Essential oils are popular among humans as a form of aromatherapy. However, while beneficial and pleasing to humans, some commonly used essential oils can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. They can cause severe skin irritation upon contact and ingestion; these oils can cause gastrointestinal issues, respiratory damage, liver damage, and even damage to the nervous system of pets. The following are five essential oils that can be harmful to pets.

1. Cinnamon
It is derived from the bark or leaves of the cinnamon tree. It is a versatile remedy for humans, offering benefits such as alleviating scabies, managing stress, and promoting heart health and circulation. However, this aromatic remedy takes a harmful turn for pets. Though beneficial for humans, this essential oil is harmful to both dogs and cats.

2. Tea tree
Tea tree oil, extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, is renowned for its benefits in addressing human ailments like coughs, cold sores, and sinusitis. However, it doesn’t have the same benefits for cats. Tea tree oil poses a significant threat to the well-being of cats and dogs.

3. Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is known for its noticeable, strong, minty aroma. It is a popular choice among humans, as it helps ease their headaches, alleviate muscular aches and pains, and aid digestion. However, pet owners must be extra cautious when using this oil for aromatic remedies, as it can harm cats and dogs.

4. Wintergreen
With its strong, mint-like aroma, wintergreen essential oil finds favor among humans for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. However, this natural remedy, derived from the leaves of the wintergreen plant, comes with a warning for pet owners. While it may be a soothing solution for humans, it poses risks for both cats and dogs.

5. Ylang Ylang
Humans often use Ylang Ylang essential oil for its stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties. However, while it serves as a calming elixir for humans, it is considered harmful to dogs and cats.

Why are some essential oils toxic to pets?
Certain essential oils pose a threat to pets due to their highly concentrated nature. Being highly sensitive, animals react strongly to the compounds in these oils. Even when used in diffusers, inhalation by pets can lead to adverse reactions. Moreover, pets’ direct contact with these oils must also be strictly avoided, as their bodies can respond harshly to their chemical composition.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets can manifest through various distress signals. These include the following:

• Skin or mouth irritation could be indicated by the pet constantly pawing at the mouth or face.
• Visible reaction signs may include redness or burns on the pets’ lips, tongue, skin, or gums.
• One may also notice excessive drooling in their pets.
• Digestive distress in pets, caused by a toxic reaction, may result in vomiting and diarrhea.
• Respiratory issues caused by the oils may be noticeable, with the pets experiencing difficulty breathing.
• Other noticeable symptoms include weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, and trouble walking.