Tea tree oil is among the most dangerous essential oils for dogs.
Even small skin applications of undiluted oil have caused severe poisoning.
Tea tree oil is high in terpenes (terpinen-4-ol and others) which are rapidly absorbed through skin and mucous membranes. They cause CNS depression, hepatotoxicity, ataxia and muscle weakness. Dogs lack the glucuronidation capacity to detoxify these compounds efficiently.
Sources
As little as 0.1–0.2 ml/kg of pure tea tree oil applied to skin has caused severe signs. Heavily diluted commercial pet shampoos (under 1%) are usually safe.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison hotline immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet.
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