It’s safe to say that essential oils have become a major U.S. trend in recent years. Thanks to their rich scents and the health effects of diffusers, more and more Americans are bringing essential oils into their homes.
Of course, anyone with furry friends might think twice before jumping onto this new trend. After all, cats and dogs have sensitive noses, so how do the strong smells of essential oils affect them? Are these oils good for their health, or are they too toxic to keep around?
If you’re ready to try aromatherapy in your own household, here’s what you should know about scent diffusers and pets.
Are Scent Diffusers Safe for Pets?
First things first: it’s important to know that essential oils can irritate your pet’s skin just as much as they can a human’s. In addition, ingesting certain essential oils can lead to digestive issues and other health problems for certain pets, as well as death in severe cases.
However, using essential oils in a diffuser—meaning that the oil is designed to be airborne, not something a pet might come into physical contact with—can be safe, provided that you use the right oils.
Certain oils, even airborne, can aggravate the sensitive noses and mouths of your furry friends. Cats are particularly at risk when it comes to essential oils, as they are more likely to ingest the oil droplets that land on their fur through their normal grooming practices.
According to the Aromatech blog, only the right pet-friendly oils are safe for homes with cats and dogs. These natural fragrances can even help soothe pets, without exposing them to the harmful chemicals included in certain manufactured products.
Tips for Using a Scent Diffuser in Your Pet-Friendly Household
If you plan to use a scent diffuser in your home, even with pet-friendly essential oils, there are a few things you should always keep in mind.
- Your pet’s health conditions: Pets with respiratory conditions like asthma or certain skin conditioners shouldn’t be exposed to any essential oil diffuser
- Your home’s ventilation: Opening windows and turning on your air conditioner can help disperse water droplets and keep your pet from getting overwhelmed by strong scents
- Your scent diffuser: If you want to be extra careful, feel free to use a passive diffuser that doesn’t spray airborne droplets
- Your scent diffuser’s location: Place your diffuser somewhere your pet won’t knock it over, and try to find a space away from where your pet spends most of their time
- Your storage: Make sure to store your essential oils far from your pet’s reach
With a little effort, you can make sure that your essential oils and your scent diffuser will calm and relax your pet just as they help you do the same!
Consider Your Scent Diffusers and Pets
At the end of the day, it’s worth remembering that every pet and household is different. If you’re worried about your furry friend, or if your pet has any health conditions to keep in mind, be sure to do your research, talk to your vet, and monitor your pet’s health as you use your essential oil. Scent diffuser and pets can mix, as long as you do your due diligence!
Looking for additional info on caring for your pet’s health? Be sure to check out our other guides for more tips.
