Essential Oil Safety with Cats and Dogs

We love our cats and dogs. They’re part of the family, and we want them to be healthy. We use essential oils as a natural way of supporting ourselves every day, so of course we want natural solutions for our fur babies as well!

Remember, dōTERRA ® essential oils haven’t been specifically formulated for animals. All recommendations for animals are based off personal experiences from our panel of licensed veterinarians and haven’t been tested in a clinical setting. Please consult your veterinarian regarding your specific animal.

Safety
Safety is important, when using a new oil or blend with any of your pets, start slowly to gauge their reaction. Remember, most pets are smaller than humans, so dilute oils when used topically. If you have questions about dilution for your specific pets, reach out to your veterinarian. Some oils don’t interact well with pets. Here is a list of oils that our veterinary panel recommends you avoid with cats and dogs.

Our veterinary panel has found that when these oils are in a blend (such as dōTERRA Breathe or DigestZen), they’re safe to use on your pets when diluted with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil or diffused.

Diffusing Oils
When diffusing oils around the house, keep your diffuser out of reach from pets. Our veterinary panel recommends always using a water-based diffuser to avoid overwhelming your pets. The amount of oils appropriate for a diffuser will vary according to the sizes of your pets, your diffuser, and the room. Place the diffuser in an open area and keep the door ajar.

Animal Reactions
It’s uncommon, but there may be instances where your pets don’t react positively to an oil. Watch for these signs when diffusing a new oil:
+ Drooling
+ Panting
+ Eye squinting
+ Changes in respiratory patterns
+ Lethargy
+ Coughing
If your pets begin showing these signs, stop diffusing, open the windows, and take the pets out of the room and into fresh air. If you’re applying a new oil topically, keep an eye out for:
+ Redness
+ Itching
+ Excessive licking or chewing at the area
If signs exhibit themselves, apply a carrier oil to the area to dilute the essential oil. Do not rinse with water or apply any other oil to the area.

Animal Aversion
Your pet may have an aversion which could include sneezing, turning their head away, or leaving the area. If you don’t notice your cat or dog showing any aversions, monitor their reactions when you diffuse any new oils or blends.

Using Essential Oils with Your Cats and Dogs
From incorporating oils into your pets’ daily care routine to using them for occasional health concerns, there are many essential oil benefits for animals. Keep in mind that every animal is different, and as you continue learning and using essential oils with your pets, you’ll find what works best for them. Remember, if you have specific questions about your pets, consult your veterinarian.