Scents can pose a great risk to pets. The components contained in scents, especially artificial fragrances and essential oils, can harm the health of our beloved animal friends. Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli stated, “Many pet owners are unaware that some scents are toxic to animals.”
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli, Laboratory Manager responsible for the Medical Directorate at Üsküdar University, provided information about serious health problems that scents 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, explaining that the primary function of perfume is to provide a pleasant smell, and that dogs can smell approximately 10,000 times better than humans and are highly sensitive to scents.
Artificial scents are dangerous for both animals and humans!
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli, stating that if the word 'fragrance' is on a dog shampoo label, the product contains artificial scents, noted the following:
“This doesn't mean all artificial fragrances are unsafe, but phthalates are among the most common toxic chemicals found in artificial fragrances, and are one of the most dangerous components for both dogs and humans. Phthalates are plasticizers used to soften products (including plastics and household items) and increase their elasticity. They have also been officially declared carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Their purpose is to bind other ingredients used in fragrances, but as a result, they can harm your dog's endocrine system. Artificial fragrances can also contain other toxic chemicals such as ethanol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and linalool.”
Some scents can be toxic to animals
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli noted that cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, stating, “Therefore, you need to be more careful when choosing products that are safe for use on your cat. Essential oils and various fragrances are found in all sorts of things. This includes aromatherapy, cleaning products, beverage flavorings, perfumes, personal care products, air fresheners, candles, and more. And many pet owners are unaware that some scents are toxic to animals.”
Pets and essential oils…
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli, who advises pet owners to avoid products containing essential oils, continued:
“Our pets can become ill from essential oils due to a compound called phenol. Phenols are found naturally in plants, and in concentrated forms 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. However, cats are particularly at risk because they have fewer liver enzymes. This means they cannot metabolize all these different chemicals like we can. When these oils and scents come into contact with our animal, they can also burn their skin and mouth.”
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats…
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli also drew attention to the symptoms of essential oil poisoning in cats, listing these symptoms as; pawing at their eyes or mouth, redness on their lips, tongue, or skin, vomiting, weakness, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, drooling, loss of balance, watery nose, and eyes.
Some scents can affect dogs' central nervous system
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli explained that essential oils and liquid perfumes can also affect dogs, continuing:
“Sometimes these oils can lead to behavioral problems or changes in our dogs. Some scents begin to cause negative effects on the central nervous system and respiratory problems. Swallowing these oils, especially tea tree oil, can also be dangerous for our dog's digestive system. However, what we do know is that their improper use can negatively affect your dog's central nervous system and cause severe allergic reactions. While these essential oils may smell pleasant to us, they are quite irritating for pets (both their noses and skin). Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is best to avoid dog shampoos and topical products that use essential oils as fragrance. The solution is allergen-free fragrances.”
Toxic scents to avoid
Veterinarian Burcu Çevreli listed the toxic scents and essential oils to avoid as; tea tree, clove, citrus, cinnamon, Ylang Ylang, pine, eucalyptus, and wintergreen.
Non-toxic scents and safe essential oils for pets
Burcu Çevreli also listed non-toxic scents for dogs and cats, and safe essential oils for pets, as follows:
“Myrrh, Frankincense, Chamomile, Peppermint, Lavender, Ginger, and Rosemary.”