Essential oils are derived from natural plants. While they are safe for humans, not all are healthy for pets. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing essential oils, especially if you have pets. Essential oils have great beneficiary factors, like relaxing your mood, healing pain, and controlling anxiety. Some essential oils are great for dogs but poisonous for cats. So, if you want to use essential oils to treat your pets, you must have a word with your vet.

Pets like dogs and cats are highly sensitive to smells. Inhaling strong smells can cause serious health complications like skin allergies and respiratory problems. You should not use essential oils on pets younger than 10 weeks, as it may affect their nervous and immune and respiratory system and metabolic functions. It is advised to consult a vet and seek advice from reputed experts such as Animal Aromatherapist to know what you should do.

Here are some risk factors to consider before using essential oils for pets:

• Check for the metabolism of oils. Cats are sensitive to phenols in some oils which can be poisonous to them.
• Oils can be easily absorbed by pet skins in a few seconds. So, to avoid accidents, keep them away from pets.
• Check the product label thoroughly before using them on pets to get rid of fleas. Use products which specify pet-friendly on the label.
• Do not use concentrated oils on your pets. They are sensitive to strong smells, even in small amounts.
• Do not use essential oils on pets suffering from asthma.

Symptoms of poisoning in pets
Many common symptoms can be noticed when pets are poisoned. A pet lover should always stay alert and keep an eye out for any behavioral changes. Some of the important symptoms to look out for are:

• Drooling
• Difficulty in walking
• Itchiness and inflammation on skin, tongue, lips or gums
• Vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue and weakness
• Constantly pawing their mouth or face

When you come across any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

List of essential oils suitable for pets
Once you have researched the risk factors to consider before using essential oils for pets, you are one step closer to a healthier home. The next step is to get the list of essentials oils suitable for your pets and their benefits.

Floral oils
Oils extracted from flowers such as chamomile, clary sage, marjoram have great benefits.

• Chamomile helps improve skin health, promotes sleep, and reduces mental and emotional stress.
• Clary sage has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and it calms mental and emotional stress.
• Marjoram works well for digestive problems, inflammation, and mood swings.

Resin oils
Oils like frankincense and myrrh are pet-friendly.

• Frankincense helps in reducing shyness, anger, and other negative feelings. Moreover, it has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
• Myrrh reduces skin irritation, promotes emotional balance, and alertness.

Root oils
Oils extracted from roots such as ginger and valerian are beneficial.

• Ginger helps treat joint pain, respiratory, and digestion problems. It reduces inflammation as well.
• Valerian calms the skin and promotes good sleep by reducing anxiety.