Understanding Safety of Essential Oils for Dogs

What Essential Oils I Should Avoid With My Dog

Cheap ones.   Poor Quality ones.  Oils that smell better than they work.  Oils that are all priced the same no matter what they claim is in the bottle.  Synthetic Ones.   Those listed as fragrance or for aromatic use only.  Those you do not know where they originated or what's actually in the bottle.

Yes, it does matter.  A whole lot.  I tell you this a little bit tongue and cheek, but there are some things with some specific oil singles you will want to learn more about.      See my post on Why Quality Matters.   Also, check out Questions You Should Ask Your Oil Company

When it comes to essential oils for dogs, safety is paramount. Not all oils are suitable for our canine companions, and misinformation abounds. Here's a clear and informative guide to help you navigate the essential oils that are not safe for dogs and understand why.

Essential Oils to Avoid Around Dogs
These are typically avoided because they contain compounds that are highly toxic, too irritating, or too difficult for a dog’s body to process safely:

• Bitter Almond: contains cyanogenic compounds which release cyanide — extremely toxic

• Boldo: contains ascaridole, a neurotoxin and hepatotoxin

• Chenopodium (wormseed): highly toxic due to ascaridole content; neurotoxic and causes liver damage

• Garlic: highly concentrated sulfur compounds — can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs

• Goosefoot (another common name for Chenopodium): same toxicity profile

• Horse Radish: extremely irritating to mucous membranes and skin — high risk of burns and gastrointestinal distress

• Juniper Wood: contains high levels of thujone and other neurotoxins not present in Juniper Berry

• Mustard: irritant and contains compounds that can damage mucous membranes and lead to respiratory distress

• Pennyroyal: contains pulegone, a potent liver toxin and neurotoxin — linked to seizures and death in dogs

• Santolina: rich in thujone and camphor — neurotoxic and irritating

• Sassafras: contains safrole, a known carcinogen and hepatotoxin

• Tansy: contains high thujone — neurotoxic and hepatotoxic

• Wormwood: extremely high thujone — known neurotoxin; causes seizures and organ damage

Essential Oils to Use with Caution or Under Professional Guidance

These can be used therapeutically but are potent, high in phenols or ketones, or metabolized slowly by dogs - under guidance. Safe use requires proper dilution, proper methods (often diffused, not applied), and professional knowledge. Quality of your oil matters, as does duration, purpose, the “recipe” in which it’s used and quantity. Synthetic versions or fragrance versions are not safe to use and often all oils are lumped together.

• Anise: can overstimulate nervous system and cause vomiting or depression if overused

• Birch: contains methyl salicylate — risk of liver toxicity and bleeding disorders

• Camphor: neurotoxic in moderate doses; easily absorbed through skin; can cause seizures

• Cassia: high in cinnamaldehyde — skin irritant, can cause liver stress

• Clove: very high in eugenol — can cause liver stress, blood thinning, and skin irritation if not well diluted

• Hyssop: high in pinocamphone — neurotoxic at high doses

• Oregano: extremely high in phenols — causes skin and mucous membrane irritation; must be well diluted

• Rue (Ruta): phototoxic, skin irritant, neurotoxic in larger amounts

• Savory: another very high phenol oil — same cautions as oregano and clove

• Thyme: depends on chemotype — thymol chemotype is very high in phenols and can irritate liver and skin

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): safe if used properly (very well diluted and quality controlled) but often abused; reports of toxicity due to undiluted or poor-quality products

• Wintergreen: high in methyl salicylate — risk of liver toxicity and bleeding disorders

Summary of Why Oils Fall Into These Groups

• Avoid completely → oils that contain known seizure-inducing, liver-toxic, neurotoxic, or carcinogenic compounds that dogs can't metabolize

• Use with caution → oils that are powerful therapeutic agents but are also high in phenols, ketones, camphor, or methyl salicylate, which require extreme care in dosing, dilution, and monitoring when used with dogs

These items are referenced as single oils and are often used in blends, misting sprays, etc. for canine usage. Safe use is often debatable, and certainly, poor-quality oils should be avoided. Research suggests it’s adulterated, low-quality & synthetic versions of these oils that cause issues.

You will find Anise in digestive blends. You'll find Camphor in the confidence & courage blend. And Clove, Thyme & Cinnamon in Immunity Blend! You'll find Ruta in T-Away! We use these oils all the time for dogs!

You will find Oregano, Thyme, Tea Tree, and Wintergreen use in many remedies for K9 first Aid or care or in the Animal Raindrop. It is always advised to dilute appropriately and avoid any prolonged usage of any oil. Remember they are not pharmaceuticals.

Tea Tree may be one of the most feared essential oils for dogs. Here’s what you need to know… Is Tea Tree Toxic to Dogs?

Note — I have used all of these without any ill-effects on dogs — if you’re uncomfortable — you have other options.
Cats are a different conversation

Conclusion: Prioritize Your Dog's Safety

Choosing safe essential oils for your dog is essential for their well-being. Understanding which oils are unsafe and exercising caution in usage will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your furry companion. For high-quality essential oils suitable for your pets, [visit our link](Link to your website for purchasing high-quality essential oils).

Contact me to discuss how essential oils may benefit you and your family, including your animals. We offer educational resources and support. No obligation to ask questions about getting started.