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Are essential oil diffusers safe for guinea pigs?
No, essential oil diffusers are not safe for your guinea pigs to be exposed to. Because the oil diffused from active diffusers can settle on your guinea pig’s fur, it is best to avoid using them altogether because the oil can be ingested when they groom themselves.
It is possible for some traces of these oils to be absorbed through the skin, which can lead to skin diseases in your guinea pigs in the long run.
When it comes to guinea pigs, even passive diffusers are not the best option because they have a much stronger sense of smell than we do.
It is said that they have a ten-fold superior sense of smell to humans. It is possible that the scent of an essential oil will be mild for you, but that it will be overwhelming for your guinea pigs; therefore, using essential oil diffusers around your guinea pigs can be detrimental to their well-being.
So that means you cannot use essential oil diffusers in your home at all?
Yes, you can use essential oil diffusers in your home to diffuse essential oils. Make sure, however, that you do not use it in the same room where your guinea pig is being kept.
Aside from that, you must make certain that the windows in your room where you are infusing the oils are open and that there are no drafts that could carry the smell of the oil to your Guinea Pig.
I personally use this incredible essential oil diffuser in conjunction with this lavender oil that I purchased from Amazon. To be on the safe side, I always use a mild scent that won’t contaminate the guinea pig’s environment.
The use of passive diffusers in other parts of the house, away from the guinea pigs, is something I would recommend. However, only take this step if it is absolutely necessary. In order to be on the safe side, it is best to refrain from using any essential oils in your home.
What essential oils are toxic to guinea pigs?
You should always consult your veterinarian before using any essential oils in your home, especially if you have a pet such as guinea pigs or other small animals.
Some essential oils are extremely toxic to your guinea pigs, and you should avoid using them. Some oils should be avoided at all costs because they are toxic to guinea pigs. These include:
- Pine
- Ylang ylang
- Citrus
- Peppermint
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Tea tree(Most toxic)
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Cedar
- Juniper
- Garlic
- Anise
What essential oils are safe for guinea pigs?
However, there is some oil that you can use in a passive diffuser to spread throughout your home in other areas. However, it should not be used in the area where your guinea pigs are kept:
- Rose
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Vetiver
- Violet Leaf
- Lemongrass
- Linden Blossom
- Chamomile
Can essential oils hurt guinea pigs?
Essential Oils Harmful to Pets?!
Yes, essential oils can be harmful to guinea pigs if they are used in close proximity to the animals. Given that guinea pigs have a keen sense of smell, using essential oils in close proximity to them can cause breathing problems and other respiratory issues in the animals.
Getting the oil into your guinea pig’s system by any means is not recommended because it can cause further damage to their body, and in some cases, it can even be fatal to your guinea pig.
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Can I use scented candles instead? are scented candles bad for guinea pigs?
Yes, you can use scented candles from time to time, but it is not a good idea to do so on a consistent basis. Always check to see that there is adequate ventilation in the room where you are using these candles before lighting them.
When paraffin wax is burned, it can release a variety of toxic compounds, including acetone, benzene, and toluene, which are harmful to the health of your guinea pig. Guinea pigs have been known to develop allergies and skin problems as a result of exposure to these chemicals.
Also Read:
- How Good Is Guinea Pigs Sense Of Smell? (Smells they love+hate)
- Do Guinea Pigs Have Allergies? (Hay, Food, Bedding & More).
Also, keep in mind that you should only use candles from a pet-friendly brand if you want to be extra cautious about your guinea pig’s health. I’ve been using these amazing soy candles that I purchased from Amazon.com. It has been deemed pet-safe, and it does not contain a significant amount of chemicals. I do, however, keep it at a safe distance from my guinea pigs at all times.
What are the symptoms of poisoning in guinea pigs?
For those of you who are unaware of this and have already used an essential oil near your guinea pigs, I would strongly advise you to keep a close eye on their health.
Keep an eye out for any changes in the behavior of the guinea pigs. The following are some of the most common signs of guinea pig essential-oil poisoning:
- Difficulty breathing
- Watery nose & eyes
- Fatigue
- Redness of Lips or skin
- Weakness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Coughing
- Panting
- Wheezing
- Tremors
- Low body temperature
- Lethargy
- not eating their regular diet
What should I do if my guinea pigs show these signs?
If your guinea pigs exhibit any signs of poisoning, you must schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
There are a few steps you can take to ensure that your guinea pigs are a little more comfortable in their environment. You must perform the following procedures depending on how your guinea pig came into contact with essential oils:
- If your guinea pigs have inhaled the essential oil while diffusing, remove them to fresh air as soon as possible.
- If the oil comes into contact with their skin or fur, immediately wash their skin with dishwashing liquid to remove the oil.
- When someone has accidentally ingested the essential oil, they should seek medical attention right away to avoid further complications. Contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 or 855-764-7661, or the
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you have a pet poisoning emergency. You can expect to pay between 59 and 69 dollars for each consultation.
- Please remember to bring the oil with you when seeking medical attention so that your doctor can examine and treat your guinea pigs as needed.
As a final word of advice, having a first aid kit readily available with you can make a significant difference in life-threatening situations like this one.
How can I get rid of a bad guinea pig smell from my house?
Although many people are curious about the possibility of using essential oils to eliminate odors emanating from an animal’s enclosure, this is most definitely not the best course of action.
Essential oils can be harmful to your guinea pigs’ health, and in some cases, they can even be fatal in certain circumstances. Guinea pigs’ cages smell bad because of poor maintenance and inadequate care for your guinea pigs.
It has absolutely nothing to do with the guinea pigs themselves! More information on how to keep your guinea pigs clean and odor-free can be found in the following article:
Conclusion
To summarize, I would say that essential oils and guinea pigs don’t go together like peanut butter and jelly. Essential oils of any kind must not be used on or near your guinea pigs for safety reasons.
Even if you are only passively diffusing a small amount of the substance into the air, make sure to do so on the opposite side of your house from where the guinea pigs are.
Guinea pigs are sensitive to any fumes, including the strong odor of essential oils, which makes them particularly vulnerable. Exposed guinea pigs for an extended period of time are at risk of death and may have a negative impact on their health.
As a guinea pig owner, I strongly advise you to exercise extreme caution in order to keep your guinea pigs safe and healthy.
The product we loved personally
The MyLittleFriendUA has an amazing Christmas product for your guinea pigs. They surely feel comfort, love, and start popcorning after seeing it. Celebrate this Christmas with this product of them.
Esty Christmas treehouse bed for Guinea pigs is the perfect gift for guinea pigs. It’s a perfect Christmas couch and warm, perfect for winter and Pigsmas.
Merry Pigmas garland in a cage for guinea pigs. Is the perfect decoration gift for guinea pigs cage and guinea pigs owners. It adds value to the guinea pig’s cage during Christmas.
Set of 3pcs Forest accessories for the cage – Tree House, hay bag, and garland. Is super good quality, piggies love popcorning, sleeping, and eating hay in this set.
Christmas guinea pig cozy soft bed with pillow is the extra softy which guinea pigs love. Check it today for Christmas decorations.
Personalized guinea pig Christmas stocking is also one of the best gifts for guinea pigs and cage decorations. Guinea pigs popcorning love to reach in pocket of stocking for their treats and food.
Sources: Essential Oil Safety, Aromatherapy, Toxicity of melaleuca oil and related essential oils, ASPCA, CBC, Article by Dr. Melissa Shelton
