True or False: Scented oils are safe for pets
Answer: False
Scented essential oils can fill your home with the scents of the season, but they can cause serious harm to your pets too. Pets can experience chemical burns with direct contact of oils on the skin. If pets lick up spills of these oils, it can cause chemical burns in their mouth and they may also experience toxic effects. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils and even just a couple of licks can be harmful.
Using oils in diffusers can also be problematic. Inhaling diffused oils can cause aspiration pneumonia as well as other toxic effects if the diffuser is used in a small space or for a long period of time. Keep in mind that cats and dogs have a sense of smell that is 1,000 to 10,000 times better than ours! What we may think is a mild scent may be overpowering to your pet. If your pet comes in contact with essential oils, wash them off as soon as possible using hand dishwashing soap.
If you think your pet has consumed essential oil or is having a reaction from being exposed to essential oil vapors, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 right away.
*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple's App Store and Google Play.
