Many foods or substances that are harmless to us humans are dangerous for four-legged friends. It’s the same with essential oil: tea tree oil is poisonous for dogs – at least under certain circumstances. What does that mean exactly? This advisory article explains this.
The basic idea is not reprehensible: some dog owners want to get away from chemistry and resort to natural home remedies. Many a master or mistress comes up with the idea of using tea tree oil to protect the dog from ticks or to care for inflamed areas. No question about it, the essential oil is said to have a number of positive properties. But be careful: tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs. Therefore, the administration should never be carried out lightly and without prior knowledge.
Tea tree oil for dogs
- The administration of tea tree oil to dogs is only very diluted and intended for external use.
- Before applying, a veterinarian should be asked about the dosage and use.
- There is an even higher risk of poisoning for cats. If they live in the same household, tea tree oil should be completely avoided.
What is tea tree oil?
For the answer, the trip goes down under All-natural tea tree oil is obtained exclusively from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia). This belongs to the myrtle family. It is made by distilling the leaves and shoots of the tea tree. The Aborigines once used the leaves of the tea tree and used them for diseases such as fevers and colds.
All over the world people appreciate the home remedy from Australia. It finds uses for both medical and cosmetic purposes. The reasons for this include its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to the all-natural product, there are many tea tree oils on the market that are mixed with other ingredients.
Why is tea tree oil toxic to dogs?
Tea tree oil contains terpenes and phenols. It is precisely these two chemical compounds that dogs (and cats) cannot break down. As a result, both react with symptoms of poisoning, which are often fatal. Important: Even when used externally, the terpenes and phenols get into the animal’s organism through the skin.
Protection against ticks and fleas with diluted tea tree oil
Tea tree oil for dogs is used in highly diluted doses as natural protection against ticks and fleas. Some also swear by the healing properties of skin fungus or inflamed areas – for example, an insect bite – on the skin. But here, too, caution is advised: If there is insufficient knowledge about the application, even the diluted dose is life-threatening.
Before use, dog owners must act responsibly and adhere to the following tips:
- Only after consultation with the veterinarian: Before dog owners serve a tea tree oil mixture with, for example, coconut oil, the advice of a veterinarian must be obtained. This explains in detail the application and the correct mixing ratio.
- No long-term treatments: Once everything has been clarified with the veterinarian, the application will only take place over a short period of time.
- Oversensitive? To rule out allergic reactions, first, apply a small amount to an insensitive skin area and observe it.
- Caution, danger to life! If cats live in the household in addition to the dog, tea tree oil as an alternative remedy should be avoided entirely. The essential oil is highly toxic to house cats. Contact by the dog can cause serious damage to health and, in the worst case, be fatal.
- Do not lick: After the diluted tea tree oil has been applied, the dog must not reach the area with its mouth. A ruff can provide some relief. Tea tree oil must therefore not be applied to areas that are not protected by a ruff.
- Future offspring? Tea tree oil is taboo for pregnant bitches.
Tip: Tea tree oil is not the only remedy and or even a miracle weapon against all ailments. In the case of tick remedies, for example, dog owners have a variety of low-risk remedies available.
