How to Protect Your Pets While Enjoying Essential Oils

Many of us love a fragrant home, often using essential oils to create calming atmospheres or freshen the air. Whether it’s lavender in a diffuser or citrus in a cleaning product, essential oils have become a staple in households across Australia. However, what’s soothing to us may be dangerous for our pets. At Lithgow Veterinary Hospital, we’ve seen how easily well-meaning pet owners can accidentally expose their animals to harm through the improper use of essential oils.

This guide aims to help pet owners to understand the potential risks, recognise the signs of exposure, and learn safe practices for using essential oils in a pet-friendly home.

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, and while they're generally safe for human use when handled appropriately, animals metabolise substances very differently. Their livers—especially in cats—lack certain enzymes that humans use to break down compounds found in essential oils. This means even small exposures can lead to toxicity.

Dogs and cats aren’t the only animals at risk. Birds, rabbits, and other small pets can also be affected by inhaling or absorbing oils through their skin or ingesting them. Their small body size and sensitive systems make them particularly vulnerable to even minimal exposure.

Common Ways Pets Are Exposed

Understanding how your pet might come into contact with essential oils is the first step in preventing harm. Here are the most frequent exposure routes:

1. Inhalation

   • A popular way to use essential oils is by diffusing them in the air. While diffusers may make a room smell lovely, pets can suffer when exposed to vapours over extended periods, especially in small, enclosed, or poorly ventilated spaces.

2. Skin Contact

   • Essential oils should never be applied directly to your pet’s fur or skin, either neat or diluted, unless under the direct guidance of a veterinarian. The oils can be absorbed through the skin, leading to localised reactions or systemic toxicity.

3. Ingestion

   • Accidental ingestion can happen when curious pets lick residue off furniture, walk through spilled oil and lick their paws, or chew on items infused with oils, such as potpourri, reed diffusers, or essential oil-treated toys.

Signs Your Pet Has Been Affected 

If your pet has come into contact with essential oils, symptoms can manifest quickly or over a prolonged period. Be vigilant for the following warning signs:

• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wobbly walking or disorientation
• Weakness or unusual lethargy
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Unusual behaviour such as hiding or vocalising more than usual
• Yellowing of the skin, gums or eyes (a sign of liver distress)

Any of these signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome for your pet.

Essential Oils Known to Be Toxic to Pets

While many essential oils can cause harm if misused, some are more dangerous than others. Below are a few that should always be avoided around pets:

• Tea Tree Oil:One of the most widely known harmful oils for pets. Even small amounts applied topically can cause severe poisoning, especially in cats.
• Eucalyptus:Often found in cleaning products and diffusers, eucalyptus oil can cause salivation, vomiting, and seizures if inhaled or ingested.
• Camphor:Commonly used in vapour rubs and ointments, camphor is toxic when ingested and can trigger seizures and liver failure.
• Wintergreen:Contains methyl salicylate, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Exposure may lead to gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and even death.
• Clove Oil: This oil can cause liver damage and depression of the central nervous system. Even a small amount can be hazardous when ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Practical Tips for a Pet-Safe Home

If you enjoy using essential oils, you don’t necessarily have to give them up completely—but caution is key. Here’s how to reduce the risk to your pets:

1. Diffuse Responsibly:  If you use a diffuser, make sure your pet can freely leave the room at any time. Avoid confined spaces and ensure good ventilation. Limit the frequency and duration of diffusion.
2. Never Apply Oils Directly to Pets: Even diluted oils can be harmful if applied to your pet’s fur or skin. Do not use essential oils as a flea or tick repellent without veterinary guidance.
3. Secure Storage: Always keep essential oils out of reach, in tightly closed containers, and stored safely away from where pets eat, play, or sleep.
4. Choose Products Wisely: Look for pet-safe cleaning and grooming products. Many brands now offer natural alternatives that don’t include harmful essential oils.
5. Consult Your Vet First: If you’re considering using essential oils for a therapeutic reason, always speak with your veterinarian. Some oils may have limited use under professional supervision, but never try to diagnose or treat your pet on your own.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to an essential oil, act quickly:

1. Remove the Source: If it’s a spill, clean it up immediately. If it’s a diffuser, turn it off and remove your pet from the room.
2. Avoid Inducing Vomiting: Do not try to make your pet vomit unless instructed by a vet.
3. Contact the Animal Poisons Helpline: Call 1300 869 738 for urgent advice.
4. Visit Your Vet Promptly: Even if your pet appears stable, internal damage can develop hours later.

Quick intervention can make all the difference in recovery. 

Staying Informed Keeps Your Pets Safer

At Lithgow Veterinary Hospital, we believe in empowering pet owners with accurate, up-to-date information. The more you know about household hazards like essential oils, the more confident you'll feel in creating a safe environment for your pet.

We recommend subscribing to reputable sources like the Animal Poisons Helpline newsletter, which shares alerts and education tailored to Australian pets and households.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils may offer many benefits for humans, but they come with serious risks when used around animals. With proper precautions and guidance from your vet, it is possible to enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils while prioritising your pet’s safety.

At Lithgow Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to support you in every aspect of pet care from nutrition and safety to emergency treatment. If you have any concerns or want personalised advice on products and home care routines, don’t hesitate to contact our team. Your pet’s health and happiness matter to us always.