Have you noticed signs of illness
in your dog and are worried that your essential oil diffusers are making your
canine buddy sick? Is eucalyptus oil bad for dogs? Essential oils, including
eucalyptus, comes with great benefits for humans. These are typically applied
topically or diffused throughout your home to promote relaxation, immune
function, and good sleep. However, if you have a dog or pets at home, it’s
advisable to err on the side of caution.
Is Eucalyptus Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?
Essential oils like eucalyptus oil
are natural plant extracts used for aromatherapy. They can be beneficial to
animals but in small concentrations. Prolonged and excessive exposure to
eucalyptus oil can create health problems in dogs, but if you are careful and
are aware of effective methods on using eucalyptus oil for pet care, your dog can
benefit, too.
Can dogs smell the sweet, minty
scent of eucalyptus? They most definitely can. Remember that dogs have very
keen senses that enable them to find their
way back home when dog get lost. Your dog’s
sense of smell alone is up to five times as strong as yours. Now a sniff or two
might not be enough to do actual harm. But with diffusers, you’re exposing your
dog to ingesting eucalyptus oil and this in itself could be toxic to canines.
Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil on Dogs
Is eucalyptus oil safe for dogs to
smell? On some level, it can be considered safe and even come with remarkable
health benefits. But before we look further at the possible harm that’s caused
by ingesting eucalyptus oil, let’s take a look at how essential oils can
actually be beneficial to dogs. Believe it or not, eucalyptus can be used to
prevent health issues not only in humans, but also in canines. With proper use,
eucalyptus oil can be good for:
·
Getting rid of fleas and ticks
·
Disinfecting doggie beddings and blankets
·
Soothing insect bites, rashes, and stings
·
Eliminating odor
·
Respiratory therapy
Caring for Your Dog with Eucalyptus
Some vets would tell you to steer
clear from eucalyptus or any form of essential oil as far as your dog is
concerned. But if your dog seems unaffected or seems to enjoy the scent of
eucalyptus, then you can try the safe ways to use the oil. It’s also a good
idea to lay down some precautions if you’re using eucalyptus for you own health
reasons.
· Consult your vet. For whatever reason you’re using eucalyptus at home, asking your
vet beforehand couldn’t hurt. You can get his opinion on whether or not it
could be beneficial for your dog at the same time.
· Read the label. Whether you’re using a diffuser for your own aromatherapy or
diluting the oil for your dog, the product manufacturer might have some
indications on the label with regard to pets and animals.
· Remove your pet from the room. If your pet
seems bothered with the smell of eucalyptus, remove him immediately from the
room where you activated the diffuser. Even if he seems to like the smell,
avoid using the device for long periods of time because diffusing essential
oils is dangerous to animals.
Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe for Dogs to Inhale?
You can make it safe for your dog
to inhale eucalyptus oil. When for instance they are suffering from colds or
kernel cough, add two drops of oil to water. Dip a towel or hanky into the
mixture and have your dog inhale the vapors for a few minutes. If you’re going
to use a eucalyptus diffuser oil, don’t expose your dog for more than 15
minutes.
It’s not advisable to apply the
oil directly to your dog’s skin, even if the oil has been diluted in water.
Skin exposure can actually be even more dangerous than inhalation, unless your
pet is suffering from respiratory issues. You can check for pet-specific
products containing essential oils like eucalyptus and use them as indicated.
If you own a small dog or a puppy,
you might want to be a bit more careful. Small dogs have more vulnerable
respiratory tracts. They’re more likely to have seizures if they ingest too
much of substances that are considered toxic. If your dog is pregnant or has
open skin wounds, it’s advisable that you avoid giving eucalyptus oil
altogether.
Prevent Eucalyptus Poisoning in Dogs
We’ve established that eucalyptus
oil can be useful in caring for your dog, if properly diluted and with minimal
exposure. It’s important for dog owners to remember that dogs react to
essential oils differently than humans.
In that regard, all essential oils,
including eucalyptus oil, can be considered toxic to dogs. Eucalyptus oil is
extracted from the eucalyptus plant. It’s known to be beneficial in liquid form
but can be very toxic when undiluted. For this reason, some experts might even
claim that the potential harm of essential oils outweigh the benefits.
Eucalyptus poisoning can occur if
your dog ingests a substantial amount of eucalyptus oil.
Should you decide to administer
eucalyptus oil therapy at home, you want to be on the lookout for symptoms of
eucalyptus overdose. Symptoms would include:
·
Swelling, itching, or rashes
·
Abdominal pain
·
Lethargy
·
Dilated eyes
·
Confusion
·
Loss of appetite
·
Pawing at mouth due to burning sensation
·
Diarrhea
·
Excessive drooling
·
Rapid breathing
·
Wheezing
·
Vomiting
·
Depression
If you see any of these signs,
there’s a chance that your dog may have been overexposed to eucalyptus oil and
is suffering from poisoning. The symptoms may be a bit delayed. If left
untreated, eucalyptus poisoning can cause gastrointestinal and neurological
damage to dogs.
Is lemon eucalyptus oil safe for
dogs? If you’re considering using eucalyptus oil or any other essential oil on
your pets, it’s best to remember that essential oils are generally toxic to
animals, unless you ensure that exposure is minimal and the oil is administered
in diluted form. If your dog shows signs of irritation or discomfort, they’re
likely having a negative reaction to the eucalyptus oil. It’s best to remove
them from the room where you have the diffuser. And as a general dog care tip, consult your vet first
before you use essential oils on animals.
