Can Tea Tree Oil Be Used For Nervous Dogs?

by David Hickmott
(United Kingdom)

Hi,

I seem to recall that Tea Tree oil can be used diluted for nervous dogs when fireworks are let off.

I have an 11 year old cross Jack Russel weighing about 10kg.

Would be really pleased with any information you can supply.

Many thanks

- David, United Kingdom -

Editors Reply:

David,

Thanks for the question, I love to hear from Pet Guardians like yourself that are wanting to help calm an agitated pet.

Tea Tree Oil may seem to calm a small dog, but in reality may be doing more harm than good. You see, small dogs and cats have a central nervous system that may be incapable of completely processing tea tree oil in their systems.

The side effects of a tea tree oil overdose in dogs or cats can include stupor, lethargy, convulsions, nausea, and even death. If any of these symptoms appear, get your pet to the vet and ask about charcoal and sorbitol as a possible remedy. The doctor may have other ideas as well.

The danger with using tea tree oil as a remedy for nervous dogs or cats is that the lethargy induced by tea tree oil might be confused with the calming response you desired to produce. If it were my animal, I'd find another solution.

You might check online for a pet supplier that carries natural anxiety relieving products that are specifically designed for dogs like yours. I did a quick search for "calming herbs for dogs" and came up with several web sites that promoted products made especially to calm a nervous pet.

Beyond that, without trying to be redundant, the obvious preventative measures should apply as well. Keep your pet close by when you know there may be fireworks or loud noises occurring. Let them into the house if that's where they can be kept calm. Provide them with their favorite treats as a way to distract them.

Good luck, and thanks for the question! If anyone else would like to add to the conversation, please add your two bits with a comment from below.