Book of Shadows pt. 1

Tips and Tricks: Poisonous Essential oils to pets

In general, it's a tricky call. But if you are using essential oils in your house as a spritzer or in a diffuser, please be aware of your fur babies, reptile babies, and feathered friends, and how they react. The smaller the animal, the higher the sensitivity is to these chemicals.

Phenols (a chemical group in oils such as those derived from Thyme & Oregano), Monoterpene Hydrocarbons (such as Pine), Phenylpropanes (such as Basil & Cinnamon), and many essential oils in the Ketone group (such as Pennyroyal and Wormwood), should be avoided all together when treating animals

There's debate over whether hydrosols, a by-product made when a plant is steam distilled to extract essential oils, are also toxic to cats. Since the verdict isn't out, we're going to steer clear of any and all essential oil products in the future just in case.

Here are essential oils unsafe for pets:

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)Birch (Betula)Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis)Boldo (Peumus boldus)Calamus (Acorus calamus)Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)Cassia (Cassia fistula)Chenopodium (Chenopodium album)Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)Garlic (Allium sativum)Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. with the exception of Decumbens)Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry)Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)Mustard (Brassica juncea)Oregano (Origanum vulgare) (Mentha pulegium)Red or White ThymeRue (Ruta graveolens)Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)Savory (Satureja)Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) (Melaleuca alternifolia)Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina)Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Here is a list of some essential oils that are known to be toxic to cats:

Peppermint
Oregano
Clove
Sage
Citrus oils
Lavender
Melaleuca (tea tree oil)
Cinnamon (cassia)
Wintergreen
Thyme
Birch
Bergamot
Pine
Spruce
EucalyptusAny other oils containing phenols

It is important to keep in mind that many oils that are fine for dogs and horses, are not good for cats (such as Citrus and Pine), rabbits or birds. Many essential oils can be used topically but not internally. Conversely, some essential oils may be used internally but will irritate the skin. Also, the extreme concentration of essential oils may make a type dangerous for pets, whereas using the plant or herb itself is not an issue.

Many pet stores carry items that contain essential oils which can be easily applied and can be safer for your pet, like NaturVet's Tea Tree oil ear wash or Cloud Star Buddy's Lavender & Mint dog shampoo.