Cat Unknowingly Poisoned By Essential Oil
Heres what was reported on Facebook January 7, 2018. A woman had unknowingly poisoned her cat by using a diffuser in her house with eucalyptus oil to alleviate her head cold. She said:
Our familys cat name is Ernie. He has lived with us most of his 16 years. I unknowingly have been poisoning him since Christmas and feel the need to warn everyone who might be unaware of the toxicity of essential oils. I bought a diffuser and a set of essential oils from Amazon. We started using ours soon after the holiday and loved how the different oils made the house smell, trying a different one each day. I came down with a head cold. On the package with the oils, it said that eucalyptus oil was good for congestion, so we had the diffuser going several hours for several days in a row and close to where I was sleeping.
Essential oils come in all different grades, qualities or purities. When purchasing oils, we recommend companies like Young Living or Doterra. The production of the oils thru those companies can be thoroughly researched. Know your oils and their use. Keep them in an area away from pets to prevent ingestion or accidental spills. And be aware of the signs of oil poisoning.
What are the signs of essential oil or liquid potpourri poisoning?Symptoms may include:Fragrance or scent on hair coat, skin, or breath or in vomitDifficulty breathingDifficulty walking or uncoordinated gaitDrooling
How Can I Prevent My Cat From Being Exposed To Essential Oils And Liquid Potpourri
Keep essential oils and liquid potpourri products out of reach of cats at all times. Curious animals may want to investigate the sweet-smelling liquids, so never leave opened essential oils or simmering potpourri unattended. In addition, consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils or other herbal products on your cat. Concentrated essential oils should never be applied to a cat.
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based out of Minneapolis, MN is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helplines fee of $65 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Unsafe For Pregnant And Lactating Women
Researchers are yet to prove the safety of this oil to be used by a woman when she is either pregnant or lactating. Studies suggest that the use of this oil, in certain cases, during the initial stages of pregnancy, could result in uterine relaxation. This, in turn, could result in miscarriage. So if you have a history of miscarriages, then please stay safe.
While it has been noticed that the side effects of peppermint oil occur mainly due to improper usage.; Studies have strictly advised the non-usage of this oil by the following category of people to avoid any kind of complications:
- ; Infants and children.
- ; People having a history of heart diseases.
- ; People suffering from gallstones.
If you are undertaking any herbal medication and if the practitioner prescribes you this oil, then please inform him, if you have any of the aforementioned conditions. Use peppermint oil judiciously and stay safe!
Hope you liked our post on peppermint oil side effects. Have you ever used peppermint oil? Did it ever give you any side effects? Or do you know any incidents where peppermint oil impacted anyone in a negative way? Share your views and experiences with us.
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Is Diluted Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats
Is Diluted Peppermint Oil Safe For Cats? Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree , wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to cats. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Do you know the answer to this question? Help us to improve by becoming a contributor.
What oils are toxic to cats? Bergamot. Cinnamon. Lavender. Lemon, lime and orange.
Can you flavor water with essential oils? But even more recently we discovered essential oils, and found out that they actually taste amazing when diluted in water. Just a tiny amount of essential oil added to your water gives you amazing, all natural fruit flavor, and has zero calories!
Is peppermint oil safe to ingest? Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally or applied topically in the doses commonly used. Peppermint oil has been safely used in many clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth.
Signs Of Essential Oil Poisoning In Cats
- Drooling
- Difficulty walking, wobbliness
- Respiratory distress
If you notice any of these signs, move your cat immediately to fresh air, and if the symptoms dont go away quickly, take your cat to a veterinary emergency center. The veterinarian may note a low heart rate, low blood pressure, and signs of liver failure.
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Can Dogs Eat Peppermint
Peppermint is toxic for dogs if ingested in large quantities.
This includes the plant, essential oils, and other products containing mint. Essential oils are highly concentrated and therefore more dangerous.
If you use essential oils in your home, make sure you keep them out of the reach of pets and children.
Now you might be wondering about all the flea products on the market that contain peppermint and other essential oils.
Recovery Of Mint Poisoning In Cats
The vast majority of cats will make a full recovery from consuming too much mint. In cases where liver damage has occurred, this may lead to ongoing health issues in the cat. Because mint plants are so common, it may be a good idea to get familiar with the ones that grow naturally in your area, taking special note of any that are known to be toxic. It should be noted that any mint essential oils are too potent for use on cats and should never be administered for medicinal purposes. Keep any potted mint plants out of your cat’s reach to ensure they are not ingested. It may also be a good idea to keep your cat indoors to protect it from all toxic plants that may be found in surrounding gardens and other areas.
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Mint Poisoning Average Cost
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Essential Oil Diffusers And Your Pet
Home»News» Essential Oil Diffusers And Your Pet
There have been a lot of stories in the news over the past few weeks about the effects of essential oils used in diffusers on pets.
Essential oils are the concentrated liquids of plants. They are popular in aromatherapy, alternative medicine, as additives in cleaning products and personal care products, as well as home air fresheners.
Many people use essential oil diffusers to improve their health. Lavender is said to help with relaxation and sleep, while eucalyptus and peppermint oils help to clear a stuffy nose when you have a cold.
But just how safe are these oils for our pets?
Pets can experience chemical burns with the direct contact of essential oils onto the skin. If pets lick up spills of these oils, they can experience chemical burns and other toxic effects. Cats are especially sensitive to many essential oils and even just a couple of licks can be harmful.
Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.
Oil from diffusers can still be harmful since the diffuser uses water vapor to diffuse tiny oil droplets into the air. Inhaling diffused oils can cause aspiration pneumonia if the diffuser is used in a small space or if it is used for a long period of time, as well as other toxic effects.
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Are Any Essential Oils Safe For Cats
In short, there arent any safe essential oils for cats; they all have the potential to be toxic to your fur baby. As the ASPCA pointed out, In their concentrated form , essential oils can absolutely be a danger for pets, including when the oil is placed on their skin, fur or paws.
However, there are precautions you can take if you wish to use essential oils in the home. Using diffusers instead of concentrates is one way to help avoid toxicity. CatHealth.com recommended using a diffuser in an open space and keeping kitty away from it and its cords . Cats are great at getting onto high surfaces and into small spaces, so you can never be too careful when storing essential oils.
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What Is Peppermint Oil
The peppermint plant, Mentha;x;piperita, is a cross between the spearmint and watermint plants. It is a fragrant, green-leafed plant that is very easy to grow. The taste of peppermint is often described as peppery, and it is widely used in foods, beverages, and for a variety of health purposes in people.
Peppermint oil is an essential oil that is obtained from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It is not the same as peppermint extract, however, since the oil is much more concentrated. This concentrated, fragrant oil contains special components of the peppermint plant that are called terpenes and flavonoids. Some of these components have shown to be beneficial to both people and pets, and are also found in many other plants. The specific terpenes and flavonoids that are found in peppermint oil include menthol , menthone , menthofuran , eucalyptol , linalool , limonene , and various others in lesser amounts.
Is Olbas Oil Toxic To Cats
Olbas oil is made from eucalyptus, which is why it can be toxic to cats. However, Olbas oil will only harm cats if you use it in its neat form. We do not condone causing harm to cats. Instead, looking for non-dangerous ways to deter cats is better.
You can still use Olbas oil to deter cats, and you only need to adopt the right way. It is important to dilute the oil so it does not cause harm to any cat who happens to lick it.
To be on the safe side, you can make an air freshener by placing Olbas oil-dipped tea bags in a bottle with holes. Then, you can let the air do its job of carrying the scent to cats.
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Are All Oils Dangerous To My Cat
There has not been sufficient testing to know for sure, but;we do;know that the following oils should be avoided in households with;cats:
- Eucalyptus Oil
- Thyme Oil
- Birch Oil
Please note that this list is in no way all-inclusive.;Depending on the;manufacturer of the oil, and other compounds that may be added;to;the liquids, there is the possibility for adverse reactions by your cat.
Will Using Essential Oils Kill My Cat
With everyone talking about and using essential oils, cat owners are asking good questions about the benefits and dangers of oils for their fur friends. Are essential oils safe for cats? ;Recently, a meme has been circulating about essential oils and the danger they pose for cats, which has caused some cat owners to become alarmed. Since our pets are part of our families, we naturally want to make sure products we use in our homesfor cleaning, for ourselves, and for our petsare safe for them. The short answer to whether or not essential oils can harm our cats issometimes. And, it depends.
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Peppermint Essential Oil And Cats: Does It Kill Fleas
Peppermint is a cross between wintergreen and spearmint. Its essential oil is traditionally used to treat irritable bowels, upset stomach and nausea. Topically, this essential oil can be applied to relieve itch and muscle aches. In aromatherapy, herbalists claim its diffused oils increase energy and open the airways.
And it can kill fleas, since peppermint oil is a natural pesticide. Fleas are repelled by the strong scent of peppermint, and they may die if they come into contact with it. The reason? Peppermint oil attacks fleas central nervous system, leading to a slow, possibly painful death.
Well, your heart may not go out to the little bloodsuckers, and thats fair. But there are faster ways to kill fleas, and total extermination is crucial. After all, one female flea can lay up to fifty eggs per day.
Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT and Medical Director with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, strongly suggests that cat owners take their pet to the vet before trying any at-home treatment. Together with your vet, you can decide on the best treatment and dosage for your cat.
Many commercially-available treatments should be applied to a spot your cat cant reach with her tongue. Wismer advises monitoring your pet after applying a new medication.
Be sure to keep all supplies and medication up and out of paws reach to avoid any curious noses getting into things they shouldnt, she adds.
Symptoms Of Essential Oil Poisoning
Cats absorb oils that are directly in contact with their skin. Oils diffused in the air are inhaled which can cause respiratory issues. They can also collect on the fur, which results in your cat ingesting them during licking and cleaning. Toxicity can occur very quickly or over a longer period of exposure.
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Does Peppermint Have Benefits For Cats
It comes only natural for pet parents to ask if something that has tons of benefits for humans can also be beneficial to cats.
Some cat owners believe that a light scent of natural peppermint can be quite calming for cats. This belief is derived from the peppermints stress-relieving properties to human beings. But does it work the same on cats? Thats a controversial claim. All in all, cat pheromones such as Feliway are always the safer alternative.
And some kitty owners wrongfully believe that peppermint has the same appeal to cats as catnip does. Dont ever mistake peppermint for catmint/ catnip! They are two completely different plants. Unlike catmint, peppermint will actually bother your cats olfaction and other senses rather than please them.
Although its possible for a small number of cats to find peppermint appealing or calming, thats a rarity. In other words, its highly unlikely for peppermint and its essential oil to have benefits for your own cat.
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Skin May Erupt Into Rashes
Med Line Plus, a health portal run by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health,; points out that people who used peppermint oil had eruptions and rashes on their skin. Hence, it is advisable to use a maximum of 0.4 milliliter peppermint a day, the dose divided into three equal parts, to avoid these skin issues.
Large Doses Lead To Risk Of Seizures
Studies indicate that using this essential oil in extremely large dosages are known to have grave negative impacts on the user, including muscular weakness, brain damages and seizures. If you are experiencing nausea, difficulty in breathing, slowed heartbeat, dizziness, and/or convulsions, then it could be because of using peppermint oil. Call in for medical care at the earliest to avoid complications.
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Essential Oils And Cats
Essential oils are volatile, organic constituents of plants that contribute to fragrance and taste. They are extracted from plants via distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils are utilized in a variety of ways: as insecticides, in aromatherapies, personal care products , flavorings, herbal remedies and liquid potpourri.
Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Cats lack an essential enzyme in their liver and as such have difficulty metabolizing and eliminating certain toxins like essential oils. Cats are also very sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which can be found in some essential oils. The higher the concentration of the essential oil , the greater the risk to the cat.
Essential oils that are known to cause poisoning in cats include oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil , pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. Symptoms that develop depend on the type of oil involved in the exposure and can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia , respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure.
Diffuser Types and Health Hazards
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