Dogs and tea tree oil?

[Tina B and crew]

I posted about this at the cat help board regarding cats...but someone from another list emailed me and asked if tea tree can be toxic to dogs? I seem to remember reading somewhere that it can be but can't find it now? Is it safe to use products with tea tree on dogs?

[Traci]

Personally I wouldn't chance it, Tina.....all oils/essential oils have the potential of being an extreme irritant, if it can do that to humans, imagine what it can do to a dog. I would also assume if ingested enough, it would be toxic to a degree for dogs, especially small breeds. I'm sure some dog owners will tell you it's completely harmless, but again, why would anyone want to use it (for what purpose, could probably get the same effect from a safer product)

[momPaws]

Traci- that's pretty bad considering there is an ear cleaner for dogs with tea tree oil in it...how can you tell an essential oil from a regular oil?

[BoxerTom]

An essential oil is the components of herbs and spices that generally constitutes the flavor/odor, such as peppermint oil from mint leaves, oregano oil from oregano, etc. Most contain compounds that are irritating and/or toxic in large quantities (and some in very low doses, which is why caution is always noted). Edible oils are triglycerides typically from sources such as nuts and grains.

[momPaws]

Interesting- so products that tout "essential oils" as attractive ingredients may actually be something to pass by.

[kelly]

over here in ireland we have loads of animal stuff with tea tree oil for example shampoo ear drops food drops tablets etc!!