What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil,is an essential oil that comes from the Australian tea tree plant (Melaleucaalternifolia). It’s used in varying concentrations for itsantibacterial and antifungal properties and for its possible anti-inflammatory,anti-itch, and antiparasitic effects in people.

Tea tree oil can be found in humanproducts, such as shampoo, creams, lotion, insect and parasite repellents andpreventions, conditioner, and many other products made to help our skin, hair,and nails. Tea tree oil should only be used topically on the skin or as an oil—nevertaken orally due to potential toxicity in all species, including humans.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe for Dogs?

Puretea tree oil is not safe for dogs. In fact, as littleas seven drops of 100% tea tree oil has caused poisoning in dogs.Amounts as little as 10–20 milliliters have caused death in dogs and cats,according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

However, some veterinary products docontain tea tree oil in small (and safe!) amounts, such asshampoo/conditioners, ear wash, grooming wipes, and spot-on oils. Productscontaining tea tree oil concentrations less than 1–2% are generally considerednon-toxic for dogs—if the product is used exactly as the label instructs.

Pet parents must ensure there’s a safeamount of tea tree oil in any product used for dogs. They must also monitortheir dog after using the product, so their pup doesn’t lick the product offtheir skin.

Never use tea tree oil, or any essentialoil, for fleas. Instead, use veterinary-recommended flea and tickpreventatives.

Do not put pure tea tree oil, or anyessential oil, directly on your dog’s skin. Additionally, dogs should never bein the same room as an essential oil diffuser, because inhaling these oils isequally unsafe for them.

Symptoms of Tea Tree Oil Toxicity in Dogs

One study on 336 dogs and 106 catsexposed to varying amounts of 100% tea tree oil found that all pets displayedneurologic symptoms to varying degrees. Symptoms began within two hours ofexposure and lasted up to three days.

Symptoms of tea tree oil toxicity in dogsare:

·       Weakness

·       Drooling

·       Skin irritation or chemical burns

·       Ataxia (wobbly and unsteady gait)

·       Paresis (inability to walk)

·       Tremors

·       Hypothermia (low body temperature)

·       Collapse

·       Mouth ulcers

·       Pneumonia (from inhalation)

·       Seizures

·       Increased liver enzymes

·       Death

Ifyour dog is exposed to any amount of tea tree oil, speak to your veterinarian,take your dog to the clinic, or consult the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)as soon as possible.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Tea Tree OilToxicity in Dogs

Tea tree oil toxicity in dogs is mainlydiagnosed when the pet parent is aware that their pet was exposed to theessential oil. Essential oil toxicity is best treated as soon as possible, sotaking your dog to the vet immediately is key to diagnosis, treatment, andrecovery. Your veterinarian will ask questions about any possible or suspectedexposure methods, such as on the skin, by mouth, or through inhalation.

Tea tree oil is metabolized by the liver.Your veterinarian can assess your dog’s liver with blood work and an abdominalultrasound, if necessary. If it’s available, bring the tea tree oil packagingwith you to the vet’s office so they can see the concentration and the otheringredients.

Antibiotics and oxygen therapy can be usedto help dogs with inhalation pneumonia.

If your dog has ingested tea tree oilorally, inducing vomiting is not recommended if they’re showing neurologicalsigns of toxicity—this can cause aspiration pneumonia. Instead, your vetwill use activated charcoal to help prevent further absorption.

Thereis no scientific evidence that supports using tea tree oil on dogs. If yoususpect your dog has gotten into tea tree oil or that it’s been applied to yourdog’s skin, call your veterinarian right away for guidance.

Tea Tree Oil andDogs FAQs

Will tea tree oil kill fleas?

Tea tree oil will not effectively killfleas on your dog. Traditional flea preventions are strictly regulated fortheir safety, whereas essential oils are not. It is never advised to use teatree oil to prevent or kill fleas on dogs, as it could cause them a significanttoxicity.

Can I wash tea tree oil off my dog?

Yes, using degreasing dishwashingdetergents (such as Dawn® soap) with warm water can remove tea tree oil fromyour dog’s skin. Make sure you lather and rinse your dog well to get all theresidue off, and always contact your veterinarian before bathing.

Can you clean a dog’s ears with tea treeoil?

Full-strength, pure 100% tea tree oilshould never be applied to a dog’s ears or skin. Ear cleaning solutions withtea tree oil in them should never be used unless under the direction of yourveterinarian. Always make sure you’re cleaning your dog’s ears with aveterinary-approved product.

Treating Tea Tree Oil Toxicity in Dogs

Tea tree oil and dogs do not mix, andtreatment should begin as soon as possible if your pet was exposed.

If your dog had topical tea tree oilexposure, bathing them in a dishwashing liquid is advised. This removes anytoxins that are still being absorbed through the skin. Always contactyour veterinarian or Pet Poison Hotline before washing tea tree oil off yourdog. They may recommend that your dog seek emergencyveterinary attention before bathing if they’re already displaying signs of teatree oil toxicity.

Your veterinarian will then treat thesymptoms your dog is displaying. Hypothermia is treated by providing heatsources, such as heating pads. Intravenous fluids will be given as supportivecare and to flush toxins out of the body and the internal organs, including theliver and kidneys.

Medications can be given to help withtremors or seizures. Liver protectant medications such as SAMe and milkthistle can be started once the dog is stable enough to take oralmedications. Your veterinarian may reommend Denamarin® to give yourdog at home.