TruDog - Are diffusers harmful to dogs?

Posted on 4 July, 2022

Photo by okeykat on Unsplash

Part hobby, part science, aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in our daily lives. The basic premise is that essential oils have chemical properties that our bodies really like. Oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can do everything from help calm your mood, improve focus, and even relieve common ailments such as nausea and headache. (1)

Diffusers are a popular way to use essential oils, but they must be used with caution, particularly if you have a dog or cat in the house. Are diffusers harmful to dogs? Not necessarily. Indeed any living thing in the house, including you, can be affected by essential oils in the air (that’s the point), so exercise awareness and caution when incorporating the use of diffusers in your living space.

What Are Diffusers?

There are basically two different types of diffusers: natural and power. Reed diffusers are the long smelly sticks that are probably in the bathroom of someone you know…maybe even you. The container they sit in is often decorative and there is a bit of essential oil in the bottom. The reeds suck the oils up and diffuse the smell gently into the air.

Powered diffusers do the exact same thing, but are – you guessed it – powered. Pour a little oil in the top, et voila: delicious smells.

The thing about diffusers is that they don’t have a way to dial the intensity of the essential oils up or down. Think for a moment of a smell that is way too strong for you, and how severe that is to you. Are you allergic to any perfumes?

Put the wrong oil in your diffuser, and you’ll be smelling that smell for weeks! That’s the opposite of what you want. So, the science-meets-hobby part is in the understanding that not all essential oils are created equal and choosing the right ones for every member of your household is key. (2)

So It’s The Oils, Not The Diffusers

Just like that instant headache you get when you smell something too potent, some oils are downright toxic to your dog. Essential oils that must be avoided if you have a dog in the house include cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang. (2, 3) Others are just too strong, and some seem like a good idea at the time but, in fact, smell like feet. There’s a bit of experimentation where your personal tastes are concerned, but there are also some things we know.

For starters, almost every essential oil in its natural state requires dilution in order to diffuse without it being too strong. So when shopping, be sure to ask how to dilute that oil. It may seem like a rookie question but it’s actually an expert one. Without being diluted it may be way too strong, totally unpleasant, and therefore ineffective. But a few drops in a neutral kind of oil could change the game entirely.

Some Oils Are Good For Dogs

Another thing we know is that some oils are not only just fine for your furry friend, but some can even be helpful. It’s important to note that essential oils should never be put in your dog’s water, or otherwise used internally. (2, 3) This also means you need to make sure you don’t get oil on your dog’s body, especially where they can lick it off. With that said… lavender, chamomile, and thyme oil are all great for relieving nausea and skin issues that are a normal part of some dog’s lives. Cedar oil and lemongrass are wonderful for helping to keep your home free of fleas and ticks. All of these are fine choices when used in diffusers.

Essential oils used in diffusers are a nice way to add another dimension to your home environment. Do a little research to ensure that the oils you choose to diffuse are good for every member of your household, and enjoy all the benefits available to you.

Sources:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils
  2. https://www.essentialoilhaven.com/essential-oils-for-dogs/
  3. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs/

About Emily Murray

An avid traveler, runner, yogi and self-care junkie, Emily’s writing showcases her depth of interest in life and learning. As informative as it is approachable, she engages readers with relatable tidbits, support, and wisdom in an easy, friendly way.

To read the original blog written by Emily Murray for TruPets, please visit: https://trudog.com/are-diffusers-harmful-to-dogs/

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