Lavender contains a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that toxicity is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.
Key takeaway. Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet.
Never feed your dog any amount of lavender oil, whether it's the essential oil, buds, or flowers. These pure forms of lavender can be dangerous to dogs.
“Lavender does contain the toxic substance linalool but in such low concentrations that it is considered a [dog-]safe plant to have in your yard,” Dr. Bonk told The Dodo. In fact, in small amounts, lavender can even relieve some symptoms of anxiety if that's something your pup struggles with.
Not all lavender is safe to consume. Select culinary-grade varieties that are specifically grown for use in food. Essential oils derived from the lavender plant should also never be ingested, as they are not safe for consumption and can have toxic effects even in small amounts.
Lavender, much like chamomile, is calming and can also provide a good night's sleep, so he may just fall asleep in the car. While air fresheners can be toxic to dogs, spraying diffused lavender oil into the air will make your home or car smell better and you won't be harming your pet.
When applied to the skin: Lavender is possibly safe. It's usually well-tolerated, but can sometimes cause skin irritation. When inhaled: Lavender essential oil is possibly safe. It's been used safely as aromatherapy for up to 12 weeks.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.
Citronella is toxic to pets
Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.
If dogs happen to get into lavender essential oil, especially oil that hasn't been diluted, it can cause mouth and skin irritation along with stomach upset if ingested. Schmid says these issues will oftentimes resolve on their own but may require medical treatment if persistent.
Rosemary is considered non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA, and it may even have health benefits for your pup. Rosemary has a wide variety of uses, including serving as a potent ingredient for cooking, offering medicinal properties, and providing a sweet-smelling fragrance.
Since dogs have a very good sense of smell, the lavender oil should always be diluted, otherwise, it is too potent for any dog to enjoy. Although most dogs seem indifferent to the aromatic smell of lavender, some dogs appear to actually like it a lot even though it is quite rare.
Fortunately, lavender essential oil has aromatherapy benefits to help soothe your dog physically and emotionally. It's an effective diffuser which significantly calms an extremely annoyed and stressed out dog. The effect of the aroma in this herb helps calm the nerves to relax your canine companion.
Inhalation of essential oils is a problem for dogs and other pets. Some of these oils are irritants to the lungs and inhalation can also lead to systemic effects of toxicity in some cases. If a dog gets oil in their airway, this can also cause serious irritation and disease to the lungs.
According to APCC, not necessarily. Using an oil diffuser for a short time period in a secured area—one that your dog or cat cannot access—is not likely to be an issue. However, if your pet has a history of breathing problems, it may be best to avoid using one altogether.
It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.
Aromatherapy is used in various ways, with one of the most popular options being an air diffuser. Inhaling diffused oils can be harmful for your pet and could result in aspiration pneumonia.
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.
Mint is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, but it can certainly make them sick if they eat too much of it. Eating more than a few mint leaves at a time can cause GI irritation for the dog, often leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.
Lemongrass is toxic to dogs due to the cyanogenic glycosides and oils in the plant. Lemongrass poisoning, however, is rare in canines since dogs must ingest large quantities of the plant to trigger severe symptoms.
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.
Dr. Block advises against diffusing lavender and tea tree oils because of the potential complications, particularly in children and teens. Pregnant women and people who have hormone-related medical conditions such as diabetes should talk to their doctors before using essential oils topically or with a diffuser.