If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, has increased in popularity with the heightened use of “natural remedies.” This ingredient can be found in gels, body lotions, shampoos, conditioners, balms, toothpaste, insect repellants, and other household products.
In veterinary practice, tea tree oil has been marketed for use on dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses to treat external parasites. Though appropriate dilutions of tea tree oil can be used, it is extremely important to talk with your veterinarian prior to use. Due to intoxication, 100% tea tree oil should never be used on an animal.
Birds are also indicated for this toxicity.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: extremely low body temperature, weakness, decreased heart rate, difficulty walking, tremors, and skin irritation. Clinical signs may be seen within 1-2 hours of application but may take up to 8 hours to appear.
Toxic consumption:
The minimum toxicity threshold is unknown. All incidences of exposure should be reported immediately. Dose ranges of 1.9-5 g/kg (0.8 – 2.2 g/lb) or 1.9-2.6 mL/kg (0.8 – 1.1 mL/lb) may be fatal.
Intoxication is most often seen when 100% tea tree oil is used. As little as 7-8 drops (10-20 mL) applied to the skin may be fatal to both cats and dogs. Products with low concentrations (e.g. shampoos, body washes) are generally not considered toxic.
| X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua |
Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle |
Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier |
Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel |
X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd |
XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard |
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
26 – 40 lbs. (11.8 – 18.2 kg) |
41 – 70 lbs. (18.6 – 31.8 kg) |
71 – 90 lbs. (32.3 – 40.9 kg) |
91 – 110 lbs. (41.4 – 50 kg) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| > 0.8 g or mL | > 9.4 g or mL | > 22 g or mL | > 35 g or mL | > 61 g or mL | > 78.5 g or mL |
| Most Cats | Large Cats |
| 1 – 10 lbs. (0.45 – 4.6 kg) |
11 – 25 lbs. (5 – 11.4 kg) |
 |
 |
| > 0.8 g or mL | > 9.4 g or mL |
References:
– Carson CF, Riley TV. Toxicity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia or tea tree oil. Clin Toxicol 1995; 33:193-194.
– Osweiler, G, et al. (2011). Blackwell’s five-minute veterinary consult clinical companion. Small Animal Toxicology. [Kindle version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com
Pet Poison Control is provided free as a public service by the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. Today we’re asking you to support us with a small donation. If you would like to dedicate your gift in honor or memory of a pet or individual, you will have that option before checkout. Your gift of any amount helps us maintain this resource and make it available to the pharmacy and veterinary communities. Thank you!
