Are scented oils safe for pets?

    

Scented essential oils can fill your home with the scents of the season, boost your mood or help with sleep, but they do come with dangers. Both cats and dogs are highly sensitive to these oils, and exposure—whether through direct contact, ingestion or inhalation—can lead to significant health issues. Understanding how these oils affect your pet can help ensure their safety while maintaining a pleasant environment in your home. In this article, we’ll answer the question: Are fragrance oils safe for pets?

The dangers of fragrance oils for pets

When it comes to fragrance oils, pets are far more vulnerable than humans. Direct contact with these oils on their skin can cause irritation or chemical burns. If ingested, such as by licking spills, pets can suffer burns in their mouth or throat, as well as toxic reactions that may include vomiting, drooling or difficulty breathing. Are fragrance oils safe for cats? Unfortunately, most are not, as cats are highly sensitive due to their inability to metabolize certain compounds found in essential oils.

Are fragrance oils safe for dogs if used in diffusers?

Inhaling diffused oils is harmful to both dogs and cats. Prolonged exposure to diffused oils, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces, can result in respiratory distress or even aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, pets have an acute sense of smell—up to 10,000 times more sensitive than ours. What might seem like a mild aroma to us can be overpowering to them. 

Choosing alternatives to scented oils

It’s best to avoid diffusing scented oils altogether—even essential oils marketed as “pet-safe” could cause adverse reactions in your pet. If you enjoy using scented oils to eliminate odors or fill your home with your favorite scent, consider the following alternatives:

1. Baking soda. A tried-and-true way to remove odors in your refrigerator, baking soda can also remove odors in your home. Place baking soda in a small bowl and set it where your pets can’t reach it. It may take a few days for a noticeable difference.
2. Simmering aromatics. To a small pot of simmering water add rosemary or sage sprigs, bay leaves or a few drops of vanilla. Watch the pot to make sure it doesn’t boil dry. Avoid orange, lemon or lime peels, cinnamon sticks and cloves which contain phenols that can be dangerous and cause illness in you pets.
3. Air purifiers help clean the air while also neutralizing unwanted pet odors. 
4. Aromatherapy accessories. Necklaces or bracelets made of porous material allow you to enjoy your favorite scents all day. Safe application away from pets is critical and apply just one drop of oil to the jewelry. 

How to use fragrance oils safely around pets

Despite the concerns about scented oils, if you still choose to use scented oils, be sure to take the following precautions to minimize risks to your pet:

• Store oils securely: Keep bottles out of reach to prevent accidental spills or ingestion.
• Clean spills immediately: If a spill occurs, clean it thoroughly with soap to ensure your pet doesn’t come into contact with it.
• Limit diffuser use: If using a diffuser, choose a large, well-ventilated room and keep your pet out of the room. Avoid using diffusers for extended periods.
• Wash off oils promptly: If your pet comes into contact with fragrance or essential oils, wash the affected area with hand dishwashing soap as soon as possible.

Recognizing and responding to toxicity

Act quickly if you suspect your pet has been exposed to harmful oils. Signs of toxicity can include drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lethargy or pawing at the mouth. If your pet has consumed fragrance oils or is reacting to oil vapors, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 immediately.

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