10 Safe Scents for Dogs, and 8 Dangerous Ones

Essential oils and air fresheners can make your home smell great, but are these scents safe for dogs? Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, and their curiosity often leads them to find the source of new smells. Many essential oils can be toxic to dogs, while other natural oils can actually be very beneficial.

So, are the essential oils in your home posing a risk to your pup? This article covers whether or not the most common essential oil scents are safe for dogs to be around. 

10 Scents Safe for Dogs

The following essential oils are generally safe for dogs to be around. Note that pure, undiluted essential oils almost always pose some risk to dogs. Any time you use an essential oil near your pet, make sure it's diluted and prevent your pet from licking it, touching it, or accessing it with a risk of direct contact.

1. Lavender is Safe for Dogs in Small Quantities

Exposure to lavender oil scent is safe for dogs in small increments so long as it's diluted. In the right amounts, lavender oil in the air can have a calming effect on your dog. Make sure that your dog doesn't consume any lavender oil, as it contains linalool, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, upset stomach, and more.

2. Chamomile is Generally Safe for Dogs When Diluted

Chamomile is one of the gentler essential oils for dogs to be around. It can have a relaxing effect when used as an aroma and can be a mild digestive aid when used as an ingredient in supplements. Even though chamomile is generally mild for dogs, never give your dog undiluted chamomile essential oil.

3. Geranium Oil Aroma is Safe for Dogs

While geranium oil is a safe scent for dogs, it can be toxic when ingested. The aroma can offer a soothing and relaxing environment for your pup, but make sure to dilute it if you're using a highly concentrated geranium oil. Ensure that your dog can't lick or ingest geranium oil.

5. Orange Oil Scent is Safe for Dogs When Diffused

Orange essential oil is safe to diffuse around dogs when diluted properly. Its light, citrusy scent can create an uplifting atmosphere for your dog. Never apply orange oil to your dog’s skin or allow them to ingest it, as citrus oils can be harmful in concentrated amounts.

6. Myrrh Scent is Safe for Dogs in Moderation

The earthy scent of myrrh essential oil can be safe for dogs when used in small amounts. It is commonly used to create a calming and grounding environment. Always dilute myrrh before use and ensure your dog doesn’t ingest it, as it can be harmful internally.

7. Rose Oil is Safe for Dogs When Diluted

Rose oil is generally safe for dogs and can be used to create a calming, pleasant aroma in your home. Its scent is gentle and often well-tolerated by pets when diffused. As with all essential oils, avoid direct contact or ingestion to ensure your dog’s safety.

8. Jasmine Oil is Safe for Dogs When Properly Used

Jasmine oil is a safe essential oil to diffuse around dogs in diluted amounts. The soft floral scent can create a soothing environment for your pet. Be cautious not to let your dog ingest jasmine oil, as it can cause adverse reactions if consumed.

8 Scents That are Not Safe for Dogs

The following scents should be avoided around dogs. Strong, highly concentrated plant substances can lead to skin problems, issues with the nervous system, and more. Many of the following oils are used in home air fresheners and cleaning products, and pet owners are unaware of their risks.

1. Tea Tree Oil is Toxic to Dogs

Tea tree oil is one of the most dangerous essential oils for dogs, even in small quantities. Direct contact or inhalation can cause symptoms of essential oil poisoning, including vomiting, lethargy, and muscle tremors. Pet parents should exercise caution and avoid using tea tree oil in any form around their pets.

2. Pennyroyal Oil Can Cause Severe Health Problems

Pennyroyal oil, often used in natural flea remedies, is highly toxic to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can result in serious issues like liver disease and gastrointestinal upset. If your dog comes into contact with this potent substance, contact a veterinarian immediately.

3. Sweet Birch is Extremely Harmful to Dogs

Sweet birch oil, a highly concentrated plant substance, contains methyl salicylate, which is toxic to dogs. Exposure can lead to breathing problems, vomiting, or even liver issues. Many oils like sweet birch should never be used near pets due to their risks.

4. Lemon Oil Can Harm Your Dog

While lemon oil is often marketed as one of the best essential oils for home air fresheners, it is not safe for dogs. Direct contact or inhalation can lead to skin problems, vomiting, and further stress on the nervous system. Lemon oil and other citrus oils should be avoided to keep pets safe.

5. Eucalyptus Oil May Cause Respiratory Problems

Eucalyptus oil is toxic to both dogs and cats and can lead to symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or breathing problems. As one of the more potent substances, it poses risks through both ingestion and passive diffusers. Always avoid using eucalyptus oil around pets.

6. Clove Oil is Harmful for Dogs

Clove oil is another essential oil that is not pet safe due to its strong concentration. Exposure can lead to symptoms of essential oil poisoning, including vomiting, skin irritation, and nervous system issues. It is not one of the oils safe for dogs and should be avoided in pet-friendly environments.

7. Wintergreen Oil Can Be Lethal for Dogs

Wintergreen oil, similar to sweet birch, contains methyl salicylate, making it highly toxic. Ingestion or exposure can cause liver issues, gastrointestinal upset, or even severe respiratory problems. Pet parents should treat dogs cautiously and avoid using this oil entirely.

8. Ylang-Ylang Oil is Not Safe for Dogs

Ylang-ylang oil, while popular in alternative medicine, can cause harmful reactions in dogs. Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and skin irritation are common after exposure. This oil is not one of the essential oils safe for dogs and should never be used in homes with pets.

How to Safely Use Scents and Aromas Around Your Dog

To ensure your dog’s safety, always use scents and aromas in moderation and choose pet-safe options like diluted lavender or chamomile oils. Passive diffusers in well-ventilated areas are ideal, as they limit direct exposure. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or fur unless specifically advised by a veterinarian, and closely monitor your pet for any signs of discomfort, such as lethargy, vomiting, or breathing issues.

Proper storage is also crucial—keep all essential oils out of your dog’s reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

Essential Oils & Essential Oil Poisoning in Dogs

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant substances, and even small quantities can lead to toxicity in pets. Dogs are particularly sensitive to oils like tea tree, pennyroyal, and sweet birch, which can cause severe reactions.

Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning: Signs of essential oil poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, difficulty breathing, drooling, or skin irritation. In severe cases, exposure can lead to liver damage, nervous system problems, or even life-threatening conditions. Symptoms may arise from both ingestion and skin exposure.

Conclusion

Some essential oils are safe to diffuse and use in the presence of your pets. Still, there are a number of serious risks to using most essential oils near your dog, so it's always best to lean on the side of caution. If you're not sure about the safety of a particular product or scent, don't use it in your home.

If your dog eats or gets into any highly concentrated essential oil, contact your veterinarian.