Are Essential Oils Toxic to Pets?
Yes — essential oils are toxic to cats. 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.
- Toxic compound
- Phenols and terpenes
- Toxic parts
- Oils, diffusers, liquid potpourri
- Also known as
- diffuser oils, peppermint oil, wintergreen oil
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Wobbliness with concentrated oils
What to do
If your cat ate essential oils
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your 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.
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 cats?
Yes — essential oils are toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Are essential oils toxic to dogs?
Yes — essential oils are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include drooling, vomiting, wobbliness with concentrated oils.
Which parts of essential oils are toxic?
Oils, diffusers, liquid potpourri.
What makes essential oils toxic?
Phenols and terpenes.