We would like to warn against tea tree oil on dogs and cats without vet advisory due to current events. It is used against ticks, other parasites or applied to inflammation in the mouth or skin.
Even relatively small amounts of undiluted tea tree oil can cause severe central nervous disorders. Symptoms such as increased salivation, vomiting, weakness, paralysis, seizures, and even coma usually occur two to 12 hours after administration or use of the tea tree oil.
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 toxic for dogs – at least under certain circumstances.
Tea Tree Oil Origin
It was about 100 years ago that the tea tree found its way into our alternative medicine stores. The healing properties of tea tree leaves had been known for thousands of years.
Originally, this knowledge was reserved for the Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia. The Australian tea tree is found predominantly near the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
The plant can reach heights of up to 14 meters and belongs to the myrtle family. More than 300 different species of this plant are known in Australia. But only the oil of the type “Melaleuca alternifolia” has special properties.
The plant is grown in plantations to produce the oil. Australia and China are considered to be the most important producers of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is obtained from the freshly harvested leaves of the genus Melaleuca. To do this, the oil is distilled from the leaves with steam.
Positive Effects of Tea Tree Oil For Dogs
Tea tree oil is known for its strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also effective against fungi and allows wounds to heal faster.
Sounds like a miracle cure from naturopathy. But how good is tea tree oil for dogs? In dogs, tea tree oil can be an excellent alternative for minor ailments.
However, you should use the oil with great care. It is best to ask your vet for advice beforehand.
- Tea tree oil is said to help against parasites. The oil should be ideal for flea infestations and also work against ticks. Apparently, some breeds don’t like the smell of the oil.
- Tea tree oil can also be effective in fixing itchy skin conditions. To do this, you must use it directly to the affected areas. This applies to skin irritations caused by fungi and allergies.
- Besides, tea tree oil is said to be very effective against insect bites. It should even be able to alleviate an excessive allergic reaction.
Negative Effects of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains terpenes and phenols. These two chemical compounds that dogs (and cats) cannot break down on their intestines are precisely these two.
As a result, both pets react with symptoms of poisoning, which are often fatal. Even when used externally, the terpenes and phenols enter the animal’s organism through the skin.
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. You must obtain the advice of a veterinarian.
- No long-term treatments: Once everything has been clarified with the veterinarian, the application should only occur over a short period of time.
- Oversensitive? To avoid allergic reactions, apply a small amount to an insensitive skin area and observe it.
- Do not give to cats and dogs in one home: If cats live in the same household as the dog, you should avoid tea tree oil remedy at all costs. It can have serious health effects and, in the worst case, can be fatal.
- Avoid licking tea tree oil: After the diluted tea tree oil has been applied, the dog must not lick 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.
- Pregnant Dog: Tea tree oil is taboo for pregnant dogs.
Tip: Tea tree oil is not the only means and or even a miracle weapon against all ailments. With tick remedies, for example, dog owners have a variety of low-risk remedies available.
How to Dilute Tea Tree Oil for Dogs
Never use tea tree oil undiluted. You must never use tea tree oil on its own. Be sure to dilute it before using it on the skin or to your dog’s fur.
This is best done by mixing other ingredients such as coconut oil, linseed oil, or almond oil. The correct mixing ratio is around 3 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
You can also mix tea tree oil with a neutral cream. In this case, mix 7 drops of tea tree oil with 100 milliliters of cream.
Homemade dog shampoo against fleas
You can also easily prepare a dog shampoo with tea tree oil yourself. To do this, mix:
- 100 ml neutral soap (this must not be perfumed and should not contain any chemicals)
- 40 ml of glycerin
- 100 ml apple cider vinegar
- ½ liter of water
- 7 drops of tea tree oil
This shampoo is a good remedy against flea eggs and tick. When using the shampoo, be sure to rinse it well afterward.
When washing the dog’s cloth, such as upholstery or blankets, add a few drops of the oil to the rinsing machine.
No matter how much you use tea tree oil for your dog, always ensure that your dog does not lick the oil. However, most dogs won’t lick it because they find the smell of tea tree oil offensive.
Poisoning Symptoms after Using Tea Tree Oil
If the tea tree oil has not been used correctly, the following symptoms appear in the dog:
- Vomit
- Nervousness and restless behavior
- Increased salivation
- Cramps
- Exhaustion
- Signs of paralysis
- Coma
Tea Tree Oil Poisoning Antidote for Dogs
If it happens, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Don’t waste time, because quick action is always required in the event of poisoning.
Despite the serious situation, it is important to be calm as a caregiver. Panic spreads to the dog and makes he already debilitated condition even worse.
Medicinal charcoal can adsorb toxins that have already been absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The medicinal charcoal thus effectively prevents the poison from being absorbed into the body.
Other names for medical charcoal are charcoal tablets, activated charcoal. Charcoal tablets, therefore, should belong in every emergency kit.
Let your veterinarian advise you exactly and show you what amount your dog needs. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. After that, put a prepared emergency dose on your emergency kit for later use! This gives you security in the total stressful situation of poisoning.
If you have several dogs – prepare an emergency dose for each one. If an emergency arises: give the dog the prepared amount. And then immediately to the vet.
Tea Tree Oil Poisoning Antidote for Dogs
If it happens, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Don’t waste time, because quick action is always required in the event of poisoning.
Despite the serious situation, it is important to be calm as a caregiver. Panic spreads to the dog and makes he already debilitated condition even worse.
Medicinal charcoal can adsorb toxins that have already been absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The medicinal charcoal thus effectively prevents the poison from being absorbed into the body.
Other names for medical charcoal are charcoal tablets, activated charcoal. Charcoal tablets, therefore, should belong in every emergency kit.
Let your veterinarian advise you exactly and show you what amount your dog needs. Otherwise, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. After that, put a prepared emergency dose on your emergency kit for later use! This gives you security in the total stressful situation of poisoning.
If you have several dogs – prepare an emergency dose for each one. If an emergency arises: give the dog the prepared amount. And then immediately to the vet.
Note: The activated charcoal does not replace the veterinarian in any way!
