What are essential oils?
Essential oils are chemical compounds found in plants that contribute to the plants’ fragrance and taste. These oils can be extracted and concentrated for use in a variety of products, such as personal care products, aromatherapy, air fresheners, and insecticides. Thousands of essential oils have been identified with hundreds being used routinely in people’s daily lives.
What are the clinical signs of essential oil poisoning?
Many essential oil products for home use contain a lower concentration of oil, such as shampoos and lotions. Dogs and cats will often drool, gag, or vomit if they taste a small amount of a low concentration product. Highly concentrated and 100% pure oils are a greater poisoning risk for pets. Tea tree oil, pennyroyal oil, and wormwood oil are particularly hazardous. Cats and birds are more susceptible than dogs to the effects of many essential oils.
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning usually develop within 6–8 hours of exposure. Signs can vary depending on the specific oil and can include:
- Oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Skin irritation and sensitivity (increased skin sensitivity to sunlight can occur).
- Respiratory signs such as coughing and sneezing.
Pets with an underlying respiratory condition, such as feline asthma, may be at higher risk for respiratory issues with essential oil exposure. In severe cases of essential oil poisoning, changes in heart rate and blood pressure can occur, as well as neurological signs such as coordination problems, muscle weakness, seizures, and coma. Liver and kidney damage have also been reported.
If you suspect your pet has ingested or come in contact with essential oils, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), a 24/7 animal poison control center, immediately.
How is essential oil poisoning diagnosed?
Usually there is a history of exposure to an essential oil. A container may have been chewed, or a well-intentioned pet owner applied a product containing essential oils to their pet. Often there is a characteristic smell of the essential oil on the pet’s skin, on their breath, or in their vomit.
How is essential oil poisoning treated?
Treatment for essential oil poisoning depends on the type of oil your pet was exposed to, and the method of exposure. Bathing your pet with a liquid dishwashing detergent can remove excess essential oil on the skin and limit the absorption through the skin. Pets with inhalation exposure should be moved to fresh air.
Pets exposed to large amounts of essential oil products, or highly concentrated or hazardous essential oils, should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may administer activated charcoal and IV fluids. Medications to protect the digestive tract and liver may be prescribed. Treatments to control neurological signs like tremors and seizures will be initiated, if needed.
What is the prognosis for essential oil poisoning?
Generally, the prognosis for recovery from essential oil poisoning is good; however, it can vary depending on factors such as the type of oil, the amount of exposure, and the severity of the symptoms that develop. Some symptoms can take 3–7 days to fully resolve.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
