🐾 Pet Safety & Aromatherapy Warning
Many essential oils and aromatherapy ingredients can be harmful or toxic to pets—especially dogs, cats, birds and small animals. Their bodies process plant compounds very differently from humans, and even small exposures can cause reactions. This applies not only to bath products, but also to simmer pots, candles, wax melts and any other home-fragrance products which release vapors into the air that pets may inhale.
⚠️ Keep Pets Away From:
- Open containers of bath salts or botanicals
- Bathwater containing essential oils or herbs
- Simmer pots actively heating on the stove
- Steam-filled rooms while aromatherapy is in use
- Lit candles and the scented vapors they release
- Wax warmers/wax melts, especially strong or essential-oil–based scents
- Any surfaces that may have product residue
Even gentle, natural scents may overwhelm sensitive pets.
❌ Essential Oils Commonly Considered Unsafe for Pets
These oils are frequently linked to toxicity or respiratory irritation, especially for cats and birds:
- Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot)
- Pine
- Wintergreen
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Ylang Ylang
Even when diluted—such as in simmer pots, candles, or bathwater—the vapors or lingering residues can affect sensitive animals.
⚠️ Why This Matters
Pets, particularly cats and birds, cannot metabolize many essential oil compounds the way humans do. Exposure through steam, scent diffusion, licking surfaces, or inhalation can lead to:
- Drooling or vomiting
- Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
- Lethargy or wobbliness
- Liver stress or toxicity
- Watery or irritated eyes/nose
- Seizures (in severe cases)
- Organ failure
Birds are especially vulnerable due to their highly efficient respiratory systems.
🚫 During Use: Simmer Pots, Candles & Wax Melts
To keep pets protected:
- Do not allow pets to linger near an active simmer pot, especially if using citrus, pine, mint, or spice ingredients.
- Keep pets out of rooms where scented candles or wax melts are burning or melting.
- Never leave pets unattended around open flames or heating elements.
- Avoid using essential-oil–heavy blends in the same room as your pets.
- Ensure proper ventilation during and after use.
✔️ Safe Storage & Cleanup Tips
- Keep all aromatic products sealed when not in use
- Store items out of reach of curious noses and paws
- Wipe down surfaces after handling oils, botanicals, or wax
- Rinse baths and sinks thoroughly before pets enter the room
- Cool and clean your simmer pot before putting it away
📞 If You Suspect Pet Exposure
Contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately at (855) 764-7661