The health of pets is at risk due to odors!

Odors and scents can pose a great risk for pets. The components contained in fragrances, especially artificial fragrances, and essential oils, can harm the health of our pet friends. veterinarian Burcu Çevreli said that "Many pet owners are not aware that some odors are toxic to animals."

Üsküdar University Medical Directorate Laboratory Supervisor Manager Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli informed on the serious health problems that odors can cause, especially in dogs and cats.

There is a difference between scent and perfume

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli stated that there is a difference between scent and perfume and said that the main function of perfume is to give a pleasant smell, and that dogs can smell about 10 thousand times better than humans and are very sensitive to fragrances.

Artificial odors are dangerous for both animals and humans!

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli, who stated that if the word 'fragrance' is on the label of the dog shampoo, the product contains artificial fragrances, said the following remarks:

"That is not to say that all artificial fragrances are unsafe, but phthalates are one of the most common toxic chemicals found in artificial fragrances, and one of the most dangerous ingredients for dogs and humans. Phthalates are plasticizers used to soften products (including plastics and household products) and increase their elasticity. They have also been officially declared carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Their purpose is to bind together other ingredients used in fragrances, but as a result, it can damage your dog's endocrine system. Artificial fragrances may also contain other toxic chemicals such as ethanol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and linalool."

Some fragrances can be poisonous to animals

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli noted that cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs and stated that "Therefore, you need to be more careful when choosing products that are safe to use on your cat. Essential oils and various fragrances are found in all sorts of things. Aromatherapy includes cleaning products, beverage flavors, perfumes, personal care products, air fresheners, candles, and more. And many pet owners do not ealize that some odors are toxic to animals."

Pets and essential oils...

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli, who recommends pet owners to avoid products containing essential oils, continued her remarks as follows: "Our pets can get sick from essential oils due to a compound called phenol. Phenols are found naturally in plants and extensively in essential oils. Phenols are easily absorbed through the skin, nose, and mouth. For humans, phenols are metabolized by the liver and toxic effects are reduced. But cats are particularly at risk because they have fewer liver enzymes. That means they cannot metabolize all these different chemicals like we do. When these oils and odors come into contact with our animal, they can also burn its skin and mouth."

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats...

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli also draws attention to the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats and said that using their paws on the eyes or mouth, redness of the lips, tongue or skin, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, drooling, loss of balance, watery nose and eyes.

Certain odors can affect a dog's central nervous system

Explaining that essential oils and liquid perfumes can also affect dogs, Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli continued her remarks as follows:

"Sometimes these oils can lead to behavioral problems or changes in our dogs. Some scents begin to have negative effects on the central nervous system and cause respiratory problems. Ingesting these oils, especially tea tree oil, can also be dangerous for our dog's digestive system. What we do know, however, is that mishandling them can negatively affect your dog's central nervous system and cause severe allergic reactions. While these essential oils may sound delicious to us, they are highly irritating to pets (both their noses and their skin). Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is best to avoid dog shampoos and topical products that use essential oils as fragrances. The solution is fragrances that do not contain allergens."

Toxic fragrances to avoid

Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli listed the toxic fragrances and essential oils that should be avoided: tea tree, cloves, citrus, cinnamon, Ylang Ylang, pine, eucalyptus and wintergreen.

Non-toxic fragrances and essential oils that are safe for pets

Burcu Çevreli also listed non-toxic fragrances for dogs and cats and essential oils that are safe for pets as follows:

"Myrrh, Frankincense, Chamomile, Mint, Lavender, Ginger and Rosemary."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)