House pets such as cats and dogs have a heightened sense of smell and they cannot handle fragrances as well as humans do. This is why you will have to be extremely careful when you choose essential oils for your pets. Having said that, the right essential oil can calm your pet, increase its appetite, make it sleep better, and also help to manage pain effectively. Here are some factors to consider before using essential oils for pets.

• Check the usage of the oil
  You might be surprised but there are different kinds of the same essential oil available in the market based on their usage. Cheaper oils are sometimes used for making candles and perfumes while the highest quality of oil can be consumed. One of the first factors to consider before using essential oils for pets is to stay away from cheaper variants as these most probably have additives that may not be safe for use.
• Know if the essential oil is safe for your pet
  There are detailed lists of essential oils that are safe and those that are harmful to pets available online. One of the crucial factors to consider before using essential oils for pets is whether they can be used safely on animals. Never try a new oil on your dog or cat without ensuring it is safe. If there is no information on the safety aspects of the oil for pets, you would do better by staying away from the oil.
• Look for purity stamps
  It is advisable that you use 100% pure essential oil for your pets. All the essential oil bottles come with stamps of purity and the additives used, if any. You can also look for certified seals from purity boards such as the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). This will help you get all the benefits of the oil.
• Always dilute essential oils before use
  If you are going to topically apply the oil on the skin of your pet, one of the major factors to consider before using essential oils for pets is how concentrated the oil is. It is always safe to dilute the oil with a carrier oil before you use it on the skin of your pet. Carrier oils are pet safe oils such as coconut or olive oil. It also makes sense to do a small patch test and then apply the oil after a day once you’re sure that your pet is not allergic to the essential oil.
• Look out for troublesome symptoms
  Once you have applied the oil on your pet, keep a close look on the pet’s condition for the next few days. Some of the harmful symptoms of fragrance toxicity are excess drooling, vomiting, high fever, and weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your vet.

Safety and caution are two important factors to consider before using essential oils for pets. If you have any doubt, talk to your vet.