Do you like to diffuse essential oils, but are nervous about their effects on your dog or cat? Essential oils are safe to diffuse near pets if done properly. If not performed properly, it can result in headaches and fatigue. There is a theoretical risk of essential oil toxicity to cats much more so than dogs. This is likely because cats lack liver enzymes that are important in the metabolism of many essential oil constituents. The risk of toxicity increases with the ingestion or dermal application of a large quantity of essential oils.

        A report from the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation describes the toxic and lethal effects of applying 20 milliliters of tea tree oil to the skin of cats as a treatment for severe flea bites. However, small amounts of any essential oil should not harm a pet.

        As long as an appropriate amount of essential oil is added to a diffuser (typically between one and six drops), the room is properly ventilated and diffusion occurs for only a limited amount of time (20 to 60 minutes, depending on the oil), essential oil diffusion is safe for both dogs and cats. If diffused properly, a few parts of essential oil per million parts of water vapor will be dispersed, which is not likely to be harmful.

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