At Us Them and U, we love our animals just as much as we love our essential oils — and we know many of you feel the same. So it’s no surprise that one of the questions we’re asked most often is: “Can I use essential oils around my pets?”
The short answer is yes, you can — but with a little extra care and common sense. Animals are more sensitive than humans, and their bodies process things differently, so it’s important to use essential oils gently, thoughtfully, and always in diluted form.
The Oils That Are Generally Safe - (When used properly and in low dilutions)
Many essential oils can be used safely around pets, and some can even be wonderfully supportive:
• Lavender – calming, soothing, great for anxious pets
• Chamomile (Roman or German) – gentle on skin and digestion
• Cedarwood – grounding and naturally insect-repelling
• Rosemary – supports circulation and mental clarity
• Frankincense – comforting, anti-inflammatory, and grounding
• Helichrysum – brilliant for skin and wound support
• Tea Tree – safe only in very weak dilutions (under 1%)
There’s also good evidence supporting the safe use of bergamot, ginger, myrrh, patchouli, and German/Roman chamomile for dogs.
For cats, frankincense, German chamomile, lavender, and Roman chamomile are commonly considered safe.
Oils That Are Best Avoided
(Especially if swallowed or used too strongly)
Some oils can cause irritation or toxicity in pets, particularly if ingested:
• Tea Tree (in high concentrations)
• Wintergreen (even humans should avoid wintergreen)
• Clove
• Camphor
• Citrus oils
Most of the scary stories online come from people using oils neat or allowing pets to lick or ingest them, something we’d never recommend for humans, let alone animals.
Dilution: The Golden Rule
Essential oils are incredibly concentrated. A tiny amount goes a long way, especially for animals with smaller bodies and more sensitive systems.
Here’s a simple guide:
Dogs: 0.5% to 2% - (That’s roughly 1 to 4 drops of essential oil per 10 ml of carrier oil.)
Cats: 0.1% to 0.5% - (Around 1 to 2 drops per 20 ml of carrier oil.)
Horses: 1% to 3% - (About 2 to 6 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil.)
And of course, a tiny Dachshund will need far less than a big, confident Alsatian.
Simple Safety Tips
• Always dilute essential oils before using them
• Avoid applying oils neat to your pet’s skin
• Ensure good ventilation when diffusing
• Store oils safely — pets are curious
• Watch your pet’s behaviour — they’ll tell you if something isn’t right
• Introduce slowly to check for sensitivities
• Use extra caution with young, elderly, or unwell animals
If something doesn’t feel right, stop using the oil and check with your vet.
A Quick Word About Online Misinformation
The internet is full of dramatic warnings, copied articles, and half-truths. Unfortunately, much of it isn’t based on real research. Many of the horror stories come from:
• using poor-quality oils
• applying oils undiluted
• accidental ingestion
• misunderstanding how oils work
Ironically, pets are far more likely to be harmed by synthetic chemicals found in everyday products, including some dog shampoos containing ingredients considered unsuitable for humans but “fine for dogs” simply because they’re cheap.
The Bottom Line
Essential oils can be a lovely addition to your home — even with pets around — as long as you use them thoughtfully. Start low, go slow, and always listen to your animal. They’re very good at telling you what they like and what they don’t.
If you ever need help choosing gentle, high-quality oils or want advice on safe dilutions, we’re always here to help.
