PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Dog ate essential oils (including tea tree oil)? What to do
Concentrated essential oils like tea tree oil can poison dogs through the skin or mouth, causing drooling, wobbliness, tremors and liver damage.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- If oil is on the skin or fur, wash it off with liquid dish soap.
- Seal the bottle in a bag and bring it to the vet.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit or give activated charcoal unless a vet tells you to.
- Never put concentrated essential oils directly on your dog.
Signs to watch for
- Oil smell on the coat, skin or breath
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Wobbly walking or weakness
- Low energy
- Muscle tremors
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Trouble breathing
When signs appear: Minutes to hours
Why
Essential oils are absorbed quickly through the gut, skin and lungs. Some, like pennyroyal and tea tree, can harm the liver, and others can cause seizures. Strength varies by product.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals
- Pet Poison Helpline: Tea Tree Oil
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.