Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe For Dogs? (Decoded)
Pet owners know that pets are as important to them as their young ones. They treat their pets as one of their family members and thus make all the possible efforts for their well-being and safety. Pet owners make all the efforts to make sure that they get proper sleep and good quality food to make sure that their pets stay healthy and fit.
Though it has been seen that sometimes accidentally, you tend to do some stuff that might irritate your dog or by which you put your pet in a dangerous position. For example, using essential oils around your pet can irritate your pet dogs or might have some dangerous adverse impacts. So, it is important to know which essential oil is safe for your dogs. Essential oils are very commonly used these days, like eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, etc.
Pet Friendly Essential Oils
Cats and dogs are the most common pets that a person can think of, but many people also have hamsters, horses, rabbits and turtles. The essential oils that are safe for dogs may not be safe for cats. At Gya Labs, we always recommend consulting a professional before using essential oils on or near pets.
In this blog post, is eucalyptus essential oil safe for dogs? It is discussed to know whether eucalyptus oil can be used for your dogs or not. Continue to read to learn more about this topic. But before moving ahead, let's find out what eucalyptus essential oil is.
What is Eucalyptus Essential Oil?
Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the eucalyptus tree native to Australia (1). Eucalyptus oil is extracted through a distillation process or through cold pressing technique from the eucalyptus leaves (2). Eucalyptus oil is famous for its fresh minty, and cool scent. It has a very pleasant scent that can help in releasing congestion from the nose to the lungs (3).
Eucalyptus oil is used in aromatherapy to treat breathing problems (4). The smell of eucalyptus can be very overwhelming for dogs in both positive and negative ways.
But all these benefits are for humans. What about when it comes to pet dogs?
Is it safe to use essential oils for dogs?
What is the usage of essential oils, the effects of eucalyptus oil on dogs, etc., are some of the questions that are answered below.
Is Eucalyptus Safe For Dogs?
Whether eucalyptus oil is safe for dogs or not highly depends on the way you use it. The answer to this question is both yes and no. The scent of eucalyptus is pleasant to humans, but it can be very strong, irritating, and overwhelming for dogs. Dogs have a strong sense of smell as compared to us humans, and thus the scent, which seems to be pretty decent to us, might not be tolerant to our pet dogs.
Though, this does not mean that eucalyptus oil does nothing good to your pet dogs. Eucalyptus is one of the best natural insect repellents that can be used to get rid of insects that buzz your pet dogs. Using essential oils helps protect your dogs from mosquitoes as well (5).
Another major benefit of using eucalyptus oil for dogs is that it helps decongest a stuffy nose and offers relief from colds.
You need to make sure that you use diluted essential oils for your pets as undiluted essential oils are high in concentration and can cause irritation to your pets or can also result in adverse impacts. 1% dilution is usually suggested as safe to use for pet dogs. This means that 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil should be diluted with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Carrier oil includes coconut oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
Must Read: Using Peppermint Essential Oil for Dog?
Dog-Safe Essential Oils
Before we talk about the recipes let’s talk about some of the essential oils safe for dogs. The dog-safe essential oils can be a valuable addition to your pet care routine. Some of the benefits it offers are calming, soothing, or repelling insects. Some safe options for dogs include lavender, chamomile, and frankincense, which can help alleviate anxiety when used in moderation and when suitably diluted.
Again, consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils around your dog, as individual sensitivities can vary. The things that the owners can ensure is proper dilution and using oils in well-ventilated areas, with the option for your pet to leave the area if they wish.
Can Eucalyptus Oil Help In Decongesting The Stuffy Nose In Dogs?
Yes, eucalyptus oil is one of the best essential oils that help in dealing with the respiratory issues of your dogs. You can combine eucalyptus oil with catnip and apply and rub it on the soles of your dog's feet daily until they get relief from congestion.
Diffusing essential oil along with other carrier oils or essential oils can also help in the decongesting stuffy nose in your dogs when they are suffering from cold. Always ensure that you do not use undiluted essential oils around your pet dogs as it can prove to be very toxic for them.
Can Eucalyptus Oil Be Used To Treat Fleas In Dogs?
Yes, essential oils can help get rid of fleas on dogs. This is one of the safe alternatives to chemicals that can be used on dogs to treat fleas. You can add eucalyptus oil to shampoo and use it on dogs to free them from fleas and ticks.
Linalool is an important compound present in essential oils that helps kill fleas rapidly. Lavender oil has a high content of linalool, so it is suggested to use eucalyptus oil with lavender oil and blended with a carrier oil and then use it on dogs to get rid of fleas.
Eucalyptus Oil For Ticks In Dogs
Eucalyptus oil is sometimes explored as a natural remedy for repelling ticks in dogs. The oil contains eucalyptol, which has shown to have insect-repelling properties. However, it won’t hurt to be cautious with dogs. Dilute it with a carrier oil before application and avoid direct skin contact. Apply the mixture to your dog's collar, keeping it away from sensitive areas. While eucalyptus oil can be a part of tick prevention, it should not be relied upon as the sole method.
Can Eucalyptus Kill Dogs?
In rare and severe cases, the ingestion of a significant amount of undiluted eucalyptus oil could potentially be fatal to a dog. However, such cases are uncommon, and most dogs would need to ingest a substantial quantity of undiluted eucalyptus oil to face a life-threatening situation.
Also, subjecting a dog to eucalyptus oil regularly can damage its kidneys and liver, which may prove fatal. Any suspicion of eucalyptus oil exposure or ingestion should be taken seriously.
Must Read: Lemongrass Essential Oil for Dogs
Can I Diffuse Eucalyptus Essential Oils Around Dogs?
Yes, you can diffuse eucalyptus oil around your dogs with proper care and precautions. A common way of using essential oils includes diffusing or burning them around pets. Diffusing is usually considered safe for the pet. Diffusers help spread tiny droplets of essential oils around your surroundings, and you can enjoy the benefits of this oil.
Though, you need to be quite vigilant about how your pet dogs react to eucalyptus oil diffusion. If you see any weird symptoms in your pet, this means that the diffuser is not good for them. If they do not reflect any symptoms, this means that the eucalyptus oil diffuser is safe to be used around your dogs.
Usually, the essential oil is safe to diffuse and safe for dogs to smell, though there are some precautions that should be taken care of while diffusing eucalyptus oil. Like:
- Do not try to overuse the eucalyptus oil. This might irritate your dog, and it can also affect your dog.
- Always leave the door open of the room in which you are diffusing the eucalyptus oil so that it does not become suffocating for your dog. Or if they do not like the smell, then they can leave the room. This will help keep them safe and healthy.
- Always take breaks and then continue diffusing oil. This is a safe practice for both humans and pets.
- Always make sure that your dog is comfortable around the essential oil, whether you are using any essential oil.
- Always watch for signs when essential oils are used around dogs. Dogs may reflect eucalyptus oil poisoning symptoms.
- You can also experiment with different essential oils to identify the oils that are safe to use around pets.
DIY Eucalyptus Oil Recipe For Dogs
# Massaging Oil Recipe For Releasing Joint Pain
Ingredients
- 3 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of juniper berry oil
- 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil (Carrier oil)
Directions
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients and make a nice blend.
- Rub this mixture on the affected areas of your dog. You can also apply it to their belly and thigh. The main benefit of this is that these areas have a good blood supply and thus will help in utilizing the benefits of the oils quickly.
- Massage for a few minutes by using this oil on the affected area.
- You can also use a warm water bag as it will help in opening pores and relaxing the muscles.
# DIY Eucalyptus Oil Flea Repellent
Ingredients
- 2 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 1 drop of lavender oil
- 1 tablespoon of grapeseed carrier oil
Directions
- Take a bowl and mix all the ingredients to make a nice mixture.
- Rub this mixture on your hand and apply it to the fur of your dog.
- Apply this mixture on the belly of your dog and the area where they have less hair.
- You can apply this mixture every couple of hours on your dog.
*Note: Avoid using the above recipes if your dogs are pregnant.
Rosemary Essential Oil And Dogs
The crux of this article is whether eucalyptus safe for dogs or not. But there are many essential oils that can be harmful for dogs. For instance, the popular rosemary oil. Rosemary essential oil can be a dicey topic when it comes to dogs. While it possesses various potential benefits, such as promoting relaxation spaces and improving focus when used in moderation and appropriately diluted, it should be handled with caution around dogs.
Undiluted or excessive use of rosemary oil can be harmful to pets, including skin irritations, digestive issues, or even nervous system problems. Consult a veterinarian before using rosemary essential oil on or around dogs.
Safety Concerns
To safely use eucalyptus oil for dogs, take care of the following points:
- Avoid applying essential oil directly to your dog's skin.
- Essential oils can be toxic to dogs, or they can be bad for dogs, so always look for symptoms of eucalyptus poisoning like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dilated eyes, etc.
- Avoid ingesting eucalyptus oil. Ingesting eucalyptus oil may not be safe for use.
- Always remember that dogs have a strong sense of smell as compared to humans, so always use less essential oil, including eucalyptus oil, around dogs to avoid irritating them.
Conclusion
The use of essential oils in pet care is gaining relevance these days. There are plenty of pet products containing essential oils that are safe for your pet. Eucalyptus oil is toxic for cats. It is considered that it creates less problems in dogs. However, it is advised to look for signs of illness when using eucalyptus oil around dogs.
Does the smell of eucalyptus bother dogs?
Yes, the smell of eucalyptus is very strong and it can bother dogs.
What happens if my dog smells eucalyptus?
Usually if the dog smells eucalyptus oil in a lesser quantity then it might not impact the dog. But in some cases or when the dog smells eucalyptus oil directly or ingests eucalyptus oil or eucalyptus leaves it then there are chances of eucalyptus poisoning. Its symptoms are vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, lethargy, etc.
Which essential oils are safe to diffuse around dogs?
Here are several commonly used essential oils that are safe for dogs:
- A lavender scent
- Mint
- Cedarwood/Cedar
- Citrus bergamot
- The lemongrass plant
- I love Rosemary.
- The geranium
- The citronella scent
- Aromatic frankincense
- A chamomile tea
- Ginger
- Myrrh
Is the smell of eucalyptus bad for dogs?
Eucalyptus can be harmful to dogs when ingested or inhaled, especially in large quantities. The smell of eucalyptus may irritate a dog's sensitive respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. It's best to use eucalyptus smelling oils cautiously around dogs and ensure they don't ingest (by licking) any eucalyptus leaves or oils, as it can be toxic in significant amounts.
Which essential oils are bad for dogs?
Some of the essential oils that are bad for dogs are – tea tree oil, peppermint oil, ylang ylang oil, sweet birch oil and cinnamon oil. Most of the citrus essential oils are also bad for dogs. This is not an exhaustive list. Consult a veterinarian before using essential oils around dogs.
Is vicks safe for dogs to smell?
The sense of smell is stronger in dogs than it is for humans. While Vicks VapoRub is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts, it's essential to use caution. Strong scents like Vicks can be overwhelming for them. Avoid direct application to your dog's skin or fur. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, such as sneezing or excessive irritation, it's best to discontinue use.
- Eucalyptus essential oil is extracted from the eucalyptus tree native to Australia https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0dRlDMvlhQ0C&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Eucalyptus+essential+oil+is+extracted+from+the+eucalyptus+tree+native+to+Australia&ots=rHMyNjbdvJ&sig=QApzCwnfVW0YjVloDaYt7cVwQQ0#v=onepage&q=Eucalyptus%20essential%20oil%20is%20extracted%20from%20the%20eucalyptus%20tree%20native%20to%20Australia&f=false
- IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. Extraction of Essential Oil from Iraqi Eucalyptus Camadulensis Leaves by Water Distillation Methods. https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/454/1/012163/meta
- Med Devices (Auckl). (2019). In vitro safety and performance evaluation of seawater solution enriched with copper, hyaluronic acid, and eucalyptus for nasal lavage. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6766585/
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. (2015). Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
- Biological, medicinal and toxicological significance of Eucalyptus leaf essential oil: a review. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jsfa.8600
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