An alert has been raised by a canine assistant trainer regarding a common household product that could pose risks to dogs. Despite being marketed as ‘natural’, these items may not be entirely non-toxic or safe for pets, so caution is advised.
Holly, an assistant at the Canine Centre in Derbyshire owned by Will Atherton, took to TikTok to discuss the potential dangers of essential oils and diffusers for dogs.
She explained that while these products can enhance home fragrance, they can be hazardous to dogs. When diffused, oils release tiny droplets and volatile compounds that dogs can breathe in, leading to potential lung irritation, coughing, or even respiratory tract burns due to their sensitive airways and heightened sense of smell.
Holly specifically mentioned the risks associated with tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, pine, citrus, and ylang-ylang oils. Even minimal exposure through skin contact or repeated inhalation can result in various troubling symptoms like drooling, tremors, lethargy, and liver toxicity, as confirmed by veterinary reports and toxicology studies from organizations like the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline.
Dr. Suzanne Moyes, a resident veterinarian at Burgess Pet Care, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that diffusers and scented candles could pose significant health threats to pets, not limited to dogs and cats but also extending to other small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
To ensure pet safety, it is advisable to choose scented products and oils with lower risk ingredients and use them in well-ventilated spaces to prevent adverse reactions in pets.
Dr. Sandra Mitchell, a veterinarian at PetMD, highlighted the importance of safely using essential oils at home by keeping them out of pets’ reach, using them away from pets, and ensuring thorough drying of surfaces treated with oils before allowing pet contact.
PetMD has identified 12 essential oils harmful to dogs, cautioning against ingestion or skin exposure. For detailed information on these oils, visit the provided link.
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