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Is tea tree oil safe for dogs? If you are also wondering this, don’t worry, we’ve got you.
Imagine buying tea tree oil for your dog, hoping it will help him, but it doesn’t. And makes the condition even worse. How pathetic would that be, right?
Either tea tree oil can benefit your dog or may cause more problems. It entirely depends on the way you use it.
Most owners unintentionally hurt their dogs using tea tree oil, probably because of the lack of knowledge. They don’t know whether the tea tree oil is safe for dogs or not. Maybe they’ve just heard about it somewhere and started using it straight away, which is extremely risky!
Go through the article to explore ‘is tea tree oil safe for dogs?’
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs?
Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is an essential oil extracted from a small tree named Melaleuca alternifolia. It is pretty popular among humans because of its tremendous benefits.
But now, it has also entered the pet industry, and many owners are opting for it as a natural or herbal remedy — to treat fleas or ear infections.
However, using pure tea tree oil on your dog can cause severe consequences as it contains toxic ingredients. Chances are your pup may start licking it to get rid of the strong smell. Problems like organ damage can occur in this case which requires immediate professional help. According to experts, dog and cat owners should completely prohibit using undiluted tea tree oil.
Pure tea tree oil can be used only if it’s in the right amount and diluted with the right ingredients. And it can only be done with the help of a professional. So, make sure to ask your vet for directions to use pure tea tree oil safely.
“But, what about the tea tree oil products available in the market?” you may ask.
Tea tree oil products low in concentration, less than 1-2%, are considered safe for dogs, according to Great Pet Care. Always check the product label and buy the one that has a low concentration.
Keep in mind that tea tree oil products with more than 2% concentration can harm your sweet pup.
What To Do If Your Dog Gets Exposed To Tea Tree Oil?
If your dog gets exposed to tea tree oil, mild to severe symptoms can occur, which includes:
- Weakness
- Trouble in walking
- Vomiting
- Decreased body temperature
- Drooling
- Skin rashes
- Depression
- Shaking
- Loss of coordination
In extreme cases, symptoms like seizures or loss of consciousness can occur.
In case if you used a large amount of tea tree oil or your dog ingested it accidentally, take him to a vet ASAP, even if your dog doesn’t show any symptoms. It will help to begin the treatment before the condition takes a serious turn.
Are There Any Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil In Dogs?
Tea tree oil is recommended to use only in the low concentration of 1-2%, which is not sufficient to avail the benefits. That is why it’s hard to say that tea tree oil can provide your pup with some benefits.
However, many people claim that tea tree oil helps to treat fleas and ear infections. This might be true, but there is not enough evidence to prove it. We could barely find any study that gives concrete evidence on the tea tree oil benefits in dogs.
Instead of tea tree oil, you can go for some alternative medications. It will be a safer option because they are backed by evidence and safe to use. Ask your vet to recommend safe tea tree oil alternatives.
Things To Keep In Mind | Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs?
Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
- Tea tree oil is commonly found in pet products like shampoos or sprays. So whenever you buy a pet product, give attention to the label. Don’t bring it home if it contains more than 2% of tea tree oil.
- If you still use pure tea tree oil on your dog, make sure to dilute it with a suitable ingredient. Take the help of a vet if possible.
- If your dog shows any symptoms after using or accidentally ingesting tea tree oil, immediately take him to the vet.
- If you keep tea tree oil at your home, keep it out of the reach of your pup.
Final Words | Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs?
Being a pet owner, it should be your duty to keep your dog safe from toxic ingredients. Whether it’s tea tree oil or any other essential oil, you should make sure to do proper research and get the vet’s confirmation to use it on your pup.
Always remember, precaution is always better than cure!
