What essential oils are safe for dogs to eat?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question “what essential oils are safe for dogs to eat”. As well, we will discuss what are essential oils, what are essential oils as cosmetics, what are essential oils as drugs, and other concerns about essential oils.     

What essential oils are safe for dogs to eat?

None essential oils are safe for dogs to eat, as they are toxic, so it’s not recommended and can be very dangerous for dogs to eat essential oils. However, you can use essential oil as aromatherapy, but not all essential oils are safe for dogs.

What are essential oils?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), essential oils or also known as aromatherapy products are regulated as cosmetics or drugs, depending on the intent of use. In general, essential oils are oils extracted from plants that cause physical and mental well-being. 

What are essential oils as cosmetics?

FDA considers essential oils as cosmetics when their use intends to do a massage with the aim of lubricating the skin, but can also be both when the massage is to lubricate the skin and relax the muscles, in that situation, the essential oils can be a cosmetic and a drug.  

What are essential oils as drugs?

FDA considers essential oils as drugs when their use intends to prevent or treat a disease, but also if they act in the function or the structure of the body, like the example of doing a massage with essential oils with the aim of relaxing the muscles. 

How are essential oils used?

In general, essential oils are used to promote mental and physical well-being. Their use can be directly in the body, by inhalation, or in the water. 

Why aren’t all essential oils safe for dogs?

Dogs and other animals have the smell more accentuated when compared to humans, which in fact is good when you use the right essential oils as aromatherapy for dogs. 

What are the options for safe essential oils for dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of fragrances, as they are extracted from plants, and some of them help with certain health aspects. Below is a list of safe essential oils for dogs as diffusers, by Outward Gound.

• Frankincense oil;

• Myrrh oil;

• Chamomile oil;

• Lavender oil;

• Ginger oil;

• Rosemary oil. 

What are the unsafe essential oils for dogs?

As there are many options for essential oil for humans, many of them can be dangerous for dogs. Below is a list of unsafe essential oils for dogs, by Outward Gound.

• Peppermint oil;

• Pennyroyal oil;

• Pine oil;

• Cinnamon oil;

• Thyme oil;

• Wintergreen oil;

• Sweet birch oil;

• Juniper oil;

• Clove oil;

• Ylang oil;

• Tea tree melaleuca oil;

• Anise oil.

Why can essential oils be toxic to eat?

As essential oils are a substance that contains the concentrated levels of a plant and other ingredients to make them, all of these can be very toxic to dogs and humans, which also includes the “natural” essential oils.  

What are the signs of oil toxicity for dogs?

As with humans, dogs are also individual living beings, which can react individually to essential oils. It’s recommended to be with your dog during the aromatherapy to note if he reacts strangely and takes action. Below is a list of signs of oil toxicity for dogs, by Outward Gound.

• Your dog can start to drool;

• Your dog may develop difficulty in breathing;

• Your dog can appear weak;

• Your dog can develop difficulty in walking;

• Your dog can start to vomit;

• If the essential oil was used locally, your dog can develop irritation in the skin.

What should I do if I note some of the signs of oil toxicity?

If you note any of the signs listed, it’s suggested to call a poison helpline and for your veterinarian or a veterinarian hospital. Below are some instructions that you can do immediately depending on the type of aromatherapy. 

• Used essential oil as a diffuser. Immediately, turn off the diffuser and take your dog to an open place with fresh air;

• Used essential oil as topically. Immediately, wash the part of the skin to remove all remaining essential oil.    

Where can I buy essential oils?

Usually, you can find many types of essential oils in supermarkets, drug stores, and cosmetic stores, but you also can find many of them on the internet. If you click here, you will find a variety of essential oils. 

Can I make essential oils by myself?

Yes, you can make your essential oils at home and it’s easy. You need to buy the right ingredients, such as distilled water, fresh plants, and other ingredients. To know more step by step, click here to check the full recipe for essential oils, this link also contains a recipe video.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question “what essential oils are safe for dogs to eat”. As well, we have discussed what are essential oils, what are essential oils as cosmetics, what are essential oils as drugs, and other concerns about essential oils.

References

https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Essential-oils Accessed: 05/04/2022

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/fragrances-cosmetics Accessed: 05/04/2022

https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/health-wellness/pet-safe-essential-oils-for-a-diffuser Accessed: 05/04/2022