{"id":1730,"date":"2019-08-19T15:59:28","date_gmt":"2019-08-19T15:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/?p=1730"},"modified":"2021-11-29T16:03:17","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T16:03:17","slug":"why-pets-and-essential-oils-just-dont-mix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summeridgeanimalclinic.com\/blog\/why-pets-and-essential-oils-just-dont-mix\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Pets and Essential Oils Just Don\u2019t Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The natural marketplace is booming \u2013 and for the most part, this is great for people\u2019s health. But just because something is considered natural for us, it doesn\u2019t mean that it\u2019s safe for pets. Essential oils are just one example of natural products intended to help people with various issues (from stress to the common cold), but their purity is what can make certain oils dangerous to dogs, birds, and cats. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have pets and essential oils at home, it\u2019s critical to keep them apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cold Pressed \u201cGoodness\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Essential oils are extracted from plants by a distillation process or cold pressing. These volatile, organic compounds add fragrance and taste to many products ranging from household cleaners, personal care, herbal remedies, insecticides, and more. The toxicity of certain plants<\/a> is well known and should never be used in a house with animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Super Concentrated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pets and essential oils can be a dangerous combination because of the high concentration of chemicals called phenols and phenolic compounds. Cats are incredibly sensitive to these because they don\u2019t have a specific liver enzyme to break down toxins. Essential oils can make your cat feel sick<\/a>; please contact us for help<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risks of Absorption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Essential oils should never be applied directly to a pet\u2019s skin or coat. Depending on the product this can cause serious injury to the nervous system, resulting in tremors, shakiness, or wobbliness when walking. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also be on the lookout for any signs of respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, vomiting, and excessive drooling if your pet\u2019s skin absorbs essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serious Inhalation Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Essential oil diffusers are increasingly common. They really do make the home\/office environment smell nice, but because they vaporize droplets of essential oils and water into the air pets are at high risk of inhalation. Droplets may also collect on a pet\u2019s fur if they are close to the diffuser. Either way, if it\u2019s inhaled, absorbed, or ingested after grooming, pets and essential oils are not safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Signs of Danger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your pet breathes in high levels of essential oils, they may present the following symptoms:
<\/p>\n\n\n\n