{"id":654,"date":"2023-06-02T10:47:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T14:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=654"},"modified":"2024-04-03T09:51:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T16:51:12","slug":"pet-poisoning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/pet-poisoning\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Oils and Pet Poisoning"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Essential oils have enjoyed widespread interest and popularity in recent years. And it\u2019s no wonder\u2014they have the potential to soothe a variety of ailments and they smell wonderful. However, for all their positive attributes, essential oils can result in a pet poisoning if absorbed through the skin or inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

So Good, So Bad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to their well-documented healing properties, essential oils have definitely earned a place in the medicine cabinets of some people. Derived from plants, essential oils can aid in health or personal care and can be used for everything from flavorings to air fresheners to insecticides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, essential oils have been put in candles, liquid potpourri, room sprays, and perfumes, but perhaps most popular these days is their use in diffusers. When mixed with water, the diffuser creates a vapor. Pets not only absorb the oils into their skin, but they also end up breathing them in. Some essential oils contain phenols and phenolic compounds which are known for their toxicity (especially to cats).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strictly Speaking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because they lack a special liver enzyme, cats are unable to efficiently metabolize essential oils. Most oils, such as wintergreen, peppermint, tea tree, and more, are 100% concentrated, so cats are especially at risk for a pet poisoning<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of essential oil toxicity<\/a> are similar to those of a general pet poisoning. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n