Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is diffusing peppermint & lavender essential oils safe for my dog?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Coton de Tulear | Male | neutered | 3 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs

Is it safe to diffuse peppermint and lavender essential oils around my dog? I like to use them for my own aroma therapy but want to make sure they are safe for him as well.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2017

Peppermint essential oil is toxic to dogs, so do not use that. As for lavender, while it isn't toxic, dogs can have negative or allergic reactions to it, so use only small amounts initially. If you have a cat, do not use any essential oils as many are highly toxic to cats. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Are these essential oils safe for dogs? -Lavender,Peppermint,Coconut oil,Orange,Spearmint,Vanilla,and Frankincense,Sweet orange,Lemongrass,tea tree- -Hope To Hear From you soon!
Peppermint oil and tea tree oil are unsafe to use on or around dogs. Lavendar, spearmint, coconut, lemongrass, frankincense, sweet orange and vanilla EOs are safe. Purchase only quality oils from reputable suppliers.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What essential oils scents and brands are safe to diffuse with cats and dogs?
With cats- non of the essential oils are safe, you just can't use essential oils around cats without taking a huge risk of causing them liver damage. in dogs most essential oils are actually ok to use, the ones to avoid include tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! I was wondering... is it safe to use essential oils on or around my dog? If so, which ones are best?
I would avoid using essential oils directly on your dog as it could cause skin irritation, or be toxic, depending on the oil. If you use diffusers in your home, making sure Hudson is in a well-ventilated area away from it can help prevent inhalation that could cause irritation or illness.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I was wondering if essential oils are safe to use around cats and dogs? I have an oil diffuser for anxiety, and read that it could be harmful to them. I primarily use lavender and peppermint, but I do have scents like chamomile, eucalyptus, and spear
It really depends on the product and the concentration. The truth is that there is little known about the safety of these products, because the companies have not adequately tested their products with animals. There are some essential oil diffusers like lavender that have been known to cause respiratory and skin problems. In general, dogs and cats are going to be more sensitive to the smell of these products than humans, so it may be at-least displeasing to them. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, so they will likely serve as the sentinel. If you are already using the oils and not noticing any problems, then they are likely OK; but no one really knows for sure. If you notice an increase in sneezing, coughing, or skin problems, then it would be wise to remove the diffuser. I hope that helps and all is well for your pets.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Are essential oils safe for pets to be diffused?
Hello, and thank you for using Boop by Petco. Our pets are very sensitive to the chemicals in essential oils (think how much more sensitive their sense of smell is!), and exposure to diffused essential oils can be dangerous. Cats are particularly sensitive, but it's best to avoid diffusing oils around dogs as well. If you must use diffused oils, do so in an enclosed room and keep the pets out to minimize their exposure. Hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! I have a 14 year old mixed yorkie and chihuahua. I recently purchased an oil diffuser and ordered 6 oils with it. I have attached a picture of them. I was wondering if this would be bad for my dog. I tried to research but have found inconsistent
Unfortunately almost all your essential oils there, with the exception of lavender, are toxic to dogs. Tea tree oil is especially toxic to dogs. I would ditch the oil diffuser all together. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have an essential oil diffuser. I was wondering which oils are safe for my dog or what I should watch out for.
Great question! There are a number of essential oils that are safe to use around dogs, and I've included a website below that lists them out. Please keep in mind that if you have a cat as well, they are much more sensitive to essential oils and the ones on this list may not be sure to use around your cat. http://www.usingeossafely.com/is-it-safe-to-use-essential-oils-with-dogs/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I have an essential oil diffuser which I use to eliminate pet odor and allergies. I use: Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass oils. I was wondering if it's safe for my 12 week old puppy to inhale?
Trusty is so cute! I do not recommend essential oil diffusers if you have pets, as they can lead to allergies, toxicity and respiratory issues. See the link below for more information to help keep Trusty safe: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/essential-oils-dogs/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
We diffuse essentials oil. Is that ok with cats and dogs?
It really depends on the product and the concentration. The truth is that there is little known about the safety of these products, because the companies have not adequately tested their products with animals. There are some essential oil diffusers like lavender that have been known to cause respiratory and skin problems. In general, dogs and cats are going to be more sensitive to the smell of these products than humans, so it may be at-least displeasing to them. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, so they will likely serve as the sentinel. If you are already using the oils and not noticing any problems, then they are likely OK; but no one really knows for sure. If you notice an increase in sneezing, coughing, or skin problems, then it would be wise to remove the diffuser. I hope that helps and all is well for your pets.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I recently received an essential oil diffuser as a gift. I'd it safe to use with a dog in the house? Are there certain scents that are harmful to dogs and certain scents that are safe to use?
This should be completely safe for use in your household. The only contraindications would be if your dog has any respiratory issues like inflammatory airway disease, allergies, tracheitis or a collapsing trachea. Any frangrance should be safe as well. Just keep in mind that dogs do have exceptional noses so they may be more sensitive to the odors and so if you find one scent overpowering they may as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs Dog Health & Wellness Cat Calming Sprays & Diffusers Flea & Tick Solutions for Dogs Dog Calming Aids and Supplements Flea Bombs & Foggers for Dogs Flea & Tick Treatment Sprays for Dogs Dog Vitamins & Supplements Flea & Tick Shampoos for Dogs Dog Hemp & Full Spectrum Hemp Products RelaxoPet Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs Multipet International Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs ThunderEase Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs Well & Good Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs Lavender Lavender Cat Supplies ThunderWorks Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs Meowijuana Cat Calming Sprays & Diffusers Sentry Calming Sprays & Diffusers for Dogs PetAlive Dog Calming Aids and Supplements
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored