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PrintPure Australian tea tree oil is most commonly purchased for household use in small (50 ml) brown ribbed glass bottles with a child-proof safety cap that is clearly marked ‘poison – keep out of reach of children’. Always follow the directions on the label and store the oil in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dark area that is out of reach of children and animals.
Because pets also suffer many of the same diseases as humans, tea tree oil can also be used as treatment for arthritis, fleas, bad breath, gum disease, abscesses, dermatitis, lice, parasites, ringworm, rashes and sprains. When using tea tree oil for animals, it should always be diluted, as full strength can cause such reactions as muscle tremors and poor coordination. The oil should be kept away from the eyes.
Dogs
For treatment of mange, a hard-to-eliminate skin disorder causing hair loss and itching, washing your dog using a mild soap and water, then after clipping or shaving the coat apply a diluted mixture of tea tree oil in a neutral carrier oil such as almond oil or canola (rapeseed) and apply this to any affected areas twice a day. For overall application in severe cases, mix 1 teaspoon tea tree oil with 1/3 cup of water and spray or apply the mixture onto affected areas.
For treatment of fleas there are a number of commercially available shampoos that contain tea tree oil; follow the directions on the bottle. You can also help deter fleas by adding a few drops of the pure oil to the dogs bedding.
Cats
Tea tree oil is poisonous to cats and use in felines is strongly contraindicated. There are other essential oils that are just as dangerous to cats such as peppermint and pennyroyal. The main problem is that because of their small size and body weight, combined with a liver that does not easily process essential oils like tea tree oil, cats can have a severe toxic reaction to amounts that many other animals wouldn’t even notice. Cats groom themselves frequently by licking their coat which means they will ingest any oil that is left on the coat which may quickly exceed their tolerance. If your cat is going to have a reaction to tea tree oil, you will usually see it within 2 to 8 hours following application.
Symptoms include:
- loss of muscular coordination
- lethargy
- weakness
- shaking and tremors
- a change in behavior
If you notice any of these consult a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible.