We posted about oil before, but as the popularity of home diffusers continues to grow, we wanted to clear up common misconceptions about essential oils and hairy friends.
High concentrations of oils can be dangerous for animals, but did you know that even when those oils are diluted or diffused, they can still be dangerous for furry friends?
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA .)) says there is no straight answer to the question of whether all essential oils are harmful to all animals, although they are clearly dangerous to birds. If you have birds, you should avoid using an essential oil diffuser in your home.
The ASPCA says essential oils and cats are not friends. This is because cats are particularly susceptible to a build-up of toxicity because their livers do not contain an enzyme needed to break down oils. Instead, essential oils can build up in your cat’s system and lead to poisoning.
Therefore, never apply concentrated essential oils directly to cats. Essential oils can also be harmful to dogs. You can review the benefits and dangers of specific essential oils here ASPCA’s List of Toxic and Toxic Plants.
Pending further research into essential oils and animals, as a general rule we recommend avoiding the use of a diffuser if your animal has respiratory problems, is confined to a small space or need to use a lot of oil. Talk to your veterinarian before bringing essential oils into your home or using a diffuser.
