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Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Wintergreen)

Pet toxin reference — educational information only.
Pet toxins

What to know

Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Wintergreen) — toxicity in dogs and cats

EmergencyApplies to: dogs and cats.

Overview

Concentrated essential oils can be toxic by ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation, with cats especially sensitive due to limited liver metabolism pathways. Tea tree, wintergreen, pennyroyal, and other oils can cause neurologic depression, tremors, and liver injury. Diffusers, topical products, and spilled concentrates are common exposure sources. Risk is significantly higher with undiluted oils.

Symptoms

Drooling, wobbliness, tremors, weakness

Typical onset

30 minutes - 12 hours

What to do

Emergency evaluation recommended.

This page is educational and does not replace veterinary advice. If your pet may have been exposed, call UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

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Concentrated essential oils can be toxic by ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation, with cats especially sensitive due to limited liver metabolism pathways. Tea tree, wintergreen, pennyroyal, and other oils can cause neurologic depression, tremors, and liver injury. Diffusers, topical products, and spilled concentrates are common exposure sources. Risk is significantly higher with undiluted oils.

Symptoms
Drooling, wobbliness, tremors, weakness
Onset
30 minutes - 12 hours
What to do now
Emergency evaluation recommended.
Call UVEC now: (801) 218-2227
This tool is informational only and does not replace veterinary advice. If ingestion may have happened, contact UVEC at (801) 218-2227 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.