Health and Wellness

Using Essential Oils Around Your Pets

Words by Louise Miller

Photography by Haley Pesci

Adopting a dog? Fostering a cat? Rescuing a bird? It can be tricky to know what essential oil products are ok to use around your animals. Our pets are as unique as us, so we suggest checking with your vet before bringing any oils into your home.

If you are diffusing oils, make sure to turn the diffuser off before you leave the house, and to store it out of reach (it’s best to keep bottles securely stored, as well). Start with small amounts of oils (5 drops maximum) and monitor how your pet reacts.

Essential oils are not to be ingested by humans, and the same goes for your animals—so be mindful of what you are putting on your skin, and ensure products are fully absorbed before cuddling your furry friends.

Essential oils such as Bergamot, Cedarwood, and Frankincense are known to be safe for animals; however, we suggest using minimal or no Tea Tree around your pets.

Of course, at the end of the day this all depends on your individual pet, so we cannot stress enough the importance of chatting with your veterinarian first. This will ensure a happy, safe home for every creature living in it.