Essentials oils have been common elements used in home remedies for centuries. They can be best described as concentrated oils extracted from plants. This concentration can be so high that 1 drop of oil can contain 100 times the active ingredients found in a tea made from the same plant. Essential oils can be used in many different ways — they may be applied topically on the skin, heated so as to inhale the vapors, or even ingested. There are a number of pros and cons to using them. There are important factors to consider before using essential oils for pets. Listed below are some pros and cons to keep in mind before using these oils on or around pets.

• Pro: Essential oils can help treat chronic conditions
  One of the factors to consider before using essential oils for pets is the health benefits the oil can offer. Essential oils have antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps pets fight against chronic illnesses. For example, the antioxidant properties of sandalwood, juniper, and thyme can keep free radicals that cause diseases such as Parkinson’s, cancer, and heart disease away. The anti-microbial properties of peppermint and eucalyptus oils kill yeast and bacteria. Similarly, when rosemary or eucalyptus oil is absorbed by the body, it reduces pain and inflammation and thus can help relieve arthritic joint pain.
• Pro: Essential oils can improve breathing
  When used in a diffuser, essential oils spread across the room and are also inhaled by pets. Some of these oils such as peppermint oil can have beneficial effects on respiratory health. This is because they can clear the sinus tracts and travel to the limbic system wherein they can eliminate toxins that may be blocking the nasal passages.
• Con: Not all pets can metabolize the oils
  The kind of pet you have at home is one of the factors to consider before using essential oils for pets. Cats have very low levels of liver enzymes and thus cannot metabolize some of the compounds present in the oils. This means that if accidentally ingested, it may cause complications.
• Con: They may cause skin irritation
  The level of concentration in the oil is one of the other noteworthy factors to consider before using essential oils for pets. While they can be applied topically on human skin, doing the same for pets may cause complications. Pets can have a negative reaction to essential oils on their skin. It can cause rashes, redness, and irritation or even burn them. There is also the worry that pets may lick the oil and accidentally ingest it while grooming themselves.

Apart from the above factors to consider before using essential oils for pets, it is also important to note that pets have a more acute sense of smell than humans. Thus, if you are using essential oils in diffusers or in any other form at home, keep the windows open so that the room stays ventilated and your pets are comfortable.