For centuries, people have been incorporating lavender and lavender products into their self-care routines. They used it to help combat skin problems, relieve anxiety, promote better sleep, and many other things.
Just like humans, animals can suffer from the same problems, so it is only natural that pet owners wonder whether they can use products containing lavender to treat their furry friends. Most of the time, people decide to use essential oils on pets because they think that using natural remedies will cause less harm than prescription medicine.
So, is it good to use lavender products for cats and dogs? Well, yes and no.
As with any treatment, even an organic one, there are risks you need to consider to be sure that it won’t cause your pet any harm. One such risk is lavender toxicity, which can be particularly dangerous for cats if they are exposed to lavender plants or lavender-based products.
First of all, potential benefits and risks differ depending on the type of animal you have in your household and its age, size, and health condition.
In this article, we will discuss the usage of lavender products on and near cats and dogs, as those are the most common animals to have as pets.
Lavender plants contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which are toxic to animals if consumed. However, in some cases, it can have some benefits.
lavender-and-dogs
Lavender essential oil for dogs
Despite having compounds that are toxic when consumed in large quantities, lavender has an extensive list of benefits for dogs and is considered relatively safe.
For instance, lavender oil can be used to treat dogs suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as it has the same effect on them as it does on humans.
You can add one or two drops of pure lavender oil to your diffuser. The soothing scent will create a comforting and calming environment for your dog.
But there are certain things you need to take into consideration. As the dog’s sense of smell is much better than a human’s, you need to use less oil in the diffuser than you would for yourself. Also, make sure that the room is well-aerated, and don’t leave a diffuser on for more than ten minutes at a time.
Another possible benefit of lavender oil for dogs is using it to treat bites and skin irritation as well as repel insects. Applying diluted lavender oil on a dog’s skin can soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health. Always ensure the oil is properly diluted to avoid any adverse reactions.
Note, though, that you should be very careful when using lavender oil topically. It is very concentrated and can be extremely toxic if your dog accidentally licks it off. It can also cause burns if applied directly to the skin. Make sure that you always use diluted lavender oil well with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba.
To make sure that the mixture is safe, never use more than 2 drops of lavender oil per 30 ml of carrier oil. And observe your dog to prevent it from licking it off.
Although, if used properly, it is considered quite safe to use lavender oil to help with certain issues, remember that your dog might have an allergy to the lavender plant or an individual intolerance. Lavender safe for dogs depends on responsible use, as improper application can lead to health issues.
Always consult your vet prior to starting any treatment.
Therapeutic Uses of Lavender for Dogs
Lavender has been cherished for centuries for its calming and therapeutic properties, and it can be just as beneficial for our canine companions. Here are some of the therapeutic uses of lavender oil for dogs:
Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Lavender oil is renowned for its calming effects. It can help alleviate anxiety and stress in dogs, whether it’s due to loud noises, separation anxiety, or travel. A few drops in an oil diffuser can create a serene environment for your furry friend.
Promoting Relaxation: If your dog struggles with insomnia or restlessness, lavender oil can be a natural remedy to promote relaxation and calmness. The soothing scent can help your dog unwind and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
Relieving Pain: Lavender oil possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective natural remedy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation in dogs. Whether it’s joint pain or minor injuries, lavender oil can provide some relief.
Improving Sleep: Just like in humans, lavender oil can improve sleep quality in dogs. By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, it helps your dog get a good night’s rest.
Safety and Precautions for Dogs
While lavender can offer numerous benefits for dogs, it’s crucial to use it safely and with caution. Here are some important safety precautions to keep in mind:
Risks of Lavender Essential Oil
Toxicity: Lavender essential oil can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Always keep lavender essential oil out of reach of your pets and use it only in diluted form.
Skin Irritation: Some dogs may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to lavender essential oil. It’s essential to do a patch test before applying it to your dog’s skin.
Medication Interactions: Lavender essential oil can interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants. If your dog is on any medication, consult with your veterinarian before using lavender essential oil.
Precautions for Use
Dilution: Always dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, before applying it to your dog’s skin. This helps prevent skin irritation and reduces the risk of toxicity.
Moderation: Use lavender essential oil in moderation and only when necessary. Excessive use can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Sensitive Skin: Avoid using lavender essential oil on dogs with sensitive skin or known allergies.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep lavender essential oil away from your dog’s eyes, ears, and nose to prevent irritation.
Common Questions and Concerns for Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Lavender?
No, dogs should not eat lavender. While lavender is not inherently toxic to dogs, consuming large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. It’s essential to keep lavender plants and essential oils out of reach of your pets to avoid any potential harm. If you suspect your dog has ingested lavender, monitor them for signs of mild stomach upset and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
In conclusion, while lavender can offer several benefits for dogs, it’s crucial to use it safely and responsibly. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treatments to ensure the well-being of your furry friend.
Lavender toxicity and cats
lavender-and-cats
Felines are lacking ferments that can process the linalyl acetate and linalool contained in lavender, which makes the plant and products containing it extremely toxic.
Lavender oil is especially dangerous for cats, as it is much more concentrated than the plant itself. The toxic components, linalool and linalyl acetate, can lead to severe health risks if ingested.
Some people claim that if diluted properly, lavender oil can possess some benefits for your cat, just as it does for dogs, such as being a good insect repellent and helping a nervous cat. However, it is crucial to use lavender safely and responsibly to avoid potential toxicity.
However, in general, cats are much smaller than dogs, and it will take a significantly lower amount of lavender to cause poisoning. So to avoid all the risks, it’s better not to use any lavender products on or near your feline companion and use alternatives that have been specifically designed for helping cats.
But what if you wish to continue using lavender-based products yourself?
If you use lavender oil in a diffuser, you need to follow several precautions. Lavender flowers are often used in essential oil extraction, which can have therapeutic properties, but ensure you use it in a room where your cat doesn’t spend most of the time. Or at least not while the diffuser is working; keep it well aerated and don’t let your cat rub against it.
The lavender scent is very strong, so normally cats will try to avoid it anyway. However, there is still the risk that the diffuser will leave tiny droplets that the cat might lick or rub against.
If you are wishing to use any other product containing lavender, such as hand or body cream, just make sure not to touch your cat until it is properly absorbed.
The level of toxicity depends on the amount of lavender it contains. Some products may contain more and therefore be more dangerous than those that have been well diluted. But it is better to keep your lavender-containing products stored away from your cats to avoid accidental poisoning. Symptoms of lavender toxicity in cats include diarrhoea, vomiting, tremors, and difficulty breathing.
If somehow a cat has consumed lavender, the common signs of poisoning are diarrhoea, vomiting, tremors, and difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately remove all the lavender and contact your vet to avoid any serious consequences.
In conclusion, you should always remember that not everything that might be good for you will be good for your pet. So before trying something new, consult a specialist with whom you can discuss all the benefits and potential risks and choose the best course of action.