Are Any Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Using essential oils for their fragrance has been popular for a while. Some people use them to make their homes smell fresher. And they’re found in many products, from cleaning supplies to liquid potpourris.

But, more recently, some dog owners are trying essential oils for flea prevention, skin conditions, and separation anxiety in their pets. Here, we review the possible risks some essential oils pose for dogs.

Which essential oils are bad for dogs?

There’s a small chance that your dog won’t be negatively affected by essential oils, depending on their size, breed, and individual sensitivity. But to be on the safe side, it’s better to avoid introducing essential oils to your dog. Several are known to cause toxicity in dogs.

Below are examples of essential oils that are toxic to dogs.

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon oil may make your house smell sweet and spicy, but it can also make your dog sick. Even in small amounts, cinnamon oil can be toxic to dogs. 

It’s worth noting that cinnamon oil is an ingredient in over-the-counter flea and tick prevention products for dogs. But veterinarians typically recommend prescription flea and tick preventives.

Eucalyptus oil

Some people apply eucalyptus oil to their skin to relieve pain and inflammation, especially around the respiratory tract. But eucalyptus oil can be poisonous to dogs. If ingested, it can cause:

• Drowsiness

• Stumbling

• Confusion

• Coma

• Seizures

Pennyroyal oil

Pennyroyal oil can be toxic to people and dogs even in small doses. It can cause liver failure in both and is considered highly toxic to dogs.

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Pine oil

While the smell of pine oil is reminiscent of winter holidays, this essential oil is best kept away from your dog. Pine oil poisoning can lead to digestive upset like vomiting and diarrhea. 

Sweet birch oil

Birch oil contains highly toxic levels of methyl salicylate. This chemical is related to aspirin and is used in topical pain creams for muscle aches in people. If a dog gets into birch oil, the methyl salicylate can poison them.

Signs of methyl salicylate poisoning in dogs include:

• Wintergreen smell coming from the dog

• Face rubbing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Kidney failure

• Shallow breathing

• Sluggishness

• Seizures

• Coma

• Death 

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Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a popular essential oil for humans. But if a dog ingests tea tree oil or gets it on their skin, they can experience signs of toxicity, including: 

• Increased salivation or drooling

• Lethargy

• Weakness in the limbs

• Stumbling

• Tremors

Wintergreen oil

Like birch oil, wintergreen oil contains high levels of methyl salicylate. If your dog gets exposed to wintergreen oil, they can become sick and show signs of toxicity, such as:

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Panting

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Coma

• Death

Are any essential oils safe for dogs?

The safest answer is no: There are no essential oils that are safe for dogs. Currently, there is very little research on the use of essential oils in veterinary medicine. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Pet Poison Helpline, and veterinarians advise pet owners to use essential oils with extreme caution. 

Never try an essential oil remedy on your pet without first talking to a veterinarian. Despite claims you might see online or social media, using an essential oil as a “natural remedy” can prove deadly for your dog. If appropriate, your vet can guide you on which essential oils to use and how to use them.

Essential oils may be quickly absorbed if they’re ingested or applied to a dog’s skin. The more concentrated an oil is, the more dangerous it is. Symptoms of toxicity may appear in a dog exposed to a tiny amount. For example, it only takes about 7 drops of concentrated tea tree oil to cause toxicity.

Essential oils in their highest concentrated form should never be given to dogs by mouth or applied directly to their skin or fur.

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Diffusing essential oils around dogs safely

You may be able to use an essential oil diffuser around your dog. But it’s important to choose the type of diffuser that works best for your living situation and will do the least amount of harm if your pet is exposed. 

There are two different types of diffusers: passive and active. Here’s how they work:

• Passive diffusers: These diffusers turn essential oils into a fragrance by evaporating them. The main concern for pets here is inhalation of the aroma. Inhalation can irritate a pet’s respiratory system and cause issues with breathing.

• Active diffusers: Along with the fragrance, these diffusers also release tiny droplets of oil into the air. If the droplets land on your dog’s fur, the oil can either be absorbed by their skin or ingested during grooming. 

If a diffuser is used for a short time in an area away from your pet, it should be safe. However, it’s important to be mindful of any breathing problems or health conditions, like liver disease, your pet has. Certain conditions can raise the risk of toxicity if your pet is exposed.

Can I clean with essential oils around dogs?

It’s probably not a good idea to clean with essential oils around your dog. It would be easy for your dog’s skin to come in contact with the oil or for them to lick a surface and ingest it. This could cause a toxic reaction like vomiting or confusion.

Only use essential oils for cleaning in rooms that your dog doesn’t frequent or when your pup is out of the house for a while. 

What are the symptoms of essential oil toxicity in dogs?

The severity of toxicity symptoms depends on the type of oil and its concentration. 

If essential oils are absorbed through the skin or consumed by mouth, symptoms of toxicity in dogs can include:

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Tremors

• Stumbling

• Respiratory distress

• Low blood pressure

• Stomach ulcers

• Low heart rate

• Low body temperature

• Seizures

• Rear limb paralysis

• Skin irritation

• Liver failure

• Kidney failure

If essential oils are inhaled, symptoms of toxicity can include:

• Watery nose or eyes

• Burning sensation in the nose and throat

• Nausea

• Drooling 

• Breathing problems

• Coughing

• Wheezing

What should I do if my dog has ingested an essential oil?

If your dog ingests an essential oil, call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline. They will help you figure out if your pet needs to go to an emergency vet clinic. Be ready to provide all the details of what happened, including which essential oil your pet ingested. If you’re concerned or your pet’s symptoms worsen, take them to the emergency vet immediately.

If your pet shows signs of breathing problems around a diffuser, get your pet to fresh air immediately. Contact your veterinarian or a helpline if their symptoms don’t resolve.

Don’t induce vomiting, because the oil can get into your pet’s lungs. Inducing vomiting can cause inflammation and worsen breathing problems.

What can I do to prevent essential oil poisoning?

To prevent essential oil poisoning, discuss how you can safely use essential oils in your home with your veterinarian. Keep all essential oil products out of your pet’s reach. Use diffusers away from your pet, and don’t leave them in areas where they could accidentally get knocked over.

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Written by:

Leah Thomason

Leah Thomason was an editorial intern on the GoodRx Health team. She is a writer from Houston, Texas, with an interest in pet health.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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