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Are essential oil diffusers safe for my cat or dog to be around?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 24 lbs

Are essential oils safe for pets to be diffused?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 26th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. 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!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2016

    Not necessarily. Dogs are more sensitive to scents than humans, and what smells good to us may be overwhelming to them and can be very irritating. There are essential oils that are toxic to dogs, and inhaling them can cause problems as well. I would check to see if the essential oils you are using are toxic to dog via an internet search, or you can check this website to see if any oils you are using are not safe for dogs: http://allnaturalpetcare.com/blog/2013/12/05/30-essential-oils-may-safe-pets/

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2019

    Happy Labor Day. No, I would not use it at all. Dogs have very sensitive noses, and the scents of these often upset their nasal passages. Plus there are a number of essential oils that are toxic to dogs.

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