any danger in essential oils?

[herbi7]

Does anyone know if there are any risks to hamsters from essential oils or carrier oils? I was watching maisie in the bath and she always spend a a bit of time trying to escape up the sides in between more settled patches. As she punctuates her play with thorough bouts of washing I was worried that she might be vulnerable to any toxins on the surface of the bath. Obviously I make sure it's clean and dry before I put her in but if anything was really poisonous it would still leave a residue after cleaning, as oils tend to. I know we all put our hamsters in the bath to tame as they can't get out but i'd hate to be exposing her to something she couldn't get away from. I always put towels in the bath and stuff but she burrows under them so she is always in contact some of the time with the surface of the bath

[AmityvilleHams]

I think it would be a bad idea to use essential oils that are not safe for hamsters even if they're just unsafe in large amounts.I don't think it would be a problem though in your case using them in the bath as long as you thoroughly clean the tub afterwards and just never use anything that is toxic in the first place

[herbi7]

Thanks... Do you know which are toxic though? I tried to look it up and although there is info about cats and dogs (very toxic to cats, even in the air, also to birds of anyone's interested, and tea tree seems bad more most species and can kill cats and dogs) I couldn't find much in hamsters except that almond and jojoba are both ok on their skin

[AmityvilleHams]

Not sure on exact ones,but I know that there are some like lavender and certain species of almond that would be unsafe.Hopefully others have some advice on what oils to use for whatever reason.

[Pebbles82]

I think they are all quite strong, that's the main issue. Maybe it would be best not to use them in the bath, because as you say, they leave residue. I don't think a one-off exposure to some residue in a bath would be toxic though. Any essential oils can be toxic, even too humans, if too much is used.

[cypher]

I think the problem is the concentration so even something like lavender which is safe as a flower would be potentially dangerous & being volatile oils they could breathe in enough to at least irritate their little lungs even from residue, I'd try to keep all oils & any residue well away if possible.

[herbi7]

Thanks, that was pretty much what I thought. My washing habits are a bit funny as I have a dry skin problem so I usually have a very quick 'shower' standing in a bowl as proper showers hurt my skin so I don't have that many baths but when I do I like to put something relaxing in! I guess a good scrub out with fairy liquid or something would be the best for removing any residue that was lingering

[cypher]

Bicarb & white vinegar would do it, I swear by that for cleaning!

[herbi7]

Haha yes that's a great combo isn't it! ��

[BriFischer]

Hi
Dr Melissa Shelton DVM Desk Reference.
Great information on essential oils and exotics including hamsters.