Sep 04, 2024

Pet-Safe Cleaning: Learn Which Essential Oils Are Toxic for Dogs

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start with some deep cleaning around the house. As we refresh our homes for the season, many of us turn to essential oils to create a pleasant atmosphere with natural scents from diffusers. But did you know that some of the essential oils you use to freshen your home could be toxic to your fur baby?

It's important to ensure that your cleaning routine doesn't accidentally put your pet's health at risk. Let’s break down everything you need to know!

What Are Essential Oils and Why Are They Used in Spring Cleaning?

If you’re looking for a pet friendly air freshener, a perfect natural solution is to use essential oils that are non-toxic for pets. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that are often used for their fragrant properties in cleaning and air freshening. They’re a popular choice for those looking for a natural alternative to commercial cleaners, with scents like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus offering a refreshing fragrance to the home. But while these oils are great for humans, there are some essential oils that are bad for dogs, and can be harmful to dogs when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Did you know that a dog’s nose is an estimated 1,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans, due to significantly more olfactory receptors and a larger brain area dedicated to processing smell!

Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Dogs

While essential oils can make your home smell lovely, several are harmful to dogs. Here are some essential oils that you should avoid using around your dog:

Eucalyptus – Commonly used for its fresh, minty scent, but it can cause drooling, vomiting, and other symptoms of toxicity in dogs.
Tea Tree Oil – Known for its antiseptic properties, but it can lead to tremors, weakness, and even liver damage in dogs.
Peppermint – While refreshing for humans, peppermint oil can cause gastrointestinal issues, lethargy, and muscle tremors in dogs.
Citrus Oils (lemon, lime, orange) – These oils contain compounds that can cause upset stomach, drooling, and even central nervous system depression.
Pine – Often used for cleaning purposes, but pine oil can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.

These oils can be especially dangerous when used in diffusers, as the fumes can be inhaled by dogs, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems.

Other Essential oils that can pose issues for dogs include; Cinnamon, Sweet Birch, Ylang Ylang, Clove, Lemongrass, Thyme and Oregano.

Essential Oils Safe for Dogs

Not all essential oils are harmful to dogs. If you want to enjoy the benefits of essential oils while keeping your dog safe, try these pet-friendly options:

Lavender – Known for its calming properties, lavender is safe in small amounts and can help both humans and dogs relax.
Chamomile – This gentle oil is soothing and can help alleviate anxiety in both pets and humans.
Frankincense – Often used for its grounding and calming properties, it is safe for pets and can promote a sense of peace in the home.

These essential oils can be great to use when cleaning the home but also to help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm for pups experiencing separation anxiety when left alone.

Pet Safe Cleaning - The Essentials

For our home cleaning routine, we love to use packs of pet friendly essential oils that support our dogs wellbeing like the Eco Pet Essentials Trio to refresh the air using a mist diffuser.

Around the home in the kitchen, bathroom, and living room surfaces we use non-toxic multipurpose cleaning sprays that are safe to use around our pets and give us peace of mind.

Lastly, we give our pups a little ‘spring clean’ with dog shampoo and conditioner that is plant-based, non-toxic, and designed for sensitive skin. A win-win!

It’s a therapeutic feeling to have a spring refresh clean home ready for the warmer weather. But it’s important to keep your dog’s safety in mind when using essential oils and other cleaning products. By using dog-friendly alternatives, you can create a fresh, safe and welcoming environment for both you and your fur baby.