Tea Tree Oil Poisoning in Dogs

Tea tree oil is derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. The leaves of the tree, which is readily found in Australia and other subtropical climates, produces the oil that is used quite readily in various infections in skin disorders. People use tea tree oil to treat nail fungus, athlete’s foot, allergic reactions on the skin, stings, bites and other conditions. It is a topical solution; it should never be taken orally. Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs may occur when dogs consume this potentially toxic oil.

Tea tree oil is also used to help with parasites. Many dog owners have used tea tree oil on their dog’s skin to prevent the infestation of fleas and ticks. There are some sources that say tea tree oil, when diluted properly, is safe to use; however, it is important to always consult with your veterinarian when wanting to use any type of holistic approach, such as any essential oil, to keep your dog free of parasites or for other maladies. Even in certain shampoos and your cleansers for dogs, very small amounts of tea tree oil may be an ingredient. If tea tree oil in diluted form in these products is used on your dog it is important to be sure your dog does not lick his fur immediately after use.

Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is a result of a dog orally ingesting tea tree oil in copious amounts or in concentrated form. Tea tree oil poisoning in dogs, while treatable, can be mild to severe and can cause harsh symptoms, including organ damage.

Depending on how much tea tree oil is ingested, it can have detrimental effects on a dog. Symptoms of tea tree oil poisoning are:

• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting
• Drop in body temperature
• Drooling
• Collapse
• Depression
• Skin rashes
• Seizures (in severe cases)
• Pneumonia (from inhalation)

Types

Tea tree oil can come in different mixtures and forms, and can also be an ingredient in various veterinary formulations used for a variety of ailments. It is considered an antimicrobial substance and is used as shampoos or topical ointments. Tea tree oil can be also referred as these common ingredients or product brands:

• Cineole
• Ascaridole
• Australian tea tree oil
• Bogaskin
• Burnaid
• Melaleuca alternifolia Hydrogel
• Oil of mela-leuca
• Tebodont
• Teebaum
• Ti tree
• Polytoxinol

The cause of tea tree oil poisoning in dogs is due to the ingestion of tea tree oil. This usually occurs when the tea tree oil is applied to the dog’s fur or skin and is licked by the dog. Tea tree oil should only be used in certain dilated quantities and only under the supervision of your veterinarian. Causes of sickness include: 

• The rapid absorption of the chemicals into the skin, causing burns or rashes
• The rapid absorption of the chemicals if taken orally, causing burns or mouth ulcers
• The chemicals of the essential oils are metabolized through the liver

As with any essential oil ingestion by dogs, is important to receive rapid treatment. The quicker you can get your dog to the veterinarian will prevent your loved one from developing severe toxic effects. Your veterinarian will ask questions pertaining to how much tea tree oil your dog consumed and he will also want to know how much time has passed since he ingested this essential oil. The veterinarian will begin to treat your dog immediately based on his symptoms.

Blood work will be performed in order to take a closer look at the liver and kidneys and to see if they are functioning properly. A biochemistry profile will also alert the veterinarian to organ function. Based on his clinical signs and on your history of usage of tea tree oil on your dog’s skin, a diagnosis will be made and treatment will begin.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the toxicity in the clinical signs that your dog possesses. Treatment methods of tea tree oil poisoning may include:

Intravenous Fluids

IV fluids will be given to hydrate your dog so he may respond better to treatment. IV fluids given to the dog also encourage urination.

Medications

The veterinarian will choose which medications to give to your dog. Anti-vomiting medications may be given to prevent aspiration, medications may be given to protect the liver and stomach, and antibiotics may be given. Every dog is different, and every toxic dosage will vary, depending on the quantity of dilution in the amount ingested.

With rapid and proper treatment, your dog has a good chance of recovery. Once you take your dog home from the veterinarian or animal hospital, it will be important to keep an eye on your loved one for any behavioral changes or new symptoms. The veterinarian will give you instructions on how to continue caring for your dog, and how to administer any medications. Your veterinarian may want to see your dog again so he can continue to monitor his progress. If you have any questions or concerns once you are home with your dog, it is very important to contact your veterinarian. For prevention, keeping tea tree oil (and all essential oils) away from your dog is very important. Always consult your veterinarian if you choose to use any type of holistic treatments in the form of essential oils for any of your dog’s ailments.