Essential oil diffusers and Himalayan salt lamps are among the hottest gifting trends of 2019. However, both of these items can be problematic for pet parents.
Dr. Allison Fields of VCA Murphy Road Animal Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee says she has treated several dogs and cats for essential oil toxicity.
“Even though we think they’re not eating it, unless it spills, just diffusing into the air can be a respiratory irritant,” Dr. Fields says.
When it comes to Himalayan salt lamps, ingestion can lead to life-threatening sodium poisoning. Symptoms range from vomiting and diarrhea to disorientation and seizures.
“Salt lamps can be dangerous to cats because if they lick them excessively (they may like the taste of the salt), they can actually get sodium toxicity and get very sick,” veterinarian, Gary Richter explains. “In severe cases, this can be fatal.”
Learn more about the dangers of essential oil diffusers, Himalayan salt lamps, and other household items pet parents should avoid.
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