15/06/2026
Scent Sensitivity - Hidden Dangers to You and Your Animals
I recently had a well intentioned person apply an artificial fragrance to my temples in a yoga class and this experience finally pushed me to write this blog I've been thinking of for months. I am very sensitive so when I inhaled this scent I was immediately overwhelmed. Within an hour I was extremely uncomfortable, my eyes were watering and I started migraine symptoms. I rushed home, showered and washed my hair. The scent remained. I washed my hair, face and temples another two times, but I could still smell the fragrance. I put my clothes in the washing machine thinking I might be picking up the scent from them, but I could still smell it. I felt sick: nauseous, overwhelmed and developed a full migraine. It took me THREE DAYS to rid myself and my nose of that scent. Now, I am a human, and my olfactory receptors are but a fraction of an animals. It really made me take a moment to think deeper about how animals feel when artificial and unwanted scents are applied to their body and fur. I think we truly underestimate just how awful this experience can be for them in the moment, but also the lasting effects on their bodies and organs.
Scent comes up in communication sessions for animals all the time. Its a daily occurrence. They explain how overwhelming certain scents are, especially aerosols (please NEVER use these inside with an animal), air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning products including laundry soaps and fabric softeners, scented cat litter. They also complain about scents applied to their bodies especially when they go to the groomers and a fragranced shampoo or grooming product is used. Animals HATE artificial fragrances, they find them painfully overwhelming, toxic and harmful.
These products contain toxic chemicals that don't have to be disclosed on the label and fall under 'parfum' or 'fragrance'. Never buy a product with this on the label as you could be bringing a cocktail of toxins into your home and putting your animals, yourself and your family at risk. Some of the toxins contained in products containing 'fragrance' or 'parfum':
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - cause respiratory distress, headaches, dizziness and long term damage to organs
Pthalates - Endocrine disruptors leading to reproductive and hormonal issues
Formaldehyde - Linked to cancer and causes irritation to respiratory system
Benzene and Toulene - Damage the nervous system and known carcinogens
The worst part is animals are most at risk of injury from these products as they walk on floors that have been cleaned with detergents then lick their paws. Aerosols, air fresheners, scent sticks etc release scent molecules in the air and these settle on your animals fur, then they lick themselves and ingest it. These toxins build up over time and lead to disease. Please do your animals and yourself a favour and get rid of anything in your home that has 'parfum' or 'fragrance' on the label. I find that hot water, vinegar and bicarb are fantastic natural cleaners that are far kinder to your animals' nose and body.
From connecting with animals in communication sessions I have found animals with respiratory issues, allergies, itchy skin, neurological issues, anxiety and epilepsy to be particularly sensitive to artificial fragrances.
All scents are not created equal. Natural scents like clean, pure essential oils do not contain the toxic compounds above. However, you still need to be very careful and considerate in how you use them. Animals must ALWAYS have a choice and freedom to move away with fresh air and good ventilation in any room where there are essential oils. I like to use self selection principles and I would NEVER EVER force a scent on an animal. I am particularly alarmed by pet shampoos and products containing very strong essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus as these are forced onto animals and they are not given a choice. In my self selection practice, these oils are NEVER chosen by animals and in case studies I have read they are selected more by herbivores like horses. Do your research and take care. If your animal moves away from a natural scent they have had enough and you should avoid using it around them. Cats, rodents and birds should NEVER have essential oils applied to their skin and feathers and they are particularly sensitive and this can build up in their liver and cause damage.
With that warning in mind, pure essential oils do have their place and can be incredibly helpful for many physical, mental and emotional issues in animals when working respectfully with self selection principles.
Animals are incredibly sensitive to sensory information. They have far more olfactory receptors than us humans and artificial fragrances can therefore be overwhelming and painful to them. Here is a list of olfactory receptors per species:
Humans 5-6 Million
Rabbits 100 Million
Cats 200 Million
Horses 300 Million
Dogs 125-300 Million
If I can have such a strong reaction to scents with my meagre 5-6 million olfactory receptors, I honestly don't know how animals cope. Please consider your animals' wellbeing and comfort and pass on this information to friends and family out of love for the animals.
Photo: Otto finding comfort in smelling Rose Otto pure essential oil
Scent comes up in communication sessions for animals all the time. Its a daily occurrence. They explain how overwhelming certain scents are, especially aerosols (please NEVER use these inside with an animal), air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning products including laundry soaps and fabric softeners, s...
