Treatment Of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning In Dogs
Treatment will depend on the severity of the toxicity in the clinical signs that your dog possesses. Treatment methods of tea tree oil poisoning may include:
Intravenous Fluids
IV fluids will be given to hydrate your dog so he may respond better to treatment. IV fluids given to the dog also encourage urination.
Medications
The veterinarian will choose which medications to give to your dog. Anti-vomiting medications may be given to prevent aspiration, medications may be given to protect the liver and stomach, and antibiotics may be given. Every dog is different, and every toxic dosage will vary, depending on the quantity of dilution in the amount ingested.
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What Are Its Uses
This oil is extracted from the leaves of the plant, and is used as a natural treatment for a number of disorders.
It is advertised to treat coughing when added to bath water. Some even say that it can treat everything from acne to toothaches to sore throats.
But what about for our dogs?
It is used by some owners in an attempt to treat fleas, yeast and fungal infections.
But although there is some evidence it helps with some pests, we cant be sure at this point that its safe. We will look at this in a little more detail later.
Spray The Oil Solution
Be sure to choose a spray bottle that is capable of producing both a fine mist and a high-pressured blast of liquid. Misting can help you cover large areas such as carpets. The pressurized spray function is ideal for live fleas or visible flea eggs.
Fleas tend to prefer covered, fabric-based homes. Be sure to spray all carpeting, rugs, and upholstery before moving on to other common flea habitats. Baseboards often harbor juvenile fleas and flea eggs. You may also find evidence of fleas near warm areas of your home.
Be sure to spray your tea tree oil solution onto countertops, beneath heat-generating appliances, and along entryways into the home. This will help to kill any lingering eggs and repel adult fleas from jumping into your newly-cleaned home.
Once youve sprayed all of your trouble areas, youll want to go ahead and break out the vacuum. While wet-dry vacuums can help remove any lingering moisture from the spray, standard upright models are just as effective at suctioning away fleas eggs, corpses, and excrement.
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Why Is Tea Tree Oil Bad For Dogs
Exposure may cause ataxia, salivation, lethargy, coma and tremor. Dermal exposure to tea tree oil may also result in dermatitis as the oil is irritant to skin. Even a few drops of pure tea tree oil applied dermally can cause clinical signs, and deaths have occurred in pets treated with pure tea tree oil.
Safe Essential Oils For Dogs
There are many other natural alternatives that are better for your dog. Tea tree oil is natural but natural doesnt always mean safe. Instead, look into other essential oils or natural remedies. For example, essential oils like lavender, thyme, or frankincense also have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Remember always dilute any essential oils before using them on your dog.
PRO TIP
Let your dog sniff the unopened essential oil bottle first. If he shows any signs of discomfort or turns away from the bottle, dont use it on him. Never force an essential oil on a dog if he resists.
Read labels and avoid anything with tea tree oil in it for your dog . If you use this oil for yourself, make sure its never saround your pet. Its just not worth the risks.
Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan 19:50-62.
Khan SA, McLean MK, Slater MR. Concentrated tea tree oil toxicosis in dogs and cats: 443 cases . J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2014 Jan 1 244:95-9.
Li WR, Li HL et al. The dynamics and mechanism of the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil against bacteria and fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016 Oct 100:8865-75.
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Dog Tea Tree Oil Toxicity
So, although safety is debatable is tea tree oil toxic to dogs? Tea tree oil IS toxic if ingested in moderate amounts.
If youve ever had a dog, you know that they have a tendency to lick their fur in order to groom themselves. This can lead to ingestion quite easily, especially when the difficulty of proper dilution is thrown in.
It is simply too hard to get the particular amount of tea tree oil necessary to be used safely and effectively.
This can be made even more difficult due to all the subtle variants between certain types of tea tree oil for dogs.
TTO is just too difficult and variable to be safely used on any animal by someone who has not been properly trained.
Recovery Of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning In Dogs
With rapid and proper treatment, your dog has a good chance of recovery. Once you take your dog home from the veterinarian or animal hospital, it will be important to keep an eye on your loved one for any behavioral changes or new symptoms. The veterinarian will give you instructions on how to continue caring for your dog, and how to administer any medications. Your veterinarian may want to see your dog again so he can continue to monitor his progress. If you have any questions or concerns once you are home with your dog, it is very important to contact your veterinarian. For prevention, keeping tea tree oil away from your dog is very important. Always consult your veterinarian if you choose to use any type of holistic treatments in the form of essential oils for any of your dogs ailments.
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How To Dilute Tea Tree Oil For Dogs
Tea tree oil is a natural, powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. When used properly, it can be a safe and effective way to treat skin conditions in dogs. However, tea tree oil must be diluted before use, as it can be irritating to the skin.
Heres how to dilute tea tree oil for dogs: add 3 drops of tea tree oil in 30 ml of carrier oil and perform a patch test to inspect if there is any skin irritation. Apply the mixture to the affected area on your dogs skin, using a cotton swab or clean cloth.
Do not apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to your dogs skin. Repeat this treatment 2-3 times per day until the condition improves. If you notice any irritation, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian.
Causes Of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning In Dogs
The cause of tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is due to the ingestion of tea tree oil. This usually occurs when the tea tree oil is applied to the dogs fur or skin and is licked by the dog. Tea tree oil should only be used in certain dilated quantities and only under the supervision of your veterinarian. Causes of sickness include:
- The rapid absorption of the chemicals into the skin, causing burns or rashes
- The rapid absorption of the chemicals if taken orally, causing burns or mouth ulcers
- The chemicals of the essential oils are metabolized through the liver
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How To Spray Tea Tree Oil On Pets
In order to use tea tree oil effectively for fleas, but safely for your dogs or cats, you need to dilute it first. This solution is simple to make in your home. Follow the steps above to make the solution and soon youll be able to treat your dogs and cats, and have flea-free pets.
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Is Tea Tree Oil Safe As A Topical Flea Treatment
Home remedies for fleas are generally inadvisable for both safety and efficacy reasons. Commercially available flea treatments from your veterinarian are safety tested under strict conditions. In addition, they are proven to be effective at preventing and killing fleas. Essential oils and extracts like tea tree, eucalyptus, and citronella do not require testing for safety or efficacy, nor are the contents of the bottle regulated. That means you may not get what you are paying for, and have no guarantee that it will work.
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Tea Tree Oil For Dogs
Tea tree oil has been shown to be effective against some insects. However, no test has been done regarding its effective use against fleas or ticks.
Despite this, tea tree oil has grown in popularity over the years as a treatment. But just because something is popular does not necessarily mean it is safe.
It is extremely important to only use tea tree oil under the supervision of a veterinarian.
If your vet decides that tea tree oil is a good choice for your pooch, they can give you specific instructions on its use.
Many animals require a different formulation of tea tree oil to be used safely. Your vet can also give you clear direction on which tea tree oil to buy and the exact dilution needed.
Lavender Or Cedar Oil Flea Collar
A home-made flea collar is an ingenious way of keeping your dogs flea protection constant without having to spray or rub them with the mixture. Either purchase or make a simple collar or bandanna, then dilute a few drops of lavender oil or cedar oil in water and apply it directly to the collar or bandanna.
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Why Are There Tree Oil Products For Dogs
So tea tree oil is dangerous and potentially deadly. Then why is it in so many dog products even natural products? Theres tea tree oil shampoo, spray, spritz, skin cream. You can find washes, wipes, topical flea treatments, and other dog skin products.
Mostly, its because tea tree oil works, and works well. It may be in the products in very small, diluted amounts so manufacturers believe its safe. Its thought a concentration of tea tree oil of 0.1-1% or even 2% is safe. But do you really want to risk it?
You might decide its okay to try it on your dogs skin. But remember in the ASPCA review, tea tree oil was toxic even with topical application on the skin. And your dog could easily lick it he might want to get rid of the strong smell. So even using tea tree oil for paws or skin conditions can be just as risky as taking it orally
PRO TIP
If you must use it, never use undiluted tea tree oil. Buy a diluted tea tree oil product or dilute it yourself with a carrier oil like almond oil, jojoba oil or pure aloe vera. And dont use it anywhere your dog can reach it to lick.
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Diagnosis Of Tea Tree Oil Poisoning In Dogs
As with any essential oil ingestion by dogs, is important to receive rapid treatment. The quicker you can get your dog to the veterinarian will prevent your loved one from developing severe toxic effects. Your veterinarian will ask questions pertaining to how much tea tree oil your dog consumed and he will also want to know how much time has passed since he ingested this essential oil. The veterinarian will begin to treat your dog immediately based on his symptoms.
Blood work will be performed in order to take a closer look at the liver and kidneys and to see if they are functioning properly. A biochemistry profile will also alert the veterinarian to organ function. Based on his clinical signs and on your history of usage of tea tree oil on your dogs skin, a diagnosis will be made and treatment will begin.
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Does Tea Tree Oil Kill Fleas In Pets Without Any Side Effects
When it comes to holistic remedies, tea tree oil is an all-star. It is known for its powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties. From acne to cuts, tea tree oil can treat a variety of pesky skin conditions.1
Tea tree oil can also kill hair lice. But does tea tree oil kill fleas? Can it help your cat or dog? In short, yes. Tea tree oil has a flea-repelling chemical called d-limonene. But using tea tree oil incorrectly or in excess can be extremely toxic for an animal, especially cats. If youre not careful, your pets life will be in danger. Heres what you need to know.
Use Of Tea Tree Oil In Companion Animals
There is very limited information on the use of tea tree in the management of diseases in companion animals. Small studies have evaluated the effect of tea tree oil in various skin conditions in dogs.
In a study on the antifungal effect of tea tree oil on the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from dogs with cutaneous skin disease, all the strains tested showed high susceptibility to tea tree oil .
In an open, multicentre study in 53 dogs with chronic dermatitis and pruritus a 10% tea tree oil cream was applied twice daily for 4 weeks. Assessment by investigating veterinarians showed a good or very good response to treatment for 82% of the dogs, moderate in 7.8% and unsatisfactory in 9.8%. At the end of the study a strong and significant reduction in signs and resolution of major signs were observed. Four dogs were withdrawn from the study for poor efficacy, non-compliance, concurrent disease or persistent licking of the application site. There were adverse events in nine dogs, three of which were withdrawn. Only two of the adverse events were assessed as possibly related to tea tree oil. One had local irritation and hyperaemia and the other had mild reversible hyperaemia, erythema and pruritus at the site of application .
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What Is Tea Tree Oil Poisoning
Tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. The leaves of the tree, which is readily found in Australia and other subtropical climates, produces the oil that is used quite readily in various infections in skin disorders. People use tea tree oil to treat nail fungus, athletes foot, allergic reactions on the skin, stings, bites and other conditions. It is a topical solution it should never be taken orally. Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs may occur when dogs consume this potentially toxic oil.
Tea tree oil is also used to help with parasites. Many dog owners have used tea tree oil on their dogs skin to prevent the infestation of fleas and ticks. There are some sources that say tea tree oil, when diluted properly, is safe to use however, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian when wanting to use any type of holistic approach, such as any essential oil, to keep your dog free of parasites or for other maladies. Even in certain shampoos and your cleansers for dogs, very small amounts of tea tree oil may be an ingredient. If tea tree oil in diluted form in these products is used on your dog it is important to be sure your dog does not lick his fur immediately after use.
Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is a result of a dog orally ingesting tea tree oil in copious amounts or in concentrated form. Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs, while treatable, can be mild to severe and can cause harsh symptoms, including organ damage.
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How Do You Keep Fleas Off Me While I Sleep
Covering yourself with a light blanket or sheet while you sleep will help to keep fleas off of you. In addition, spraying your bedding and clothing with a flea repellent will deter them from biting you. Finally, regularly vacuuming and laundering your bedding and clothes will help to keep fleas away.
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What Exactly Is Tea Tree Oil
The oil of the tea tree is obtained from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is found in Australia and other subtropical regions. It is distinguished by a camphoraceous odor and a color that ranges from pale yellow to clear.
The aboriginal people of Australia would break leaves to release oils that could be inhaled by someone with a cold, used as an insect repellent or rubbed on a minor wound or skin irritation.
Many people use it as a natural remedy for such skin conditions like stings and bites from insects, acne, boils, athlete’s foot, scabies, dandruff, lice infestation, cuts or burns and for fungal and microbial infections.
Tea tree oil can also be used to effectively treat comparable maladies in pets. However, recent reports show that it can be extremely harmful to dogs and cats if used at one hundred percent strength.
Studies show that if allowed a full-strength tea tree oil treatment, symptoms in dogs and cats can range anywhere from simple depression and weakness to vomiting and collapse.