To the stressed and overworked, essential oils can be an absolute godsend. Having a diffuser hum quietly in the background while pumping out your favorite scents is an instant mood booster. As of late, essential oils have become so popular that many titas of Manila have declared themselves oilbularyos. But fur parents, please be careful when it comes to which scents to diffuse around your babies.
According to the Animal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), there are some essential oils that are better off confined to spaces without your furry friends. While essential oils do have healing properties, some of them are made from plants that can do your pets harm.
The severity and effects of these oils depend on a few factors. The quality and concentration of the essential oil, how the pets come in contact with it and what type of animal your pet is are important things to know when it comes to having essential oils at home.
Cats are more sensitive to essential oils, and improper or accidental use can lead to problems like gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage if they ingest a significant amount. Dogs on the other hand can also suffer the same symptoms if the oils aren’t used properly.
Some symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets can range from laziness and unsteadiness in moderate cases to depression, diarrhea, low body temperature and vomiting in more severe cases (like if your cat accidentally drank some of your clove).
Diffusing certain oils can also cause problems with your pets. If your furry friend has a history of asthma or other respiratory problems, inhaling large amounts of the oils can make it worse. Birds also have very sensitive respiratory tracts, so it would be best to diffuse elsewhere.
The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center recommends that it would be far safer if you used your diffuser in a room your pets don’t have access to, but if they have breathing problems, you should just nix the diffuser altogether because of their keen sense of smell.
Some essential oils that you should generally avoid if you have pets at home are tea tree oil, citrus, bergamot, cinnamon, pine and ylang ylang.
Just to be clear though, that doesn’t mean essential oils are 100 percent harmful to your pets. Some common essential oils like lavender can actually help your pets if diluted and used correctly.
Just make sure to do your research and consult with your vet first to ensure your furry baby’s safety.
Header art by Stefan Gall on Unsplash
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Writer: ANDREIANA YUVALLOS
