DO ESSENTIAL OILS PUT YOUR Pets at risk?

How to use essential oils safely at home with Dr Bo Hendgen.

Diffusers emitting an aroma into your home may seem lovely but depending on the oils you’re using, your pets may not agree. They could also be doing more harm than good.

There are ways, however, to keep both parties happy and healthy explains Absolute Essential founder Dr Bo Hendgen.

An aromatic medicine practitioner, she has worked intimately with essential oils for more than 40 years and has four cats and three dogs including Pedro, 18, who has been around essential oils since he was a puppy.

Hendgen is also a mum and grandmother which is why she has never compromised on using good quality essential oils because the health and safety of her family, which encompasses her pets, is paramount.

She recommends only using therapeutic grade essential oils, preferably certified organic.

“Look for the true therapeutic quality of essential oils and blends and avoid the cheaper flavour / fragrance or synthetic oils,” Hendgen advises. “Essential oils are volatile and suspend in the air which is how we can benefit from therapeutic scent essential oils when we use a di user whereas synthetic molecules, which are commonly used in air and car freshener plug-ins, are heavy and drop onto the ground and sit in carpets and on the floor where your pets hang out most.” Some essential oils should also definitely be avoided (see list, right).

Also ensure that your pet has the ability to exit the room by leaving a door open. They will take themselves out of a space if they find it too much.

Remember, a dog has 100 million sensory receptor sites in its nasal cavity compared to 6 million in humans. “So, make sure you are respectful of your dog’s sense of smell by giving them a way out of the room,” says Hendgen. “If you are using a di user, keep it up at desk level, not on the floor, and make sure you stick with the gentler essential oils.”

Observe your pet’s behaviour while using essential oils on or near it. Discontinue all use if your pet shows signs of distress, including panting, drooling, squinting, rubbing their face, vocalisation, shaking, di iculty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea.

All pet and child safe oils in the Absolute Essential range have a Mother and Child logo displayed on the bottle and packaging.

Find pet and child safe essential oils (look for mother and child logo) at absoluteessential.com