As a responsible pet parent, you would want to give your furry buddy the best of comforts money can buy. At the same time, you must also take a number of precautions in and around your home to reduce your pet’s chances of getting sick. This even includes getting rid of poisonous plants and minimizing the risk of contact with potent essential oils that can cause an allergic reaction.

Check out the following safety tips for using essential oils around pets.

Avoid direct contact
Generally, it’s best to avoid using any essential oils as a direct topical application. Dogs and cats have a very keen sense of taste, so even accidentally ingesting a small amount of oil when they lick their fur or paws can make them sick. Also, ensure you keep them away from easy to reach places where your pets can knock down the bottle and spill its contents.

Use a diluted solution
Another way to ensure your pets are not at any risk of getting sick is to dilute the concentrated solution. Even if you plan to use a diffuser, ensure the oils are mixed with water to bring down its potency. Diluting the solution reduces the chances of pets being overwhelmed by the smell. Also, if they come in contact with a few drops, the mild solution will not cause extreme irritation. This will give you enough time to immediately clean up and check for any signs of discomfort that a vet needs to address.

Use hydrosols over concentrated oils
Hydrosols are distilled essential oil water and come in mild concentrations of the main essence. They are relatively safe to use as a topical application or as a mist spray. Moreover, you can try a few options and see which ones your dog likes or dislikes. Spray a small amount of the solution on a cloth and let your dog take a whiff. This way, based on how they react, you’ll know exactly the ones to avoid.

Avoid using the oils around puppies and kittens
Puppies and kittens are more vulnerable and exposed to the elements, and they can fall sick quickly due to an unexpected allergic reaction. So, if you care for a little one, it’s best to avoid using even mild diluted solutions of essential oils or hydrosols. You must also give them time to get acclimatized to the smells in and around the house before they are old enough to bear the scent of these essential oils.

Look for signs of discomfort
Take them to the vet immediately if you notice drooling, vomiting, pawing at the face or mouth, redness on the lips, tongue, or skin, muscle tremors, weakness, stumbling during walking, and fatigue. Chances are your pets might be having an allergic reaction to the essential oils.

These are general safety tips for using essential oils around pets at home. But when in doubt, do check with the vet to be sure about what needs to be done.