How safe are these essential oils for our pets? Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Although products containing low concentrations of tea tree oil are not expected to be a problem in pets, the use of pure tea tree oil directly on the skin is potentially very serious in pets and should never be used. Exposure may cause ataxia, salivation, lethargy, coma and tremor.
Toxic consumption:
Intoxication is most often seen when 100% tea tree oil is used. As little as 7-8 drops (10-20 mL) applied to the skin may be fatal to both cats and dogs. Products with low concentrations (e.g. shampoos, body washes) are generally not considered toxic.
Tea tree oil can be harmful to dogs when ingested or applied topically in high concentrations. Symptoms of toxicity include muscle weakness, vomiting, and even seizures. It's best to avoid using tea tree oil on or around dogs and seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
A common misconception about tea tree oil is that it is toxic for humans and animals. Tea tree oil is safe to use when it is diluted to a low concentration and can even provide several benefits.
But you always need to be careful when using tea tree oil. You see, tea tree oil is also very toxic. In it's 100% pure form, as it is often sold in health food stores, it can be very dangerous if absorbed undiluted through the skin or ingested by you or your dog. Even diluted, it's safest if it's only .
I would never use tea tree oil on my cat but after doing a LOT of research, I can say that I use tea tree oil on my dogs. Basically, as long as you dilute the tea tree oil and use a concentration of LESS than 1.0% tea tree oil, it is safe. That kind of dilution would be 6 drops in 30ml or 1 ounce of carrier oil.
People with sensitive skin may need to dilute the oil with more water and only spot treat to prevent irritation. If you don't want to bother with proper dilution, you can use a tea tree oil acne cleanser like this one instead.
How To Dilute Essential Oils. For dogs, I recommend a 0.5% to 1% dilution. This means you add only 3 to 6 drops to an ounce of a carrier oil. There are more safety issues with essential oils.
Symptoms of toxicity include elevations in liver enzymes, weakness, low body temperature, incoordination, inability to walk, hind leg paralysis, tremors, coma and death. These symptoms often appear 2-8 hours after exposure. If you suspect tea tree oil toxicity in your pet please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Fleas strongly dislike the smell of tea tree, and will usually stay away from your dog if the smell is present. Something to consider, however, is that your dog's nose is also very sensitive.
'You should never apply any sort of essential oil directly to the skin without diluting it first in a suitable carrier oil. Tea tree oil has become very popular, and many people have started applying it directly to deal with acne and skin infections. In fact this is a very aggressive oil.
Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Serious side effects can occur, including: Confusion. A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia)
Tea tree oil is a great ingredient in natural pet shampoo and dog grooming supplies when used in a concentration between 0.1 to 1 percent. Pure, undiluted tea tree oil is not suitable for pets, and especially not for taking internally.
Applying oils topically can be irritating to the skin — yours and your dog's. This is counterproductive for treating skin conditions and can add to your dog's discomfort. Therefore, without proper professional guidance, it's best to avoid using essential oils topically or directly on your dog.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil (olive oil or coconut oil work great). The appropriate ratio for large to medium pups is 1 drop essential oil to 10 drops base oil, or for small dogs, it's one drop essential oil to 25 drops base oil.
A safe dilution ratio is 1 part essential oils to 50 parts carrier for an average-sized, healthy dog.
For adults, the maximum dilution for Tea tree oil is 3%. So, in 30ml of the carrier (whichever medium is used as a base to mix the essential oil with, i.e., oils, creams, or conditioners), you only have 1 drop of essential oil. In 60ml of a carrier, 2 drops of essential oil, and so on.
Combine a teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to keep combined, and spot treat existing areas of mold. Leave for a few minutes and wipe away. To prevent mold and mildew, simply spray to apply where needed.
Dip ten drops of tea tree oil in hot water and bathe in bed to treat fever and sore muscles. Drop a few drops of tea tree oil in boiling water, inhale steam with closed eyes to make breathing smooth, and treat respiratory problems such as nasal congestion and bronchitis.
Treatment of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning in Dogs
IV fluids given to the dog also encourage urination. The veterinarian will choose which medications to give to your dog. Anti-vomiting medications may be given to prevent aspiration, medications may be given to protect the liver and stomach, and antibiotics may be given.
As tea tree oil is such a potent ingredient, you should never apply it directly onto your skin. Instead, it should be added to a gentle carrier oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
#4: Tea Tree is a natural remedy for bad breath and contains ingredients that diminish plaque. This oil is a perfect ingredient for a DIY toothpaste or mouthwash because of its ability to kill off bacteria, diminish tooth decay and relieve bleeding gums!
Tea tree oil mouthwash can reduce the bleeding associated with gingivitis significantly. To make tea tree oil mouthwash, you should simply add 3 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water then use it in the same way as the other homemade mouthwashes above.