Tips not to be sniffed at…
With the festive season finally upon us, many of us are turning to seasonal scents to fill our homes with cosiness and merriment. However, these joyful aromas could pose serious threats to our four-legged companions. But which scents are safe for pets? And how can we introduce festive fragrances without putting them at risk?
Intrigued to find out more, the experts at London rubbish removal company Clear it Waste have compiled a list of festive essential oils toxic to pets, guidance on the dangers of introducing scents in the home, and advice on how to spot reactions.
Here are a few things to keep away from our feline friends…
1. Essential oils and liquid potpourri
Some of the most common methods for introducing delightful festive scents to the home utilise essential oils or liquid potpourri, however, these bring with them serious threats to the health of your furry friends.
With any vessel containing essential oils or liquid potpourri, there is a risk that they could be knocked over. This not only poses risks of poisoning already discussed if your pet manages to drink the oil, but can even cause irritation and chemical burns just from the oil coming into contact with your pets’ paws and skin.
2. Diffusers, air fresheners and humidifiers
Any item which diffuses tiny droplets of oil into the air risks causing harm to pets. As well as all the risks of essential oils already discussed, diffusers are known to cause negative respiratory effects and irritation, in both dogs and cats, especially if used in a small space with minimal ventilation.
If particularly toxic essential oils are being diffused, inhaling these can cause severe reactions in our four-legged companions.
3. Scented candles
Though scented candles are often considered less dangerous to pets than essential oil diffusers, they can still pose significant threats.
The most obvious danger to consider is the fire and burn risk if candles are within reach of curious pets. Any open flames should always be kept out of reach, and pets should never be left alone in a room with a burning candle.
Opting for flameless candles is a great option to avoid this completely, as well as removing any potential risks for respiratory system irritation caused by the smoke from burning candles.
Symptoms of essential oil poisoning to look out for include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, seek help from your vet or an emergency out-of-hours vet as soon as possible to be safe. It is also very helpful to provide information about what oils your pet may have ingested, in what quantities and at what concentration.
