Are Essential Oils Toxic to Dogs?
Yes — essential oils are mildly toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
Symptoms to watch for
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Wobbliness with concentrated oils
Toxic parts
Oils, diffusers, liquid potpourri
Toxic compound
Phenols and terpenes
What to do now
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Cats lack liver enzymes to break down many oils. Oils like tea tree, wintergreen, pine, peppermint and cinnamon can cause drooling, wobbliness and liver damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Are essential oils toxic to dogs?
Yes — essential oils are mildly toxic to dogs. Cats lack liver enzymes to break down many oils. Oils like tea tree, wintergreen, pine, peppermint and cinnamon can cause drooling, wobbliness and liver damage.
What are the symptoms of essential oils poisoning in dogs?
Drooling. Vomiting. Wobbliness with concentrated oils.
What should I do if my dog ate essential oils?
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach. Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water. Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
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