Essential Oils and Dogs: What You Need to Know

Love filling your home with gorgeous scents from candles, diffusers, or room sprays? We totally get it! But if you've got a four-legged friend padding around the house, there are a few things you'll want to know about essential oils and dogs. At Hendricks & Maple, we're all about keeping your precious pups safe, stylish, and happy—and that includes knowing what household products might be putting them at risk. The good news? You can still enjoy your favourite aromas—you just need to know which ones to avoid and how to use them safely around your pup.

The Problem with Essential Oils and Dogs

Here's the thing: what smells divine to us can actually be overwhelming (or even harmful) to our dogs. Dogs have a sense of smell that's 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful than ours! Imagine your favourite lavender candle turned up to maximum volume—that's what your dog might be experiencing.

But it's not just about the intensity of the smell. Many essential oils contain compounds that dogs' bodies simply can't process properly. While our human livers can break down these substances, dogs are missing certain enzymes that help metabolize essential oils. This means that even small amounts of certain oils can build up in their system and cause serious health problems.

Be careful with scented products around your four legged family members.

Essential Oils Toxic to Dogs: The Worst Offenders

Let's get straight to it—here are the essential oils that are toxic to dogs and should never be used around your furry friend:

The Danger Zone:

• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca) - This is the number one culprit in essential oil poisoning cases. Even a few drops can cause serious problems.

• Pennyroyal - Can cause liver failure.

• Wintergreen - Contains high levels of compounds toxic to dogs.

• Pine Oil - Commonly found in cleaning products.

• Cinnamon - Yes, even that cosy autumn smell!

• Citrus Oils (Lemon, Lime, Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot) - The d-limonene in citrus is toxic.

• Peppermint - Often mistakenly thought to be safe.

• Eucalyptus - Especially dangerous for dogs with breathing issues.

• Ylang Ylang - Can affect the nervous system.

• Sweet Birch - Similar problems to wintergreen.

• Clove - Contains phenols that dogs can't process.

  
  

These oils are dangerous whether they're ingested, inhaled from a diffuser, or absorbed through the skin. And here's something many people don't realize: if you're diffusing these oils, tiny droplets can settle on your dog's fur. When they groom themselves later (as dogs do), they end up ingesting the oil.

Droplets can enter the air and settle on your dogs fur and furniture and they can ingest them when they lick themselves or walk across these surfaces through their skin.

The Sneaky Places Essential Oils Hide

Essential oils aren't just in those little bottles you buy at the health store. They're lurking in lots of everyday household products:

• Scented candles - Many contain essential oils in their fragrance.

• Room sprays and air fresheners - Often loaded with citrus or pine oils.

• Cleaning products - Pine, lemon, and tea tree are super common.

• Potpourri - Both liquid and dry varieties.

• Some "natural" flea treatments - These are particularly dangerous because they're applied directly to your dog's skin.

• Human aromatherapy products - Bath oils, massage oils, pillow sprays.

  
  

Always check the ingredient list before using any scented product in your home if you've got pets.

Check your household products for ingredients that may harm your pet they may have access to.

What About the Safe Oils?

Not all essential oils are toxic to dogs! When used properly (and we mean PROPERLY—diluted and in well-ventilated spaces), some oils are generally considered safe:

The Safer Options:

• Lavender - Calming and soothing (when diluted).

• Chamomile - Can help anxious pups relax.

• Frankincense - Generally well-tolerated.

• Cedarwood - Can even help repel fleas.

• Ginger - May help with nausea or digestive upset.

• Myrrh - Has antibacterial properties.

  
  

Important: Even these "safe" oils should NEVER be applied directly to your dog's skin or fur without veterinary guidance. They should only be diffused in well-ventilated areas where your dog can leave the room if they want to.

Pro tip from a dog lover: If you're looking for ways to help calm an anxious dog during thunderstorms, fireworks, or stressful situations, there are safer alternatives to essential oils! We've found that gentle pressure from our Luxe Polar Fleece Snugs and our Luxe Polar Fleece Tankies works wonders—they're like a cozy, snug-fitting hug for your pup. Our knitted novelty snoods are also fantastic for calming anxious dogs while keeping them stylish.

Another natural option: We also have access to locally-grown CBD oil for pets, formulated specifically for anxiety, eczema, and other conditions. It's grown right here in Mudgee by a licensed hemp farmer (100% legal!), and many of our customers have had great results. If you're interested in learning more about CBD oil for your dog, contact us directly and we can chat about whether it might be right for your pup.

Even "Safe" essential oils should not be applied directly to their skin and always be diluted or diffused in a well ventilated area that the dog can leave if they want.

Signs Your Dog Has Been Exposed

If you're using essential oils or scented products at home, keep an eye out for these warning signs that something's wrong:

Mild symptoms:

• Drooling excessively.

• Pawing at their face.

• Rubbing their nose.

• Looking uncomfortable or restless.

• Trying to leave the room.

  
  

Serious symptoms (get to the vet NOW):

• Vomiting or diarrhoea.

• Difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing.

• Wobbling or difficulty walking.

• Muscle tremors or weakness.

• Lethargy or collapse.

• Confusion or unusual behaviour.

• Pale gums.

  
  

These symptoms can show up anywhere from a few minutes to several hours after exposure, and they can worsen quickly. If you notice anything unusual, don't wait—contact your vet or call the Pet Poison Helpline.

Candles and Diffusers: The Real Talk

So what about those gorgeous scented candles and diffusers? Here's the honest truth:

Candles: The safest option is unscented candles made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax with cotton wicks. But if you absolutely must have scented candles, choose ones with pet-safe essential oils (like lavender or chamomile) and always burn them in well-ventilated spaces. Never leave a lit candle unattended with your dog—fire hazards aside, they might knock it over or even try to eat it!

Diffusers: Active diffusers (the ones that create a mist) are riskier than passive ones (reed diffusers) because they release more oil into the air. If you use a diffuser:

• Only use pet-safe oils.

• Run it for 15-30 minutes max, not continuously.

• Make sure there's plenty of fresh air.

• Let your dog leave the room if they want to.

• Never use a diffuser in a small, enclosed space.

  
  

Better yet: If your dog has any breathing issues (brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, or French Bulldogs, or dogs with asthma), it's best to skip scented products altogether.

Skip scented products if you have a brachycephalic breed with breathing issues.

What to Do If Your Dog Gets Into Essential Oils

Don't panic, but do act fast:

1. Turn off any diffusers immediately.

2. Move your dog to fresh air.

3. If it's on their skin or fur, gently wipe the area with a damp cloth (don't use water to rinse, as it can spread the oil).

4. DO NOT try to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically tells you to (there's a risk of aspiration pneumonia).

5. Call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline right away.

6. Take the bottle with you if you go to the vet so they know exactly what your dog was exposed to.

   
   

Pet-Friendly Alternatives for a Great-Smelling Home

You don't have to live in a smell-free zone! Here are some safer ways to keep your home fresh:

• Open the windows! Fresh air is free and totally pet-safe.

• Simmer pots with dog-safe ingredients like cinnamon sticks and orange peels (just make sure your dog can't access the pot).

• Baking soda in carpets and on furniture (vacuum it up after 15 minutes).

• Fresh flowers (but check which ones are pet-safe!).

• Unscented soy or beeswax candles with a wax warmer (no open flame).

• Pet-safe air fresheners specifically designed for homes with animals.

  
  

Make sure you use pet safe essential oils and fragrances and have them on for limited times in well ventilated areas that your dog can leave if it is too overwhelming or they are sensitive.

The Bottom Line

Essential oils can be wonderful for humans, but our dogs experience them very differently. The most important thing? Your dog's health and comfort come first. When in doubt, skip the scent or check with your vet.

Remember, even if an oil is considered "safe," every dog is different. Some pups are more sensitive than others, especially small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and those with existing health conditions. Watch your dog's behaviour when you're using any scented products—if they're trying to leave the room or acting uncomfortable, listen to them!

In case of emergency:

• Contact your local veterinarian immediately - This is your best first step anywhere in the world.

• Australia: Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738 (24/7).

• USA/Canada: Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435.

• UK/Ireland: Animal PoisonLine: 01202 509000 (24/7).

• Europe: Contact your vet immediately - most countries don't have dedicated pet poison helplines.

  
  

Stay safe, stay scent-conscious, and give your pup an extra scratch behind the ears from us!

Your dogs health and comfort come first so when in doubt skip the scent - you can still create beautiful and warm inviting spaces for everyone to enjoy.

About Hendricks & Maple

We're passionate about creating beautiful, high-quality accessories for your four-legged family members. Based in the Blue Mountains, Australia, we design everything from designer harnesses and collars to bandanas, snoods, and comfort wear—all made with your dog's safety and style in mind.

Shop Online: www.hendricksandmaple.com.au

Contact Us: hendricksandmaple@gmail.com

Instagram: @hendricksandmaple - Tag us in your adventures!