Week 6

Oils Never to Use Around Dogs

Below is a list of oils never to be used around dogs in any way unless you are working with a Certified Aromatherapist. This is not a completely exhaustive list of oils to avoid either. Going back to our first lesson in chemistry and chemical properties of oils becomes important here. There are oils to avoid with certain animals and humans who might be pregnant, epileptic, or prone to skin irritations or infections. For example, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) might be safe for some healthy animals but should be avoided in animals and humans who are epileptic or who have seizure disorders. Rosemary is a highly stimulating oil that contains camphor which can induce seizures in sensitive individuals or those with a seizure disorder. When in doubt and especially if working with an animal who has any medical disorder, always refer to a trained Certified Aromatherapist for information and which essential oils are safe. 

• Birch Sweet (Betula lenta)
• Bitter Almond (Prunus amygdalus var. amara)
• Boldo (Peumus boldus)
• Calamus (Acorus calamus)
• Camphor (Cinnamomun camphora)
• Cassia (Cinnamomum cassia)
• Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Mustard (Brassica nigra)
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• Parsley Leaf (Petroselinum crispum) and Parsley seed (Petroselinum sativum)
• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
• Rue (Ruta graveolens)
• Sage Dalmatian (Salvia officinalis)
• Sage Spanish (Salvia lavandulaefolia)
• Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)
• Savin (Juniperus sabina)
• Savory Winter (Satureja Montana) and Savory Summer (Satureja hortensis)
• Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
• Thyme White and Thyme Red 
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
• Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides)
• Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)