Household object
Scented Candles, Plug-In Air Fresheners and Reed Diffusers
Contact a vet if breathing looks laboured or a concentrated oil has been licked; mild airborne exposure usually settles once the animal is moved to fresh air.
ModerateCatsBirdsSmall mammals
What to do right now
- 1.Move the animal to a well-ventilated room away from the scent source
- 2.Wipe any spilled oil from fur or feathers before it can be groomed off
- 3.Phone your vet if coughing or breathing difficulty continues
Symptoms
- Coughing, wheezing or laboured breathing
- Watery eyes and nasal discharge
- Drooling if oil was licked
- Lethargy
Details
- Category
- Household object
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Species affected
- Cats, Birds, Small mammals
- Routes of exposure
- Inhaling fumes in an enclosed room, or licking spilled diffuser oil or wax
- Urgency
- Contact a vet if breathing looks laboured or a concentrated oil has been licked; mild airborne exposure usually settles once the animal is moved to fresh air.
Veterinary treatment
Birds and cats are especially sensitive to airborne chemical irritants because of differences in their respiratory system and liver metabolism. Use fragrance products sparingly and in well-ventilated rooms away from cages and enclosed spaces.