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Using an essential oil diffuser if you have pets; is that possible?

Years ago, I honestly didn't realize that pets could be bothered by scent fresheners in the house. Kind of stupid of me, because of course I know that our dog's nose does a lot better than ours. I have had diffusers at home for a while where I work with essential oil and I wondered if that could harm pets. Do you want to know more about this? Then be sure to read along.

Earlier I wrote a review about Scent Cloud and now I have again ordered some essential oil for the diffusers that I have at home. But only after I've done some research into using scent fresheners in your home in combination with pets. Just to make sure you know what can and can't be done.

Table of contents

Can you use essential oil in a diffuser if you have pets?

First of all, it is good to be aware that essential oil in a diffuser is really a different way of refreshing than, for example, an interior spray or scented candles. The latter two are generally not healthy. Not for yourself and certainly not for your pet. Scented candles and many interior sprays often contain synthetic substances that generate the odors. It may smell nice, but there's nothing natural about it.

Candles and interior sprays with pets

You inhale these synthetic substances when you have a scented candle burning or when you have sprayed a bit with your interior spray here and there in the house. These substances can enter your bloodstream through your lungs. Also, lighting normal candles is not really healthy for you. Even if there is no scent, many candles are still made from paraffin and/or petroleum, for example. That is not good for you and certainly not for your pet. Would you like to light a candle? Then look for candles based on soy wax or beeswax with a cotton wick. They are a lot less bad.

Essential oil in diffuser

If you cannot live without a scent, it is really better to opt for a diffuser and to use essential oils if you have pets. Look for a supplier that sells 100% natural essential oil. Furthermore, it is better not to use too many drops of the essential oil. Have you never had a diffuser on while you have pets? Then watch their behavior carefully.

Based on the behavior of your pet, you can deduce whether he is bothered by something or not. Our dog and our cats behave absolutely no different than normal, so I dare to drip some nice scents into the diffuser every now and then with confidence. I do keep in mind that pets in general do not tolerate cinnamon, eucalyptus, wintergreen, cloves, tea tree and thyme well. It is therefore better not to put those scents in the diffuser. In addition, I only use a few drops at a time.

Additional tips for when you use an essential oil diffuser and have pets

  • Make sure you always have a door open in the room where you turn on the diffuser. This way your pet can always leave the room if it becomes too much for him.
  • Natural ventilation is always important, even if a door to another room is open.
  • Do not drip pure essential oils on your pet's fur or on a collar or the like. Only use the oil in your diffuser.
  • Do you notice that your dog or cat shows abnormal behavior such as weakness, being unable to stand on its feet, vomiting or the like. Then immediately stop using your essential oils and consult the vet.

However, if you take care of the measures as I have described above, then it should not be a problem at all to vaporize a nice scent in your aroma diffuser every now and then. Enjoy!