Tea Tree Oil - HELP???
 

Roxy has had a staph infection (mild) since the end of March. I was at the Vet on 5/19. He gave me Clavamox and an antihistamine. She was on both for 10 days. It looks like the pimples are clearing up, but she is still itchy.

In the mean time, I dapped some tea tree oil on a q-tip on a couple of the emerging pimples. This is the brand:
http://www.vitaminworld.com/pages/fi...&CID=&CPID=219

I did that 2x last week and then I bathed her over this weekend in Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo.

But now I am freaking out! Is this dangerous????? :confused: :confused:

I am reading that Tea Tree Oil is Toxic to dogs under 10lbs. Roxy is 5lbs.

PLEASE SOMEONE ANSWER ME!!! :( :( :(

I've read that tea tree oil is toxic to cats and definitely not good for dogs with liver problems...If she's acting alright, she's probably okay, but keep an eye on her. Keep us updated!

I read that it's safe for dogs as long as it's diluted. But never really safe for cats...

She is acting totally fine, nothing unusal about her, except for soft, mushy poop with some clear mucus. However, I think that's b/c of the Clavamox, and I gave her some strawberries and I have been giving her some yogurt and sprinkling extra high potent probiotics as well. She started Friday night with the soft mucusy poop. She's been on the Clavamox since 5/19. TJ also has really soft poop (I gave him the strawberries and yogurt and probiotics as well). He just doesn't have any globs of mucus.

If Roxy's still has the mucus poop tonight, I will give her a little bit of Pepto.

I am worried about the Tea Tree Oil though...

I've used Tea Tree Oil for years and I never knew it was toxic to animals! It's weird but when I use it or use something like Icy Hot, my cat wants to lick it off of me. (no, I don't let her!)

One of our dogs smells the Tea Tree Oil and takes off running... :D

Thanks for the heads up about it!

I have used Tea Tree Oil as well on my kids as well.

I have used tea tree oil on mine without ill effects

The article that I read said that if used properly, it's non-toxic to dogs, BUT it can easily be toxic to cats...Because it affects their liver...Also, I won't use it on a liver compromised dog because their livers are already susceptible.

Q. I used tea tree oil to remove tics on my s**tzu (dog), but I didn't dilute it. Could that cause an adverse reaction? Is it toxic?

A. Tea tree oil should be diluted before applying it topically. Just a few drops of tea tree oil added to jojoba oil or another carrier oil should be a sufficient insect repellant. Tea tree oil is very strong. However, it is not toxic to dogs when used properly. It is, however, toxic to cats, even diluted.

That Q&A was taken from http://www.healthyhealing.com/faq.html#

Thanks everyone. I am trying to read up on what the effects would be if there was a Tea Tree Oil Toxic event. First, it seems that it should be diluted, which I didn't do, but I did just use a q-tip dapped with the oil, but still I didn't dilute it. I am so angry at myself. I do ususally try to do a full out research first, but I just figured since it was natural, I don't know :confused:

I found this about it's toxicity:
Says cats may be more sensitive to this toxicosis than dogs, but that the tea tree oil toxicosis has been reported in humans, rats, dogs, and cats. Most patients have clinical signs of central nervous system depression. Dogs and cats with tea tree oil toxicosis will appear weak, obtunded, uncoordinated, ataxic, and usually have muscular tremors. Cats may exhibit signs of liver damage. Toxic components are fat soluble and rapidly absorbed via skin and GI tract. There is no antidote. Treatment involves general detoxification, supportive care, bathing with mild detergents, using activated charcoal if ingested.

She isn't showing any signs, other than the mucus soft poop now since Friday. But between the Clavamos, Strawberries, Yogurt and Probiotics, she may have it b/c of one of those things. I don't know. I am going to try about do more research on the Probiotics. I don't want to stop giving them it, b/c they are on a Raw Food Diet and I think it is important for them to have the Probiotics. Plus, from what I have been reading, the probiotics are suppose to help with the diareaha and mucus, I have to find out if I should give it to them or stop. This sucks! I am going away on Friday morning, Roxy and TJ are staying home with Daddy, I'll be back on Sunday night, but I want to clear up Roxy's mucus and I only have less than 48 hours. This sucks!

I don't see any reason that the probiotics would be bad for them. I have only read good things about probiotics and good for the tummy, so I doubt that's what is causing the problem with your baby's stool. I hope you can find the reason for this and clear it up before you leave. :) Good luck and let us know!