Oils around pets and children

Storage

Keep bottles closed, upright and out of reach of children and pets, ideally in a high cupboard.

Babies and children

Don’t use essential oils on babies under 3 months. For older children, diffuse for short periods in a ventilated room and use lower dilutions on skin. Peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus are often avoided around children under 6.

Cats

Cats can’t process some essential oils well. Avoid diffusing in a room a cat can’t leave, and never apply oils to a cat or its bedding.

Dogs and other pets

Keep sessions short, leave a door open so pets can move away, and watch for signs they’re unsettled, such as drooling, pawing at the face or restlessness. Birds and small animals are especially sensitive.

If something’s swallowed

Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours, Australia-wide) or your vet.