Is Jasmine Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have lots of health benefits for both pets and pet parents.

They are known to help dogs sleep better, prevent and cure seizures, alleviate anxiety, and have lots of other health benefits.

However, not all essential oils are good for dogs. Some are actually poisonous and should not be used on dogs or other pets. Learn more here: Which Essential Oils are Toxic to Dogs?

What about Jasmine Essential Oil? Is it Safe for your Dog?

Well, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals classifies jasmine (jasminium species) as nontoxic for dogs, horses, and cats.

It is, therefore, safe to use jasmine essential oil for dogs.

However, it is worth noting that there are lots of plants that are loosely referred to as jasmine but they are not in the Jasmine genus. These include Carolina Jasmine or Fake Jasmine.

These plants shouldn’t be confused for Jasmine and any product from them should be avoided because your dog might react to them.  

The Jasmine genus has several species which include day jasmine, night jasmine, orange jasmine, Madagascar jasmine, Allspice, Jasmine tobacco, kate jasmine, confederate jasmine, and star jasmine.

Learn more here: Is Jasmine Poisonous to Dogs?

Jasmine essential oil can be used in two different ways – topical application and aromatherapy.

Dogs have millions of olfactory cells which are linked directly to their brain. These cells are used to send signals to the brain where they are processed and the result is a response in the central nervous system.

To put it simply, your dog will have both mental and physical responses to certain smells.

In the case of Jasmine essential oil, it will have a calming effect on the dog.

Jasmine is therefore perfect for dealing with anxiety as well as alleviating or preventing seizures. Learn more here: 13 Essential Oils for Dog Seizures

In addition to aromatherapy, the Jasmine essential oil can also be applied to the coat of the dog.

The skin of the dog will absorb the oil directly into the body.

When using the essential oil topically, it’s important to remember that a dog’s skin is more sensitive than human skin and will therefore absorb the essential oil a lot faster.

For this reason, you may want to use very little oil or better still, dilute it with a carrier oil.

Carrier oils that are good for diluting essential oils include coconut, apricot kernel, sunflower, Aloe Vera, and jojoba.

What If My Dog Eats Jasmine Essential Oil?

Jasmine oil, or any other essential oil, should not be administered orally.

There are a few exceptions of essential oils that can be administered orally but that should only be done under the direction of a vet who is knowledgeable in holistic medicine.

Administering jasmine essential oil orally to your dog could cause serious health issues, including difficulty in breathing and swallowing, vision impairment, paralysis, muscle weakness, hypothermia, and a decrease in the respiratory rate. Any two combinations of these symptoms could prove fatal.

Because of the serious health implications, you should rush your doggie to the vet as soon as you realize they have eaten jasmine.

The vet may induce vomiting. Vets could also use activated charcoal, gastric lavage, or any other method they deem fit to remove the poisonous substance from the system of your dog.

As long as you take the dog for a checkup immediately, she will recover and be just fine.

Are Dogs Allergic To Jasmine Essential Oil?

Even though jasmine is nontoxic for dogs, some dogs might be allergic to the plant as well as its essential oil.

Dogs that have jasmine allergy will mostly be affected by the pollen from the jasmine flowers which means the allergy will be more severe in the warmer months.

In addition to pollen, there are also instances of contact allergy. This is where the dogs have an allergic reaction by coming in contact with the jasmine plant—or when the essential oil is applied to their coat.

There are four possible explanations for why some dogs are allergic to jasmine”

• The immune system of the dog could be attacking the allergen.

• The allergic reaction could be a result of a hypersensitive immune system.

• A reaction in the dog’s sinus area.

• The irritation may just be on the skin of the dog.

The symptoms of jasmine allergy in dogs are similar to the symptoms of any other pollen-related allergy. These include bumpy and red skin, watery eyes, irritated and itchy skin, itchy eyes, a runny nose, wheezing, sneezing, and excessive licking and scratching.

If your dog starts exhibiting the above symptoms, or if you have reason to believe that they are having an allergic reaction, take them to the vet for a checkup as soon as possible.  

Do not attempt to administer medications like antihistamines unless under the express permission of the vet.

If you can’t see a vet right away for one reason or another, just bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. This will help alleviate the symptoms of the allergy to buy you some time as you schedule a vet visit.

Takeaway

As long as it is administered the right way, Jasmine essential oil can be beneficial for your dog.

The trick is to ensure your dog doesn’t consume it as that could result in serious health complications. Just use aromatherapy or apply it on his skin.

Also, you may want to introduce it gradually just to ensure your dog is not allergic to it.

If you see any symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using jasmine oil immediately and schedule a vet visit just to be sure your furry friend is in good shape.