6 days Ago By [email protected] (Nicola Croal)
As the festive season approaches, many pet owners will be left feeling anxious about what seasonal scents are safe to have around their four-legged friends in their homes. Unfortunately, there are many popular smells associated with the Christmas period that can actually be dangerous to have near our beloved pets. The time of year sees many households light up special candles or incense to make things extra Christmassy.
But according to experts, certain essential oils that are found in these products or also sold on their own, can be toxic to dogs if they get to them, either through ingestion, inhalation or skin exposure. To help keep your homes safe for your furry friends this year, a team of experts at rubbish removal company Clear it Waste have compiled a list of festive essential oils that are toxic to pets as well as guidance on the dangers of introducing scents in the home and advice on how to spot reactions. Read below for the full list, including some pet friendly alternatives that can add some Christmas cheer to your home without risking their health.
Pine oil, often used to create a fresh winter scent in homes, can be highly toxic to dogs and may even cause damage to their central nervous system. Signs to watch out for include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, and loss of coordination. Cinnamon is a classic seasonal scent, but while cinnamon bark itself is non-toxic for dogs, the essential oil can be extremely harmful.
Symptoms of poisoning from cinnamon oil can include liver disease, vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and heart problems. To keep your pets safe this Christmas, use cinnamon bark to create a warm aroma in your home and avoid the essential oil. Known for its pain relief properties in humans and its minty fragrance in seasonal candles, wintergreen can be toxic to our four-legged friends.
Exposure to wintergreen essential oil can lead to stomach upset, ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney and liver damage, and even seizures. The smell of cloves instantly evokes thoughts of Christmas and festivities, with placing cloves in oranges being a seasonal tradition. However, using clove essential oil to bring that festive fragrance into the home can pose serious threats to pets.
Dogs exposed to clove oil can experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues. While peppermint is a classic seasonal scent that instantly brings to mind Christmas candy canes, it can unfortunately pose serious risks to our pets. Exposure to peppermint essential oil in dogs can lead to mouth irritation, ulcers, vomiting, and in severe cases, damage to the central nervous system and seizures.
Alternative essential oils that ARE considered dog-friendly include: Myrrh Ginger Lavender Rosemary Chamomile Frankincense However, cats are even more sensitive than dogs to essential oils and the majority can be very toxic to them, especially if undiluted. Scented candles, diffusers, air fresheners and humidifiers can also all be dangerous to your pets. Join the Daily Record' s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
If you believe your dog has come into contact with or ingested any essential oils, you should contact your vet for advice immediately. It's not always possible to have a constant watch on our pets but if you use essential oils in your home, it's important to know the signs of poisoning. Symptoms of essential oil poisoning to look out for include: Difficulty breathing Drooling Weakness Difficulty walking Vomiting Muscle tremors Irritation or burns around the mouth If you notice any of these symptoms, seek assistance from your vet or an emergency out-of-hours vet as soon as you can to be safe.
Try to include information about which oils your pet may have ingested such as the quantity and at what concentration. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here ..
