Living Magazine Winter 2018 doTERRA Living Magazine | Page 11

MYTH: Diffusing around pets is toxic.
TRUTH: An essential oil is a highly concentrated,
aromatic compound distilled from a plant. Because
of this, essential oils are quite potent. Pets have
millions more olfactory receptors than humans
do, which does make them sensitive to strong
smells, but they are certainly not toxic. The truth is,
diffusing around pets is an excellent way to benefit
them on a regular basis. It is best to use a water-
based diffuser (such as the Lumo® Diffuser) on an
intermittent setting. Allow the pet the option to exit
the room by leaving the door open and only use
three to four drops of oil at a time in the diffuser.
Diffusing Lavender has been shown in shelters to
provide calming effects for pets.
MYTH: Never pet your dog or cat
after using oils.
TRUTH: Petting is actually an excellent way to
apply oils topically to pets. Along the spine or on
the ear tips are the most common applications.
Here is the issue behind this myth: after using oils
like Peppermint, Deep Blue®, or others, the oil
smell can linger on your hands. I’m sure I’m not the
only one that has rubbed my eyes after applying
Peppermint–Ouch! The same holds true for your
pets. Any residue from your hands can have the
same effect on them that it would on you.
Essential oils are volatile, which means they
dissipate into the air rapidly, and they absorb
into the skin quickly. This means they won’t stick
around for very long. If you are worried though,
washing your hands after using oils and prior to
petting your pets is an option.
MYTH: Using oils around pets can
cause liver or kidney damage.
TRUTH: When using CPTG Certified Pure
Therapeutic Grade® Essential Oils, we have seen
certain oils that can be used to actually support
the kidneys or liver. Many of these accusations
come from the fact that liver and kidney failure
are common in pets, regardless of essential oil use.
Many times people want a reason for why these
things happen, and often oils get implicated falsely.
MYTH: If my pet gets too much oil,
they will die.
TRUTH: This is extremely rare, and most adverse
reactions are due to a significant amount of
essential oil (two bottles undiluted, for example)
being used or consumed. However, anyone who
has rushed their dog to the vet after they ate an
entire chocolate cake when no one was looking
knows that accidents can happen. In the event of
an adverse reaction, dilute with a carrier oil—skin
irritation is the most common, and most reactions
resolve within 24–48 hours after oil exposure.
Discontinue use of an oil if your pet shows signs
of distress, drooling, squinting, rubbing their face,
vocalization, shaking, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek
veterinary attention if significant. Keep the lids
on your bottles and store them in a safe place
such as a closed box to prevent your pets from
“borrowing” one of your oils.
MYTH: [Insert oil name here] oil is
harmful to cats.
TRUTH: I have heard it all. Citrus oils are toxic to
cats. Pine oils are toxic to cats. Even Lavender oil
is toxic to cats. You name it. The truth is, there is
just no sound science or basis for these claims.
Ultimately, you will hear many things from many
people about cats and oils. Here’s my take: cats lack
a liver enzyme that is important for metabolizing
certain things, so it really isn’t a bad idea to use
a bit more caution with these little ones. If you
use the cautions already recommended, these
oils are perfectly safe to use in your DIY cleaning
or diffused in your home with cats. Use a little
extra caution with Melaleuca, Birch, Wintergreen,
Spearmint, and Peppermint, as well as hot oils
such as Oregano or Thyme.
Essential oils have many benefits for your pets.
They can help with calming emotions, soothing
muscles, easing digestion, and overall wellness of
your four-legged family members.
As with any new thing you introduce to your
pet, begin slowly. Start with a small amount of a
diffused or diluted essential oil and observe your
pet’s behavior. Keep your diffusers in a safe place
where your pet cannot knock it over.
doterra.com / 11