Pets & Aromatherapy
There are so many phenomenal benefits to using aromatherapy and it really can be tons of fun learning about aromatherapy and using what you learn!
I certainly don't want to dampen your excitement or enthusiasm about using aromatherapy.
However, I do want to add some caution where aromatherapy and pets are concerned.
Aromatherapy For Beginners
Pure essential oils are extremely powerful and although the aromatherapy oil might bring you improved health and well being, it may not always be safe to use on OR around your pet.
Following these simple suggestions can help give you peace of mind and might just save your pet's life.
- When using aromatherapy, whether diffusing, burning incense, or lighting scented candles, make sure your pet can get to FRESH unscented, un-smoky air.
- It is never a good idea to use essential oils on your pets, unless you really know what you are doing.
Cats, dogs, and birds all have very different bodies from each other and from humans. What is of benefit to one, can be toxic to another (especially to birds).
It is up to each of us to decide what is personally best for ourselves and our pets. Wouldn't it be better to use a little caution than to cause unnecessary suffering to our dear pet?
- Birds have very small and very sensitive lungs. You might think that the aromatherapy scent is wonderful, but you are not a bird and birds are very careful to hide illness and pain.
Aromatherapy products should never be used around birds unless specifically advised by your holistic vet.
This includes incense, essential oils, scented candles, plug in air fresheners, and carpet fresheners.
- All pets need access to unscented fresh air while you are using aromatherapy. Remember, if you have heat or air conditioning running, your pet should be in a space that will not be effected by your aromatherapy. This might mean closing the vent ducts in the pets space, before you start, and allowing some time to pass before you open the vents and the room back up to the rest of your home.
- Do not use essential oils or aromatherapy products ON your pet, unless specifically directed by your holistic vet.
- Don't believe everything you read on a pet aromatherapy label. Pet care products are not closely regulated. See some of the links below, for more information on the possible dangers to your pet.
This does not mean that you cannot use aromatherapy products if you have pets. On the contrary! It is only a suggestion that you use some care to make sure your pet has access to fresh air and that you seek advice from your holistic vet before using essential oils on your pet.
Susan G. Wynn, DVM says: "... Complicated questions - I don't think it is fair to say that oils are *always* toxic, just as it isn't fair to say that infusions are always safe. Oils are probably trickier in untrained hands". ~
For aromatherapy information about cats, please visit The Lavender Cat
For aromatherapy information about dogs, please visit
Cyber Canine
For aromatherapy information about birds, please also visit
Cyber Canine
* The aromatherapy information we provide here is for informational purposes only. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page for more.
To learn more about using scent in this way, please visit our main learn aromatherapy page for more articles on aromatherapy.
Grandpa's General Store offers a wide selection of aromatherapy tools and supplies for your every need! We offer 100% pure essential oils, incense, fragrance oils, herbs, scented candles, aromatic bath salts, scented bath soaps, and aromatherapy accessories such as dropper bottles, unscented soap and lotions, tealights and aromatherapy diffusers, virtually everything you need to get started using aromatherapy right away!
