Q. I am a veterinarian and want to let people know that tea tree oil is very toxic to pets. It is rapidly absorbed through the skin and GI tract and can cause tremors, a drop in body temperature, sedation and, rarely, liver toxicity.
A dog could lick it or a well-meaning owner could try using it for an ear infection. Don’t do it! If accidental ingestion or skin absorption occurs, please take your pet to the vet. He will probably need hospitalization if he received a large dose.
While we’re on the subject, stay away from Ben Gay, Noxzema, HEET, Clearasil and oil of wintergreen on your pets. Anything with salicylates could be toxic.
A. Thanks for the warning. It is helpful to remember that what might work for people may be dangerous for pets. Tea tree oil has antifungal activity, which is why people have used it for their nail fungus and might try it for dog ear infections. As you point out, this is a bad idea.
Oil of wintergreen is methyl salicylate, found in many arthritis rubs and in Listerine. It is always wise to check with the veterinarian before giving a pet medicine, eve if it seems like a harmless home remedy. Gin-soaked raisins, for example, can be quite toxic for dogs.
