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Toxic: keep away from dogs

DogSafe severity score
6/10

Concentrated oils (tea tree, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint) can cause GI upset, nervous-system effects and liver damage.

Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.

Part of our guide to My Dog Ate Essential oils: What to Do Next.

Check Essential Oils for your dog

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Why Essential Oils is dangerous

Concentrated oils (tea tree, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint) can cause GI upset, nervous-system effects and liver damage.

Signs to watch for

Drooling, wobbliness, vomiting, tremors, lethargy

Related items

Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.

What to do next

Contact your vet; don't apply essential oils to or near dogs.

🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →
Animal poison control

A closer look at essential oils

Concentrated oils (tea tree, pine, citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint) can cause GI upset, nervous-system effects and liver damage. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other househol question.

1. Start with the exact exposure

For a closely related comparison, read Mothballs. Concentrated oils are the danger: ingested or applied to skin; diffusers used heavily can also affect pets.

2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call

Another helpful reference is Essential Oil Diffuser. None for concentrated oil exposure: act on it. Any ingestion or skin application of concentrated oil, or wobbliness.

3. If the details are uncertain

Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Contact your vet; don't apply essential oils to or near dogs.

FAQ

How much Essential Oils is dangerous?

Concentrated oils are the danger: ingested or applied to skin; diffusers used heavily can also affect pets.

Can I treat this at home?

None for concentrated oil exposure: act on it.

When should I call the vet?

Any ingestion or skin application of concentrated oil, or wobbliness.

Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical reference sources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by your veterinarian. DogSafe's severity ratings are our own assessment, calculated from published guidance and your dog's weight. In an emergency, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.