What happens if a dog eats Tea Tree Oil Dogs?

If a dog eats Tea Tree Oil Dogs, they may experience: Muscle tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, hypothermia, liver damage, coma, death.

Not Safe

Not SafeVet ReviewedReviewed by Dr Alex Crow BVetMed MRCVShousehold

Not Safe for Dogs

Medium dog serving: never

Key warning: all tea tree oil products — topical and ingested

Can Dogs Have Tea Tree Oil? No — Toxic Even on Skin, Causes Neurological Collapse

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Tea tree oil is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts applied to the skin. It is absorbed through skin and causes severe neurological symptoms. Never use tea tree oil products on or around dogs.

Search another food

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Muscle tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, hypothermia, liver damage, coma, death.

If Your Dog Ate This

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately.

What to Avoid

all tea tree oil products — topical and ingested

Preparation & Serving

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 immediately. If on skin rinse thoroughly with dishwashing liquid and water. Do not induce vomiting.

Did you know?

Tea tree oil comes from Melaleuca alternifolia native to Australia where Aboriginal Australians used the crushed leaves as a traditional medicine for centuries. The oil was named tea tree in the 1770s by sailors who made a spice tea from the leaves.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog): never
Serving (medium dog): never
Serving (large dog): never
Calories (per 100g): 0
Safe frequency: Never

Source

Source: ASPCA

What You Need to Know

Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) causes toxicity in dogs through both ingestion and skin absorption. Products marketed for pet use with low concentrations (0.1-1%) have caused toxicity. Concentrated tea tree oil applied to a dog's skin in even small amounts — such as for flea treatment — causes rapid neurological collapse. This is a life-threatening emergency.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?

Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.

Take the safety assessment

If Your Dog Ate This — Act Now

Related guides & hubs

Browse the food databaseSearch foods and browse categories Browse all dog health guidesNutrition, safety, insurance, and more Emergency guide: what to do nextStep-by-step actions for the next 60 minutes Dangerous foods dogs cannot eatA complete toxic foods list Best online vet servicesTelehealth options when you need answers fast

Frequently asked questions

Is Tea Tree Oil Dogs safe for dogs?: No, Tea Tree Oil Dogs is not safe for dogs. Tea tree oil is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts applied to the skin. It is absorbed through skin and causes severe neurological symptoms. Never use tea tree oil products on or around dogs.
What happens if a dog eats Tea Tree Oil Dogs?: If a dog eats Tea Tree Oil Dogs, they may experience: Muscle tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, hypothermia, liver damage, coma, death.
How much Tea Tree Oil Dogs can a dog eat?: Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) causes toxicity in dogs through both ingestion and skin absorption. Products marketed for pet use with low concentrations (0.1-1%) have caused toxicity. Concentrated tea tree oil applied to a dog's skin in even small amounts — such as for flea treatment — causes rapid neurological collapse. This is a life-threatening emergency.

Stay in the loop

Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.