Diffusers which emit beautiful, delectably fragrant aromas may seem benign, but can be unsafe since it uses water vapour to diffuse tiny oil droplets into the air. Inhaling diffused oils is known to cause negative respiratory effects on humans and pets, if used in small spaces and/or for an extended period.
Myrrh, Frankincense, Chamomile, Lavender oil, Ginger, and Rosemary are safe for dogs. Eucalyptus oil, Tea tree oil, Cinnamon, Citrus, Peppermint, Pine, Wintergreen, and Ylang ylang are toxic to dogs.
Smaller pets often have more delicate respiratory systems than dogs and humans. Keep a distance of at least six feet from pet enclosures. If your animals free-roam in your home, be sure to keep open-flame scenting products out of reach or do not use them while handling your pet.
Lavender in the diffuser will be fine. Of course, watch for any reactions as each dog would be different. But lavender is considered one of the safest around pets. What I've been told is the oils that are bad for pets are typically bad only in pure form and if used topically.
Respiratory Issues – Dogs can be sensitive to the particles released by essential oil diffusers, which may lead to respiratory problems, especially in breeds prone to respiratory issues.
Alternatively, using flameless candles or “cleaner-burning” candles made from soy, beeswax or vegetable wax will ensure the safety of your pet. Keeping essential oils around the house may pose as a danger to pets, especially when it comes into contact with their skin or through accidental ingestion.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet.
Many experts recommend cedarwood, rosemary, myrrh, lavender, and Frankincense essential oils as being safe to use around your dog. As is the case with cats, keep essential oil bottles well out of reach and set up the diffuser in a well-ventilated space.
When using a pet safe diffuser, make sure you:
In summary. Some essential oils—like lavender and chamomile—may be safe for pets when used sparingly and with good ventilation. Others—like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon—can be toxic. Always keep oils out of reach and call your vet if your pet shows signs of illness.
Your furry friend can also benefit from the calming effects of linalool. Lavender or lavender oil is especially helpful for dogs who experience separation anxiety.
Safe for Everyone—Kids, Pets, and Sensitive Noses
Our hotel essential oils for diffuser are rigorously tested and formulated without phthalates, parabens, or harsh chemicals, meeting strict international safety standards.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
Using essential oils to help with pet smells can be a really effective and natural way to freshen up your home and there are lots of safe essential oils like lavender, chamomile and geranium which have pleasant fragrances that can mask or neutralize odors.
While peppermint oil is popular for its refreshing scent and potential health benefits for humans, it can be harmful to dogs. Dogs have a much more sensitive respiratory system, and inhaling essential oils, including peppermint, can lead to respiratory distress, coughing, and sneezing.
Keep all essential oils out of reach of your dog.
If your dog shows any signs of discomfort, such as coughing, wheezing, or pawing at their face, stop using the diffuser immediately and consult your veterinarian.
How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh with Dogs Around
Essential oils we suggest considering for dogs:
Tea tree, wintergreen, pine, cinnamon, citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint, and ylang ylang oils are toxic to dogs. Rush your dog to an emergency veterinarian if you notice severe drooling, staggering, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, or collapse after exposure.
Active diffusers—such as nebulizing diffusers and ultrasonic diffusers—disperse essential oils more aggressively. In addition to emitting aromas, they spray small particles of oil into the air. While the droplets may be tiny, they can cause big problems for pets, ranging from skin irritation to neurological symptoms.
Inhaling diffused oils is harmful to both dogs and cats. Prolonged exposure to diffused oils, especially in small or poorly ventilated spaces, can result in respiratory distress or even aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, pets have an acute sense of smell—up to 10,000 times more sensitive than ours.
Several oils, such as peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, and tea tree, contain substances that can be extremely harmful if consumed. Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and even seizures might result from ingestion.
While we wait for more research on essential oils and animals, as a rule of thumb, we recommend you avoid using diffusers if your animal has breathing problems, is confined to a small space or a lot of oil needs to be used. Speak to your veterinarian before bringing essential oils into your home or using a diffuser.
Inhalation of eucalyptus oil vapors can be just as harmful as ingestion. Dogs exposed to diffused oils may develop breathing problems, coughing, or nervous system symptoms. Even passive exposure from oil droplets settling on fur can lead to toxicity when dogs groom themselves.