Toxic festive scents to keep away from dogs

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 popular festive scents that can be toxic to pets and are best to keep well away from dogs. Popular scents that fill our homes with festive cheer may actually be posing serious threats to our furry friends. Certain essential oils can be toxic to dogs from ingestion, inhalation or skin exposure. Some of the most toxic include:

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a quintessential seasonal scent, but although cinnamon bark itself is considered non-toxic for dogs, the essential oil can be extremely harmful.

Potential symptoms of poisoning from cinnamon oil include liver disease, vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and heart problems.

If you want to spread the warm smell of cinnamon in your home this Christmas, stick to using cinnamon bark and avoid the essential oil to keep your four-legged friends safe.

2. Pine

Though pine oil is often used to fill homes with a delightful clean winter scent, it can be highly toxic to dogs, even leading to central nervous system damage in some cases.

Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, and  loss of coordination.

3. Wintergreen

Primarily known for its topical pain relief properties with humans, wintergreen is also used for its minty fragrance in seasonal scented candles. However, wintergreen essential oil can be toxic for our furry companions.

Common effects of being exposed to the oil include stomach upset, ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney and liver damage, and even seizures.

4. Clove

The smell of cloves immediately brings thoughts of Christmas and festivities, and placing cloves in oranges is a seasonal tradition. However, using clove essential oil to bring the quintessential festive fragrance into the home can pose serious threats to pets.

Exposing dogs to clove oil can lead to drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues.

5. Peppermint

Another classic seasonal scent is peppermint, immediately sparking memories of Christmas candy canes. However, for our furry friends, peppermint essential oil can pose serious dangers.

Common effects of exposure in dogs include mouth irritation, ulcers, vomiting, and even central nervous system damage and seizures.

Alternative essential oils that are considered dog-safe include:

1. Myrrh

2. Ginger

3. Lavender

4. Rosemary

5. Chamomile

6. Frankincense

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning to look out for include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Drooling

• Weakness

• Difficulty walking

• Vomiting

• Muscle tremors

• Irritation or burns around the mouth

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.