Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs? Caring For Your Canine The Correct Way

Essential oils are derived from plants.

Over 90 types of essential oils dominate the market. Lemon oil, cinnamon oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and rosemary oil are some of the popular essential oils.

Tea tree oil is also known as melaleuca oil. This essential oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia. When exposed to air, the concentration of this oil changes. It is colorless or pale yellow. It is commonly used in personal care products and air fresheners. Both humans and animals can benefit from these oils. But not all animals react the same way to tea tree oil. Dogs are a part of the family for many people, and as such, we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to take care of them properly. This includes ensuring that they are getting the right nutrients and that we are taking steps to protect them from harm.

In this article, we will be discussing whether you can use tea tree oil on dogs and how dangerous concentrated tea tree oil is. We'll also provide some tips on how to properly care for your canine companion!

Can I use tea tree oil on myself if I have a dog?

When compared to humans, a dog's sense of smell is 40 times better. So they can quickly pick up a scent that is too mild for you to notice.

Tea tree oils have a scent that is very powerful for humans. So imagine how it must be for your dogs! It is natural for dogs to run away from you if they get a whiff of tea, tree oil scent, or any other essential oil for that matter. Though dogs can tolerate an extremely mild scent of tea tree oils, it is best to avoid using them around your pets, as they can be toxic.

You should mainly avoid using tea tree oils on your skin if you have pet dogs. You know how curious these tiny little creatures are. Dogs lick their owners quite often and if they lick the tea tree oil off your skin, things can get pretty serious for them. If your furry friend comes in contact with even a few drops of tea tree oil, it can be toxic for them. So it is not safe to use any form of tea tree oil unless it is diluted, professionally formulated, and proven safe.

How to dilute tea tree oil for dogs?

As previously said, pure tea tree oil is toxic for dogs. Tea tree oil comes in varying concentrations. Only the ones with low concentrations are used on dogs. You can dilute tea tree oil by following these simple steps.

Dilute three drops of tea tree oil in 1.01 fl oz (30 ml) of carrier oil. Coconut oil is the most preferred carrier oil. Since it is gentle, has a pleasant scent, is moisturizing, and coat friendly, it is best to use coconut oil. You can also use almond oil or food-grade olive oil in place of coconut oil. While you are diluting tea tree oil, make sure to protect cover your hands and eyes using gloves and goggles as pure tea tree oil is also harmful to humans. Once you have diluted the tea tree oil, do a patch test to see how your dog reacts before going all in.

Does tea tree oil kill fleas on dogs?

Tea tree oil has been used as a remedy for centuries to treat a variety of health problems. And while it's not yet clear how tea tree oil works, there is some evidence that it may be effective in treating skin conditions, fungal infections, and other health issues. Tea tree oil is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which could make it helpful in treating certain types of infections.

Tea tree oil is a powerful natural flea killer, but flea treatments using any essential oil are tricky. Topical application on the dog's coat, after diluting this essential oil with water, will help kill fleas that are present. It is also important to treat the environment where the dog lives and plays, as fleas can lay eggs in carpets and other areas.

Be sure to use a quality tea tree oil that is safe for your pets and has a concentration of less than 1%. Since tea tree oil is considered safe and relatively inexpensive, many dog owners are turning to it as an alternative or supplement to traditional veterinary care.

But before you start using tea tree oil on your dog, it's important to understand the potential risks and benefits involved. Is it worth the risk? Using tea tree oil on your pet for flea treatment can be tricky. It is simply not worth the risk. There are several other options that are beneficial with minimal to no damage. If you still want to proceed with tea tree oil, then consult your veterinarian first.

Is tea tree oil shampoo safe for dogs?

A minuscule amount of tea tree oil is widely being used in dog or cat shampoos, conditioners, and other pet products.

Tea tree oil shampoos are used for natural flea control and are generally considered safe. Tea tree oil shampoos have not been proven to be more effective than other types of dog shampoos, but some people believe they are beneficial. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can help to kill bacteria on the skin. It is also thought to be effective in treating fungal infections. It is absolutely safe when used in a concentration between 0.1 to 1%. Check the concentration before using these shampoos on your pet dogs.

While giving your dog a bath, take all the protective measures to keep your dog from accidentally swallowing or licking the shampoo. Though tea tree oil shampoos are safe for dogs, it is still best to consult a veterinarian. Tea tree oil is not only used in shampoos and conditioners but also in other pet products like creams, ear wash, and grooming wipes.

What are the benefits of using tea tree oil for dogs?

Tea tree oil, when used with caution, is not dangerous and offers a wide range of benefits.

Tea tree oil fights against ticks and ringworms. Dog owners from all over the world have been debating about the topical usage of tea tree oil. There is a lack of research that confirms that tea tree oil, when used with caution, can kill fleas and cure ringworm infections.

Just like human beings, dogs can also have acne, but this is very rare. If your dog has acne, bumps will be found over its nose. Tea tree oil can help to treat acne and other skin conditions. This essential oil also heals damaged skin and soothes itchy skin.

Dogs are prone to infections. Ear infections are quite common in dogs. Tea tree oil is considered to be an effective essential oil in treating ear infections in dogs. To use the essential oil, you must dilute the oil with other carrier oil and water. Do not add the mixture directly to the dog's ear canal. Instead, take a swab of cotton or tissue paper and apply the oil to the infected area and rub the affected areas.

Is the smell of tea tree oil bad for dogs?

Dogs are sensitive to smell. Tea tree oil has a strong, pungent odor that some people might find refreshing and cleansing.

However, this odor may be too intense for dogs and can cause them discomfort. Some dogs might be alright when they are exposed to the smell of tea tree oil and other essential oils, while others may not. If you are using concentrated tea tree oil around your dog, be sure to keep it away from its nose and watch for any signs of distress. If your dogs inhale oil droplets from a diffuser, it can be toxic. Oil droplets from a diffuser can induce pneumonia and other symptoms like vomiting and muscle weakness. All of these are symptoms of poisoning due to exposure to tea tree oil. While using a diffuser, always make sure to have an escape space for your dog. This way your dog can walk away if the odor is unbearable.

What are the signs and symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning in dogs?

Tea tree oil poisoning is caused when dogs ingest concentrated tea tree oil.

The signs and symptoms can vary depending on the dogs and the amount of tea tree oil ingested. Some of the common symptoms of toxicity reported in poison centers are muscle weakness, vomiting, respiratory distress, low body temperature, mouth burns, drooling, seizures, pneumonia, and loss of coordination. Since the chemicals from the oil are quickly absorbed into the skin, it can also cause skin rashes and burns.

If you suspect your pet dog has ingested tea tree oil, it is crucial to receive treatment within a few hours. Take your pet dog to a vet as soon as possible or call a pet poison helpline. Based on the symptoms and medical history of your pet dog, the veterinarian will immediately start treatment. Treatments can vary depending on the level of tea tree oil toxicity.

Intravenous fluids and medications are some treatments for mild tea tree oil poisoning recommended by a vet. For severe tea tree oil poisoning, treatments like decontamination of the dog's gastrointestinal tract and supportive care might be required. It's possible that your pet dog will need treatment for up to 72 hours after being exposed. As terpenes are harmful to the liver, liver protectants such as SAM-e and silymarin (milk thistle) should be taken for two weeks.

Did You Know...

Most essential oils contain terpenes, a chemical that fights against bacteria but is also a toxic agent. Tea tree oil has terpinene-4-ol, alpha terpinene, and beta terpinene, the remaining contains p-cymene, terpinolene, alpha-terpineol, and alpha-pinene. Poisoning and death have been reported in both dogs and cats after applying (10-20 ml) of 100% oil. The mechanism of systemic toxicity is unclear. They pose safety risks not only to pets but also to people.

Signs and symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning in dogs and cats can last for three days, even with care and treatment.