Tea tree oil is a common home remedy that can be used to treat everything from gum disease to acne in humans, but it’s not safe for dogs or other pets in any form.
Despite its proven toxicity, tea tree oil can be found in numerous pet products and is often purported as a natural flea repellant, a cure for skin allergies, and wound treatment. However, just a small amount of tea tree oil is enough to cause severe toxicity and death.
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a native Australian plant. It has been used for therapeutic purposes as an antiparasitic, antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent to treat medical ailments.
Essential oils, lotions, and creams may be sold with different concentrations of tea tree oil as remedies for different conditions, but tea tree oil should never be used on your pet in any form or concentration.
Tea Tree Oil Toxicity for Dogs
Tea tree oil is always toxic to dogs and other pets. Just seven drops of 100% tea tree oil can cause severe poisoning, and 10 to 20 milliliters of 100% tea tree oil can cause death in both dogs and cats1.
Though products containing less than 1% or 2% tea tree oil concentration are considered non-toxic when used as directed, it’s best not to take the chance. Individual reactions to tea tree oil can vary, and supplements are unregulated, so it’s impossible to know what the true concentration is.
Signs of Tea Tree Oil Toxicity
Tea tree oil can cause toxicity if it’s absorbed through the skin or ingested. Dogs that have been poisoned by tea tree oil may show:
- Weakness
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Low body temperature
- Lack of coordination
- Inability to walk
- Tremors
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Coma
- Death
The signs of tea tree oil toxicity often appear within 2 to 12 hours after exposure.
If you suspect tea tree oil exposure, contact your vet or a local emergency clinic. There’s no antidote for tea tree oil toxicity, but supportive care can prevent serious complications. Your dog may need a bath to remove any topical tea tree oil, intravenous (IV) catheterization and fluids, heat therapy, or activated charcoal to bind the toxin in the digestive system.
Safety Precautions With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is generally safe for people, but you may need to take extra precautions to prevent accidental poisoning in your dog. Here are some tips:
- Read product labels. Even vet products may contain some tea tree oil and should be avoided. There are plenty of safe and effective alternatives.
- Always contact your vet before giving your dog new supplements or medications.
- Avoid letting your dog lick your skin after you apply tea tree oil, especially in high concentrations.
- Store tea tree oil products and other toxins out of reach of your dogs, other pets, and children.
- Know the signs of toxicity and get veterinary help immediately if you suspect toxicity.
- If it’s after hours, contact the Pet Poison Helpline on your way to an emergency clinic. This information can help the vets at the clinic care for your dog quickly.
Conclusion
Tea tree oil is a common home remedy that’s safe for humans, but it’s highly toxic to dogs and other pets. Even a few drops of tea tree oil—on its own and in products—can be lethal when it’s ingested or comes in contact with the skin. If your dog is accidentally poisoned by tea tree oil, seek veterinary help immediately.
Featured Image Credit: ronstik, Shutterstock
