Before you start using your diffuser around your dog, read this guide. These are the essential oils toxic to dogs (and safe ones too).
In recent years, it’s become popular to use them for destressing, cleansing the air around us, and for a wide range of aroma therapeutic effects. Have you ever wondered if it is safe to use essential oil diffusers around your dog? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to keep your pet safe.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about diffusing essential oils around your dog.
Essential Oils And Dogs
Pet owners, before we start this guide, I want to make something very clear. This guide is about how safe or dangerous it is to diffuse essential oils around your dog.
This is not a guide about the general use of essential oils or the entire safety of essential oils and dogs. There are lots of pet products (like all-natural flea baths) that contain essential oils. Those are safe to use if you follow the directions exactly.
You should never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your pet – it could cause skin irritation. Use pet products only as directed.
Yes, it’s safe to use personal care products for your pet that include dog-safe essential oils.
I will answer the question, “are some essential oils bad for dogs?” later in this post. First, let’s focus on the diffuser and how safe it is to use when you have pets.
Essential Oils Toxic To Dogs
Use essential oils in your herbal remedies with a side of caution.
Pet parents, there are essential oils that are toxic to dogs. I’m including the entire list a little further below.
The reason diffuser oils are toxic to dogs is because they are highly concentrated and dogs have a much more keen/sensitive sense of smell than humans.
Really strong oils like menthol, tea tree, pine oil, and ylang ylang might give your dog a negative reaction.
According to a pet clinic, one of the most common symptoms of essential oil poisoning are:
- watery nose or eyes
- redness of the lips, gums, or skin
- vomiting and drooling
- difficulty breathing or panting; coughing or wheezing (aspiration pneumonia)
- lethargy, tremors, or wobbliness
- low heart rate
- low body temperature
If your dog was around an essential oil diffuser and exhibits any of those symptoms, take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Or, you can call the pet poison helpline at 855-764-7661.
Diffuser Oils Toxic To Dogs
You might read that some alternative medicine therapies include diffusing essential oils. But be careful when you have a dog because pure essential oils are potent.
It’s safest to just avoid diffusing essential oils altogether if you have a dog. Some essential oils are especially toxic to dogs in a diffuser. This is a comprehensive list of the oils that you need to avoid diffusing if you have pets.
List of Essential Oils Bad For Dogs
These are the essential oils not to diffuse around dogs:
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia)
- Sweet Birch (Betula)
- Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis)
- Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum)
- Boldo (Peumus boldus)
- Calamus (Acorus calamus)
- Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Cassia (Cassia fistula)
- Chenopodium (Chenopodium album)
- Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum)
- Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylancium)
- Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
- Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)
- Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
- Hyssop (Hyssopus sp. except Decumbens)
- Juniper (Juniperus sp. except Juniper Berry)
- Lemon (Citrus limonum)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus)
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
- Mustard (Brassica juncea)
- Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
- Pine cone (Pinus or edulis or ponderosa)
- Peppermint (Menta piperita L.)
- Red or White Thyme (Thymus praecox or Thymus serpyllum albus)
- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
- Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
- Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
- Savory (Satureja)
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Terebinth (Pistacia palaestina)
- Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
- Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
- Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var. Genuana)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Plus essential oil blends such as Blue Wind Chime, Cinnamon Apple Cider, and Sakura. Most blends contain one or more essential oils toxic to dogs.
Remember, peppermint oil is dangerous for your dog’s nervous system and could even cause liver failure. It might seem harmless to diffuse liquid potpourri, but dogs should breathe fresh air, not powerful oils.
Safe Essential Oils to Diffuse Around Dogs
Essential oils that are safe to diffuse around dogs are:
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita or chamomilla)
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii or serrata or frareana)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe)
- Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia or officinale)
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
- Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
- Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida)
- Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
- Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
- Rose (Rosa Damascena)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum or album)
- Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Tangerine (Citrus reticulata or nobilis)
- Vanilla – (Vanilla planifolia)
Diffusing Essential Oils Around Dogs
Not all essential oils are toxic to dogs. There is a safe way to diffuse essential oils around dogs. There are essential oils that are safe for use around dogs (see above).
The biggest thing to remember is to dilute the oils. Dogs have very sensitive noses and respiratory systems. Dilute your oils more than you normally would. For example, if you normally use 3-5 drops in a diffuser, only use 1-3 drops.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs To Smell?
Some essential oils are safe for dogs to smell. You just have to be careful with which types they are around and the potency of the oils.
If you ever wondered about diffusing essential oils and dogs, just refer to the list above. Avoid using all of those oils around your pet.
In general, undiluted essential oils are so strong that your dog won’t enjoy smelling them.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs To Breathe?
Yes, there are some essential oils – when they are very well diluted – that are safe for dogs to breathe. One of the most popular ones is lavender. This is known to produce a calming effect on dogs with anxiety.
Not enough studies have been done to produce an exact amount that is safe to use in the diffuser around dogs. Even one of the most popular essential oil brands, Young Living, only says to vaguely “heavily dilute essential oils and use them in moderation.”
Yes, some essential oils are safe for them to breathe, but you should always dilute them by quite a bit.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs?
It is safe to use pet products that contain essential oils for your dog. The essential oils that are unsafe are the ones listed earlier.
The best way to use essential oil on your pet’s skin is to dilute the oils really well with coconut oil.
Do not apply undiluted oils directly to your pet and never use the oils around their eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.
If you’re unsure about whether something is safe for your furry friends, just avoid it. This way, your pet will avoid the toxic effects of a harmful oil.
Signs Of Essential Oil Poisoning
If you diffuse oils or use them on your pet, it’s a good idea to watch out for these symptoms. Even reed diffusers could cause health problems.
These are the symptoms of poisoning to watch out for:
- Redness on the skin (looks like chemical burns)
- Respiratory Problems
- Yellow gums (liver damage)
- Gastrointestinal Upset
- Skin Issues
It could even dry out your dog’s mucus membranes. Undiluted oils could hurt your dog’s skin. This is especially true about powerful oils like citrus oils.
The best person to consult about using oils with your dog is a holistic veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are diffuser oils toxic for dogs. But, there are also diffuser oils safe for dogs too.
If you have any questions at all about how to use essential oils safely around your dog, please talk to your veterinarian.
Always remember to dilute oils really well and never apply it to your pet without a carrier oil first.
More Dog Safety Resources
Here are some articles about human foods and whether they are safe or toxic for your dog to eat.
- Is Ginger Safe for Dogs
- Is Mustard Safe for Dogs
- Is Peppermint Safe for Dogs
- Is Rosemary Safe for Dogs
- Spices Safe for Dogs
Find even more articles on human food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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is stress away ok to use in a diffuser with my dog & cats?
According to the manufacturer’s website, it is safe for dogs but not for cats:
https://www.essentialoils.life/stress-away-essential-oil-blend/#is-stress-away-essential-oil-blend-safe-for-dogs-and-cats
I read everywhere that peppermint oil is not safe for dogs to breath in by diffusing? You are saying it is safe??
Oops! I’ve updated the post to put peppermint in the correct list (toxic). Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Just FYI, the link to Dr Roark’s website says peppermint is safe. It even says you can put it in your dog’s drinking water for fresh breath. (Yikes!) Lots of conflicting info. I think I’ll just opt to give my diffuser away to be on the safe side.
Hi Renee lovely dogs I have two whippets, one is also called Milo!!! Does this advice also apply to ultrasonic diffusers?
Hey Lou! Now if your Milo was black and white it would be a real hoot!
Yes, it also applies to ultrasonic diffusers. It’s not the machine, it’s the diffused oil that’s toxic or safe for dogs to breathe.
Is doterra Balance essential oil harmful for Dogs
Doterra Balance essential oil contains tansy which is toxic to dogs.
I have doTERRA Clove essential oil, but it’s not the same strain that u listed is toxic. Mine is Eugenia Caryophyflata. Is THAT safe to diffuse around my dog? Also, do u send your responses to our email too so we don’t have to go searching for your answer?
Clove essential oil is toxic to dogs and you should not use it on or diffuse it around your dog.
Are diffusing cherry and vanilla oils harmful for dogs?
Vanilla oil is safe, cherry oil is harmful.
I just received my diffuser today. It came with a variety of oils. There are 5 that I am not sure if I can use around my dog. They are Rose, Gardenia, Blue Wind Chime, Orange, and Sakura. Can you help clarify please?
Rose and orange are safe. Blue wind chime, gardenia, and sakura are not.
So I have been looking around and I have seen websites that say “citrus” oils are not good for dogs, is orange not considered a “citrus” oil? I have orange, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot oils, so now I am confused if they are ok or if they are not. The same goes for lavender oil and ylang ylang. I just read today that lavender is not good and the same for Ylang Ylang, but here those are fine. I really wish that these things would all be the same. It is so confusing.
Most “citrus” essential oils are a combination of oils. And while orange is safe others are not. Ylang Ylang is toxic. Lavender is safe. And, yes, there is a lot of confusing information out there.
Hi Renee, my niece makes candles in the basement and uses all kinds of essential oils. Her dog has had issues throwing up bile (not every day) for a couple of years now. Do you know if breathing in the oils would have this affect on him?
Also, my niece is vegan and she also feeds her dog vegan food (not sure if this has any affect but thought I’d mention it).
I have a bottle of revive lavender oil. Is that safe for my dogs? I’m using it in my living room because I have chronic migraines and its supposed to help, but I don’t want to harm my dogs
Yes, lavender essential oil is safe to diffuse around dogs.
So many essential oils are ok to use around dogs and others say the same are bad. I don’t know what to believe!
There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Go with my guide and if you’re unsure, don’t diffuse that essential oil around your dog.
Hi I’ve just been given a diffuser for Christmas it came with some Rose, orange, vanilla, lavender, lemon and jasmine are any of these safe for dogs and cats please
Lemon is toxic to diffuse around dogs. Rose, orange, vanilla, lavender, and jasmine are safe to diffuse around dogs. I do not know which ones are safe or toxic to diffuse around cats.
Thank you
I just recently received a diffuser with sweet orange, eucalyptus, lemon grass, peppermint, trae tree, melaleuca and lavender. I’ll be giving my tea tree, melaleuca and peppermint away. What about the others?
Sweet orange and lavender are safe. Eucalyptus and lemongrass are toxic.
Sorry, I have an additional question. I also received a candle making kit that has clove, cedar wood, lavender, jasmine, cinnamon apple cider and pine cone. I’ll be giving my clove away, what about the others? Calls for 3/1 dropper per 100g
Cedarwood, lavender, and jasmine are safe. Cinnamon and pine cone are toxic.
Is Peace & Calming from Young Living okay to diffuse around my dogs? Everywhere i read is conflicting
According to the Young Living website, Peace & Calming essential oil blend is a combination of Blue Tansy, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang.
Blue Tansy and Ylang Ylang are toxic to dogs so it is not safe to diffuse this essential oil blend around dogs.
Good day! Would Dragon’s blood be toxic to dogs as well please?
I’m not sure about Dragon’s blood. I suggest contacting the manufacturer of the oil to find out.
What about Young Living purification? Is this toxic to diffuse around dogs and puppies?
Young Living Purification essential oil blend is a combination of Citronella, Lavandin, Lemongrass, Myrtle, Rosemary, and Tea Tree.
Lavandin and rosemary are safe, but citronella, lemongrass, myrtle, and tea tree are toxic. So the blend is not safe to diffuse around dogs and puppies.
I am just getting into essential oils and as I was shopping today, a nice lady was helping me with different type to use. As we were speaking, she asked if I had pets. I told her I have dogs and cats. She informed me of toxicity in many essential oils in harming my pets. I obviously will need to take back the peppermint oil. I was planning on mixing this with sweet orange which I understand this oil is safe. I bought frankincense, sandalwood and bergamot to also mix with sweet orange and peppermint. I am trying to find that combination that smell very spa like and is safe for my pets. Is frankincense, sandalwood and bergamot safe. Which of the safe ones can still give me that spa-like smell. Thank you for any help.
Frankincense and sandalwood are safe but bergamot is toxic. I don’t have any suggestions of a combination that is safe and spa-like. Perhaps the nice lady at the store can help or have some ideas or recommendations.
2/4/2024. Hi. Thank you for this interesting article. I saw that in the Q & A’s you had additional recommendations of essential oils to avoid: cherry, gardenia, slang slang, lemon, lemongrass pine cone, cinnamon, blue tansy, citronella and myrtle. There was also a mention of blue wind chime and sakura of which I am not familiar with. Anyways, is it possible for you to update your list to include these along with their botanical names? Also, would love to know your references for these. I’ve seen so many differences in opinions on what is or isn’t good for dogs, so thank you for what you have put together.
I have updated the lists of safe and toxic essential oils. I may include the references/sources in the future, but not at this time.
Thank you!
Is young living thieves oil okay or is it toxic to dogs
Young Living Thieves Oil is toxic to dogs. It has clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, and eucalyptus in the blend.