This is a very controversial topic about essential oils and whether or not they are toxic to our pets. In this era of viral posts where everyone wants to have something to add on various subjects, many times without knowing it, creates many confusions that we will try to clear up.

For that reason Dr. Google is not exactly the best source of information. The use of essential oils is proven to be an asset for your life and that of your animals.

Before using any product near your pets, it is important to realize that not all oils are the same and although many indicate that they are "100% Pure" the truth is that many have substances that could prove to be toxic. So those yes, you should avoid! This is also true for several other products that we often don't remember, including candles, air fresheners, cleaning products and odor eliminating sprays. To ensure the best quality of your oils, know that you can count on dōTERRA and its CPTG certified oils (Certified Pure Tested Grade).

Now we are going to demystify many of the myths and get to know the truth about essential oils and our pets.

Myth: Using a diffuser to diffuse essential oils near pets is toxic.

TRUTH: An essential oil is a compound distilled from a plant, its highly concentrated and has an intense aroma. For this reason, essential oils are quite potent. Animals (Cats and Dogs) have many more millions of olfactory receptors when compared to a human. This ability makes them more sensitive to strong smells, but that does not make the aroma toxic.

The truth is that using your diffuser regularly in a space where your animals are is good for you and them. Use an ultrasonic diffuser in intermittent function, (for example the Petal Diffuser). In this type of water diffuser, add only 3 to 4 drops of your favorite oil. Allow your cat or dog to leave the room or space where you are, so that if the cat or dog feels uncomfortable with the aroma he or she can always leave. The diffusion of lavender in animal shelters has moreover proved to be an excellent calming agent for animals that are there, several studies show.

Myth: Never pet your cat or dog after using essential oils.

TRUTH: Petting your cat or dog is in fact an excellent way to apply essential oils to them. Along the spine or at the tip of the ears are one of the best points.

Here is where the origin of this myth lies: After using oils such as Peppermint, Deep Blue or other very intense oils, the aroma can remain in your hands. And yes, it has happened to us all! We scratch our eyes after applying for example Peppermint. Ouch! The same is true for pets. Any residue in your hands can cause the same reaction in them as it would create in you! So be mindful of where you touch them and which oil you have used previously.

Oils are volatile, which means that they dissipate quickly into the air and are easily absorbed by the skin. This means that even if you have the aroma now in your hands, it will not stay there for long. Still, if you are concerned, choose to wash your hands before coming into contact with your animals.

Myth: Using essential oils can cause complications in the liver or kidneys of animals.

TRUTH: When using dōTERRA oils, in several cases it has been observed that they help to improve complications that exist in the liver or kidneys of your pets. Many of these charges come from the fact that several pets commonly have liver or kidney problems, regardless of the use of essential oils.

People often want to find a reason for the problem and sometimes they end up blaming the use of oils.

There is no known correlation between the use of essential oils and the creation of liver or kidney complications for pets.

Myth: [Insert oil name here] is toxic for cats.

TRUTH: Everything has been heard. That citrus oils are toxic, that pine oils are toxic to cats. Even Lavender oil is toxic to cats. The truth is that there is no scientific evidence that this is the case.

You will end up hearing a lot about this subject, but here is our version. Cats actually lack an enzyme that is important for metabolizing certain things, so it's not a bad idea to be cautious with these pets. If you use the recommendations that have already been mentioned, dōTERRA oils are perfectly healthy to use in your diffuser in the spaces frequented by your cats.

The exceptions are with oils such as Melaleuca, Birch, Wintergreen, Spearmint, and Peppermint, or oils such as Oregano or Thyme, pay some attention as they are especially potent. dōTERRA Essential Oil blends are generally weaker because are present in a mixture, so you can experiment with your animals.

Apart from these exceptions, feel free to benefit yourself and your pets. Oils can help calm emotions, relax muscles, improve digestion and the general well-being of our four-legged friends. Like anything new you introduce to your animals, start slowly and watch how they react. Always keep your diffuser and oils in places where they cannot fall over or access them indiscriminately.

Dr. Janet Roark, Veterinarian, Hill Country Mobile Veterinary Service

This article in Bem&star Essential was written largely in transcript of the article "The Truth about Essential Oils and Pets" you can read the article in its entirety here: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/brochures-magazines-doterra-living-winter-2019-truth-about-essential-oils-and-pets

Little curiosity: If you look closely you will notice that many of the products that are recommended for the treatment of fleas and ticks, the known deworming agents, in their composition have essential oils, namely from Castor Oil, and thats just to name one.