take 3-7 days to fully resolve.
Are diffusers safe for dogs?
Passive diffusers (reed diffusers, plug-ins) and active (ultrasonic) diffusers both release tiny droplets that settle on fur and are then licked off during grooming. For most healthy dogs, brief diffusing of a non-toxic oil in a large, ventilated room is low risk, but dogs with asthma or other breathing problems should not be exposed. Always let your pet leave the room, and stop immediately if you see drooling, coughing or watery eyes.
What to do if your dog is exposed
- Move your dog to fresh air.
- If oil is on the skin or fur, wash it off with liquid dish soap and lukewarm water.
- Do not induce vomiting: oils can be inhaled into the lungs and cause pneumonia.
- Bring the bottle to your vet or read the label to poison control.
Safer ways to freshen your home
- Open windows and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
- Use pet-safe cleaners and wash pet bedding often.
- Choose pet-safe plants: see our plants safe for dogs.
Essential oils and dogs: FAQ
What essential oils are safe for dogs?
No essential oil is completely safe for every dog, especially in concentrated form. Avoid tea tree, pennyroyal, wintergreen, sweet birch, pine, cinnamon and eucalyptus oils entirely, and ask your vet before using any oil on or around your dog.
Is lavender oil safe for dogs?
Diluted lavender oil diffused briefly is generally low risk for healthy dogs, but it should not be applied undiluted or ingested.
Is peppermint oil safe for dogs?
Peppermint oil can irritate the stomach and skin and should not be applied to dogs or ingested. Keep bottles out of reach.
Is tea tree oil safe for dogs?
No. Tea tree (melaleuca) oil is one of the most common causes of essential oil poisoning in pets, often from people applying it to the skin for fleas or itching.
Are pet-specific essential oil products safe?
Products made for pets are usually heavily diluted, but "natural" does not mean safe. Ask your vet before using them, especially on cats.