Learn about whether or not essential oils are safe to use around pets. 

Are Essential Oils Safe for Pets? 

Essential oils can make your home smell so nice, and as a bonus, they can help you clean up, too! But are they safe for your pets?

If you’re using essential oils in your home and you have pets, it’s important to do your research to see if essential oils you like to use are safe for pets.

Here you’ll find some general tips for using essential oils around pets, as well as some advice for specific animals.

This post contains affiliate links. 

Tips for Using Essential Oils for Pets

Essential oils tend to have strong scents, so imagine how our pets, whose senses are generally way better than ours, feel when introduced to essential oils for the first time.

Simply Earth, an essential oils subscription box company that I have grown to love, has a few tips when it comes to introducing pets to essential oils:

  • Give your pets a chance to smell oils and any recipes before applying or diffusing. If they don’t seem to like it, it can cause them emotional discomfort if applied or diffused.
  • Make sure your pets have a way to escape a room where essential oils are being used. If the smell bothers them, they can leave.
  • Introduce essential oils in small doses slowly. It’ll give your pet a chance to get used to them and will give you a chance to figure out which oils will work best.

More tips for using essential oils around pets:

  • Use 100% pure essential oils.
  • Dilute oils in carrier oils or water before use.
  • Take note of any strange symptoms, like lethargy, digestive troubles, irritation or agitation.
  • Keep out of reach, as essential oils can be toxic if ingested.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs and Cats?

While dogs and cats can be sensitive to strongly scented products, there are actually some essential oils that have benefits for our furry friends.

As with any pet, remember to never apply oils directly to the skin without diluting them properly first. Direct application can cause skin irritation and other serious health concerns. Avoid use around puppies and kittens. 

Essential oils that can be safely used around dogs and cats include:

  • Cardamom Oil
  • Peppermint Oil
  • Lavender Oil
  • Juniper Berry Oil*
  • Citronella Oil
  • Ginger Oil
  • Frankincense Oil
  • Chamomile Oil
  • Cedarwood Oil
  • Spearmint Oil
  • Fennel Oil

*Note: Other Juniper oils can be harmful to pets.


The key word here is ‘safely used’. You can find a list of essential oils to avoid in this article.

Keep in mind that cats may not appreciate citrus oils. The scents may be just too strong for them.

Many of the safe oils are great for pet odor, for calming pets, for repelling insects, keeping pets clean, and other great benefits. (There’s a great recipe down below for repelling insects!!)

Are They Safe for Other Pets? 

We have a bearded dragon in our home, so naturally I did some research about essential oils and how they effect other kinds of pets.

In my research, I found some conflicting information; many sources say that essential oils are safe for other animals, while other sources say they are not safe at all.

These things seem to be true:

  • If you have pets who are usually kept in cages or tanks (birds, lizards, snakes, etc), it’s best not to use a diffuser in the same room as the pets don’t have a way to escape if the scent bothers them.
  • As with all other animals, it’s important to not use essential oils directly without diluting them properly.
  • Avoid using essential oils near your pet’s mouth, eyes, ears, and other sensitive parts.
  • The smaller the animal, the more toxic essential oils can be.
  • If using essential oils with small animals, it’s best to measure drops using a toothpick.

If you want to use essential oils around small pets, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian first before using any oils. He or she may have a list of oils that are safe to use for your specific pet.

What essential oils are safe for guinea pigs? 

(This was a special request)

Guinea pigs, and other small animals would follow the same essential oil tips above. Many oils can be very, very dangerous for them, so diffusing oils is only recommended following the guidelines above. 

Essential oils that may be safe for guinea pigs include:

  • lavender
  • lemongrass
  • frankincense 
  • chamomile
  • rose
  • veviter
  • neroli

Again, do not use essential oils directly on or near guinea pigs. Follow the guidelines above for diffusing the oils. 

Essential Oils Recipes for Pets

In this month’s Simply Earth Recipe Box, there are 6 essential oils recipes just for pets, especially the larger furry ones.

The recipes include:

  • Pet Odor Eliminator Spray
  • Anti-Anxiety Diffuser
  • Itchy Skin Roll-On
  • Fur and Skin Conditioner
  • Paw Balm
  • Tick and Mosquito Collar

The four essential oils in this months box are Ginger Essential Oil, Juniper Berry Essential Oil, Cintronella Essential Oil, and Peace and Quiet Blend.

  • Ginger Oil is great for pet odors and helping with upset stomachs.
  • Juniper Berry Oil is great for repelling insects, fighting oily skin, and easing achy muscles.
  • Citronella Oil is known for keeping insects away, but it can also have a calming effect.
  • Peace and Quiet Blend is a mix of Lime, Cedarwood, Frankincense, and Sweet Orange. It helps to relax and uplift. (Some cats may not enjoy this one as they often do not like citrus scents.)

I tried out two of the recipes so far. These recipes are easy to make, plus the ingredients don’t include anything extra than what I already had.

This is how the Tick and Mosquito Collar is made:


Simply Earth Coupon Code

Want to try a Simply Earth Essential Oils Recipe Box? Each month you’ll receive a box with 6 natural essential oils recipes, 4 bottles of essential oils, natural ingredients to use in the recipes, and an extra item or two.

Tip: You can also opt to get the quarterly subscription box which is sent every three months.

Use code MKWBFREE to get a free $40 gift card with your purchase!

When you subscribe for the first time using my code, you will receive a $40 egift card with your initial subscription box and bonus box. You can then use the $40 egift card on your future purchase or next box!

 

Along with your first subscription box, you’ll also get the BIG BONUS BOX. It contains $50 of supplies: hard oil, spray bottles, roller bottles, and more! You will automatically get this Big Bonus Box shipped to you with every 6 boxes.

Would You Try Essential Oils for Your Pets? 

Would you use essential oils around your pets? Do you already use essential oils with your pets? What are your favorites to use? Leave me a comment below!

Many thanks to Simply Earth for sending me the latest box to review!