Essential oils are immensely beneficial for humans but not necessarily for furry pets, including cats and dogs. Not all types of essential oils work well on animals. Moreover, certain precautions must be taken before using these oils on the furry ones. Before using any essential oils, make sure to consult a vet to understand how these oils work. Furthermore, certain factors need to be considered before using essential oils for pets.

Safety
Not all essential oils are safe for pets. Moreover, the oils which are relatively okay for furry ones must be used with utmost caution. Cats and dogs have a high sensitivity to smell. Many fragrances can be irritants for them. They may experience allergies, skin reactions, or even respiratory issues. So before using any essential oil, it is important to thoroughly understand the side effects and allergic reactions a pet may experience.

The right kind of oil
Since pets are highly sensitive to smell, not all kinds of essential oils are suitable for them. Pet parents must understand which oils are right for topical purposes or diffusing around a pet’s surroundings. Ideally, a holistic vet will be able to help out in picking the right essential oil. It is recommended to research the effect of each ingredient of oil on animals before starting. In most cases, lavender, citronella, and lemongrass are effective on most pets. It is best to keep away from oils with heat, such as tea tree, oregano, thyme, star anise, clove, juniper, and cinnamon. These oils can trigger skin sensitivities and allergies.

Quality of the oil
When it comes to pets, essential oils can be highly potent. Pet parents usually use these oils for therapeutic purposes to help their fur babies sleep well, for better immune function, and to give relief from arthritic pain in senior pets. Although there can be substantial benefits, these are only effective when the right quality of oil is used. Low-quality and cheap products usually have adulterants that can trigger allergic reactions in pets. Always choose therapeutic-grade essential oils from well-known brands for your furry friends.

Usage
Since pets are extremely sensitive to smells, start using very small doses of the essential oil. If used in a diffuser, the pet may run away from the room where the oil is being used. In such cases, use a smaller dose. Also, a pet parent can try the oil on themselves first before trying it on their pets. Always do allergy and smell tests to check whether the oil is compatible with the pet’s skin and olfactory senses. Never let the cat or dog or any pet ingest any essential oil. This may lead to a nasty reaction.