Is Tea Tree Oil Toxic To Dogs

As little as 7 drops of 100 oil has resulted in severe poisoning and applications of 10 20 mls of 100 oil have resulted in poisoning and death in both dogs and cats.

Is tea tree oil toxic to dogs. Animals have experienced intense toxicity from just seven drops of 100 percent tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is often found in varying concentrations and high concentrations should never be used on pets. However there is very little evidence for the toxicity of tea tree oil on fleas. Tea tree oil or australian tree tea oil has become a popular alternative treatment for many skin conditions.

Products containing tea tree oil concentrations less than 1 2 are. Dogs can safely manage tea tree oil concentrations of between 0 1 and 1 percent. This oil is a leaf extract that is often used as a natural topical flea treatment. Tea tree oil is considered poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested with a moderate to severe toxicity level and can be life threatening in some cases.

Toxicity in pets has been reported not only when tea tree oil is ingested but also when it s applied topically. Unfortunately the oil s popularity has resulted in larger numbers of households with bottles of 100 percent tree tea oil and accidental ingestion or improper dilutions of this highly concentrated oil can be harmful to pets. The toxin found in tea tree oil is metabolized by the liver making diluted tea tree oil safe for topical use on most dogs but always consult your veterinarian before exposing your dog to it. Therefore we do not recommend any chew repellent spray that contains tea tree oil.

Dogs and cats have died from exposure between 10 and 20 mls of 100 percent tea tree oil. A report in the january 2014 issue of journal of the american veterinary medical association documents multiple cases of tea tree oil toxicity in dogs and cats. Tea tree oil for dogs can be toxic and poisonous. Higher concentrations however can be hazardous to them.

Cats on the other hand have less of the liver enzyme necessary to metabolizing tea tree and should never be exposed to the oil in any form. Tea tree oil and dogs is a popular combination. One study reviewed incidents of exposure to 100 percent tea tree oil in cats and. The american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals animal poison control center database was the source of the information which spans a 10 year period from 2002 to 2012.

Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is a result of a dog orally ingesting tea tree oil in copious amounts or in concentrated form.