Ask Lafeber

Aromas dangers to my parrot

I bathed my dogs in a natural shampoo. The ingredients have peppermint oil in it. I’m worried the smell of the shampoo may be dangerous to my parrots. Would you know if this may harm them?

Hi Jessica,

There is a lot of conflicting information about peppermint oil and birds. It seems the pure oil is OK but some additives can be harmful. So I am really not sure. I would think the scent would fade pretty quickly and as long as the dogs aren’t staying around them or in a closed room with them, the smell shouldn’t concentrate. If the smell is really strong after the dogs are dry, I’m not sure I would take the chance.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda