Steer clear of essential oils
If you are thinking of setting the mood this Valentine’s Day with essential oils or potpourri, think again! These sweet-smelling substances are sneaky toxins that may end up landing your pet in the emergency room.
Essential oils are very concentrated liquids derived from plants. They are popular in aromatherapy and alternative medicine, but they are also used in cleaning products, food and drink flavorings and more (including herbal remedies, perfumes, personal care products and liquid potpourris used as home air fresheners and fragrances).
Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats, including:
• Oil of cinnamon
• Citrus
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Sweet birch
• Tea tree (melaleuca)
• Wintergreen
• Ylang-ylang
Our curious pets are exposed when they try to drink liquid potpourri as it simmers or when they explore overturned containers. A few licks or a small amount on the skin is enough to make a pet sick. Cats often get into double trouble when they groom themselves, so it absorbs both orally and through their skin.
These liquids will irritate the skin and burn the mouth and tongue as they’re ingested. Once the essential oils are in their systems, our pets can’t metabolize them well, which can also lead to depression, unsteadiness on their feet, tremors, vomiting and possibly even severe liver or kidney damage.
If you think your pet has been exposed, immediately wash any product off their skin or fur with dishwashing detergent and then head straight to your veterinary hospital. This is one toxin where making the pet vomit is a bad idea because it can burn their mouth and throat even more as it comes back up. Fast, aggressive treatment by your veterinarian is the key to prevent any toxic effects from developing.
Rather than tangle with the consequences, it’s best to simply avoid the toxicity in the first place. Keep these products out of reach, and supervise any simmering potpourri or opened essential oils at all times. Always consult your veterinarian before using any essential oils or herbal products on your pet. Most importantly, never apply a concentrated essential oil on your pet.
If you have any concerns, get help right away with unlimited 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app, where our licensed veterinary professionals are standing by to answer all your pet health and wellness questions.
