Is lemon oil safe for pets?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Lemon oil is hazardous to pets because they are not able to metabolize any terpenes, such as limonene. Cats do not have the liver enzymes to metabolize, while dogs can suffer significant gastrointestinal damage. I saw a cat develop tremors after being accidentally exposed to something. Never equate 'natural' with 'safe' in animals.
Methods of exposure may be inhalation, dermal, or ingestion. Clinical signs are drooling, vomiting, liver failure, neurological collapse, and other severe symptoms. Birds or small mammals can suffer greater effects because of their size. Always store your oils in a secure place. My office has a locked cabinet to store essential oils, keeping them out of reach of pets.
Immediate Actions
- Remove animal from exposure area immediately
- Wipe oils from fur with dish soap and water
- Ventilate the space thoroughly
Veterinary Care
- Call ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Bring oil bottle for ingredient analysis
- Monitor breathing and consciousness en route
Prevention Measures
- Diffuse only in pet-free rooms with closed doors
- Store oils in locked cabinets out of reach
- Wash hands before pet contact after handling oils
There are pet-safe options for freshening up the home; ensure the product is labeled as such. Hydrosols give you lighter aromatoc options. For calming, opt for cedarwood or chamomile hydrosols, which are very mild and unlikely to cause harm. Just confirm the safety with your vet first.
Set up purposefully designated safe zones in your house, diffuse oils in office spaces that are closed off. Designate pet-free zones with baby gates. Ensure that diffusers are cleaned after use. For example, I keep my cats out of these sessions in their own room while diffusing. The separation completely avoids any exposure to oils.
Read the full article: 10 Powerful Benefits Lemon Oil Offers Daily
