Can essential oil diffusers harm my dog? What oils are safe?

I would avoid using essential oils directly on your dog as it could cause skin irritation, or be toxic, depending on the oil. If you use diffusers in your home, making sure Hudson is in a well-ventilated area away from it can help prevent inhalation that could cause irritation or illness.

Peppermint essential oil is toxic to dogs, so do not use that. As for lavender, while it isn't toxic, dogs can have negative or allergic reactions to it, so use only small amounts initially. If you have a cat, do not use any essential oils as many are highly toxic to cats. I hope this helps!

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Our pets are very sensitive to the chemicals in essential oils (think how much more sensitive their sense of smell is!), and exposure to diffused essential oils can be dangerous. Cats are particularly sensitive, but it's best to avoid diffusing oils around dogs as well. If you must use diffused oils, do so in an enclosed room and keep the pets out to minimize their exposure. Hope this helps!

It's really hard to say as each individual pet is going to have different susceptibility to the item, and how much you use the diffuser/what oils are placed in it can also affected this. That said, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you need to use your diffuser at night, keeping Nugget in a different room while you do, or making sure the room is well-ventilated can help. If you notice any signs of an issue such as Nugget coughing or wheezing, running nose, changes in behavior, lethargy, confusion, etc, it is best to move her to a well-ventilated room ASAP. A visit to your vet, especially if you notice any longer lasting changes, is also a good idea to make sure there is no issue.

None of these essential oils are toxic and the amount that would be inhaled through a room diffuser would be minimal. Keep in mind that dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do, and could get overwhelmed by a strong smell. You should make sure your dog can leave and go to another room if she wants to. I do not recommend using any essential oil topically or orally in pets.

Peppermint oil and tea tree oil are unsafe to use on or around dogs. Lavendar, spearmint, coconut, lemongrass, frankincense, sweet orange and vanilla EOs are safe. Purchase only quality oils from reputable suppliers.

I am afraid I cannot recommend diffusing essential oils for kennel cough or at all near pets. Many essential oils are detrimental to the health of your pets, as the metabolic products (when the animal breaks them down) are toxic. Kennel cough is self limiting and will eventually go away by itself. If your dog gets lethargic, has a fever, or has a really bad cough or discharge, you should have her seen by your vet who will prescribe cough medicine and/or antibiotics as necessary.