Quick: Turn Off Aromatherapy for Your Dog's Safety!

Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils, at their core, are the very essence of certain plants. But unfortunately, the majority of what's labeled as "essential oils" on the market today do not live up to their true definition. These oils are derived from the flowers, leaves, stems, roots, fruits, or bark of plants through processes such as steam distillation, expression, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. They are volatile aromatic substances that belong to the category of natural plantbased fragrances.

Essential oils are lipophilic, meaning they easily dissolve in fats and oils. Their molecular chains are typically short, and each plant's essential oil has a unique chemical structure that determines its scent, color, flow, and how it interacts with the body's systems. This diversity is what gives each essential oil its distinct properties and functions.

Due to their short molecular chains and small molecular weight, most essential oils can be as刺激性 as preservatives.

In 2018, a wellknown case of cat and dog poisoning from essential oils surfaced on Twitter. A woman noticed her cat and dog exhibiting unusual behavior: the cat was sleeping soundly and couldn't be awakened, while the dog was vomiting and having difficulty walking. A thorough examination revealed that both animals had suffered from varying degrees of essential oil poisoning.

Causes of Poisoning

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) explains the poisoning as follows:

"Cats cannot produce enzymes to break down essential oil fats, so these oils can accumulate in their bodies and lead to poisoning. Dogs can metabolize essential oil fats, but their livers produce very few enzymes to do so, making them susceptible to poisoning as well."

Symptoms of Poisoning

Cats and dogs poisoned by essential oils may exhibit the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing

Excessive drooling

Excessive sleepiness

Lethargy

Difficulty walking

Muscle tremors

Vomiting

Don't worry if you've never read this article before and have been using a diffuser all along. The ASPCA has provided a professional method to rule out the use of essential oils: stop using the diffuser immediately and ensure good ventilation in your home. After three days, carefully sniff your dog to see if there's still an aroma of essential oils. If there is, it's advisable to take your pet to the vet for further examination.

You might find this method amusing, but it's based on a surprising discovery by ASPCA's professional veterinarians. They found that for cats and dogs without respiratory diseases, dermal absorption is the primary route of essential oil poisoning, while those with respiratory issues are more likely to be poisoned through inhalation.

So far, known essential oils that can poison dogs include cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, birch, tea tree, holly, fennel, clove, thyme, and garlic, among others.

In conclusion, the best course of action is to ensure good ventilation. After all, fresh air is the safest way to go.