BEWARE ESSENTIAL OILS – tea tree oil
Essential oils can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs and cats so pet owners need to be aware of harmful products and know what the signs are to spot if their pet has come in to contact with the product.
Level of toxicity- Generally moderate to severe, life-threatening.
Common signs to watch out for – Symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning can vary from animal to animal and are dependent on the quantity ingested: Muscle weakness; Loss of coordination; Vomiting; Drop in body temperature; Drooling; Collapse; Depression; Skin rashes;Seizures (in severe cases); Pneumonia (from inhalation).
Treatment – Treatment will depend on the severity of the toxicity. If your dog or cat has been exposed to tea tree oil, call your vet or Pet Poison helpline immediately for advice. You should hydrate your pet so that he/she may respond better to treatment. With quick and proper treatment, your pet should have a good chance of recovery.
Delphic HSE produced this advice after seeing a facebook post about an affected dog.