Did you know the essential oil market size has a value of over $10 billion? An aroma oil diffuser is a popular household item these days and sales reflect that. But not all oil types are safe options for pet owners.
Do you enjoy fragrance oil for aroma beads or diffusers? Do have a furry friend and care about pet safety?
The following will explain which aroma oils are safe for pets and which types you should avoid. Read on and learn how to benefit from essential oils without endangering your pets.
Aroma Oil Diffusers And Pets
Try to avoid using a 24oz diffuser longer than an hour at a time. Diffusers are ultrasonic and make drops of water look like normal steam. But the water droplets contain oils that get breathed in by your pet and end up on their coat.
The one-hour rule is especially important for cat owners because felines groom themselves so often. Consider running your diffuser for an hour in the morning and one more time at night before bed.
Place diffusers away from areas your pet spends a lot of time in like where they eat and dog beds. If possible, place diffusers completely out of reach from pets. Use oils from companies like Santal – AromaTech that are 100 percent pet-safe.
Topical Oils And Pets
You should use a carrier oil if you plan to put the oil on your pet topically. A carrier oil dilutes essential oils to protect your cat or dog’s skin from irritation.
Good carrier options include olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Dilution amounts depend on the size and age of your pet. Start by diluting oils heavily and monitor your pet for any reactions.
Some pet owners make special essential oil blends for a specific animal. For example, you can make a blend to repel fleas and ticks by mixing geranium oil, rosemary, lemongrass, and bergamot.
Then, combine the oil blend with a carrier oil and apply it to your cat or dog’s neck. The neck area is ideal so that your pet can’t lick the topical oil.
Essential Oils And Cats
First, avoid using all citrus oils if you have a cat. Felines lack the enzyme to break down citrus. It can cause your cat to drool, vomit, and become woozy or lethargic.
Other oils toxic to cats include peppermint, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, and tea tree. Even oregano, thyme, wintergreen sweet birch, pennyroyal, cinnamon
and clove oils are toxic although you might not suspect it.
However, there are plenty of essential oils perfect for cat owners. Try to stick with frankincense, lavender, bergamot, and chamomile to keep your cat safe.
Essential Oils And Dogs
The list of toxic oils for dogs includes the same as the cat list except for oregano and eucalyptus which are fine. Although, dog owners need to add anise, juniper, and cinnamon to their list of oils to avoid.
Dog owners should stick to the same oil options that are safe for cats. Myrrh, ginger, and rosemary are also safe oil choices for homes with dogs.
Enjoy Pet-Safe Oils
Now you know how to safely use aroma oil and which types are best for cats and dogs. Remember this guide and enjoy the many benefits of essential oils safely.
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