Essential Oils to Avoid for Pets and Babies

I absolutely love using essential oils to create a cozy, fresh atmosphere in our home. Over the years, I’ve learned just how much they can help—from relieving stress to purifying the air. But if you have pets (like our beloved dog!) or little ones around, you need to be extra careful. Not all essential oils are safe to use around them. Some can be harmful to both pets and babies, and while I still adore my essential oils, I make sure to use them responsibly.

In this post, I’ll share some essential oils to avoid for pets and babies, so you can enjoy the benefits of essential oils without any worries. I’ve broken down the information for dogs, cats (even though we don’t have a cat), and babies, and provided a little more context on why these oils can be harmful. It’s a quick guide to help you be as safe as possible while still filling your home with those amazing scents!

Essentail Oils to Avoid if You Have Dogs, Cats or Babies

Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Dogs

If you’re a dog owner like me, you already know how important it is to keep your pet safe and healthy. Dogs can be sensitive to certain essential oils, which might cause skin irritation, breathing problems, or even more serious health concerns if they inhale or come into contact with the oils. The oils below can be toxic to dogs, so it’s best to avoid diffusing them around your furry friend.

• Tea Tree Oil
• Clove
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Wintergreen
• Yarrow
• Anise
• Garlic
• Juniper
• Horseradish
• Rosemary

Even if you’re not seeing any symptoms right away, it’s important to remember that toxicity doesn’t always show up immediately. It can build up over time, so keeping these oils out of your dog’s reach is key.

Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Cats

As much as I love essential oils, we don’t have a cat, but if you do, you’ll want to be cautious. Cats are especially sensitive to strong scents, and some essential oils can cause everything from skin irritation to severe respiratory issues. Even though we don’t have one ourselves, I still wanted to include this list for those of you who do, to make sure you’re informed:

• Birch
• Thyme
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Melaleuca
• Peppermint
• Tea Tree
• Cinnamon
• Wintergreen
• Oils that contain Phenol (like oregano, thyme, etc.)
• Cassia
• Citrus
• Spruce
• Eucalyptus

Many oils that are safe for us humans can be overwhelming for cats, so it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet before using any essential oils around your feline friends.

Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Babies

I don’t have babies at home anymore, but I know many of you do, and it’s so important to be extra cautious when using essential oils around little ones. Babies have delicate systems, so the wrong oil or the wrong dilution can cause skin reactions, breathing problems, or even seizures. I want to share a few oils that should be avoided around babies:

• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint (some say it’s okay, but I always recommend caution)
• Sage
• Douglas Fir
• Birch
• Black Pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Wintergreen

When using oils around babies, always ensure you’re diluting properly and using oils that are safe for their age and size. Some oils may be okay in small amounts, but always err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure, reach out to a pediatrician who is knowledgeable about essential oils.

Essential oils are such a lovely way to add fragrance and wellness to your home, but it’s important to use them wisely, especially when you have pets or children around. While the oils I mentioned above should be avoided in certain situations, there are plenty of safe and wonderful oils you can diffuse around your home. Just be sure to do your research, and when in doubt, consult with a professional.

I’d love to hear if you have any favorite essential oils, or if you have any tips for using them safely with pets or kids in the house. Let me know in the comments!