Lavender has a component called linalool, which is toxic to cats and dogs if consumed in big quantities. So your pooch eating a petal may not cause death, but it may cause an upset stomach.
Now Lavender poisoning by the other hand is a concern. When a dog or a cat consumes a huge amount of Lavander or it consumes the essential oils we talk of Lavander poisoning.
Symptoms are due to eating a large quantity of the plant.
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Symptoms due to ingestion of Lavander oil, according to wagwalking.com are:
Drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Uncoordinated gait
Lethargy and weakness
Pawing at face and mouth
Muscle tremors
Redness and/or erosions on lips, skin, gums, and tongue
Also remember that if the non-diluted essential oil touches the skin of your cat can produce burns and even worse, it will be absorbed by the skin and can lead to liver problems.
And what about Aromatherapy?
It is proved that Lavender essential oils help to manage stress and anxiety in humans, but there little studies in regards to pets. Some of them indeed show that animal feels more relaxed.
As long as the essential oil is properly diluted, it is guaranteed by the manufacturer and is properly managed the dosage for therapeutic application, it should not cause any harm to your animal.
Always look for trusted sources when using essential oils and talk to specialists so your pet will enjoy the therapeutic properties without harm.
Sources:
Wag!: Find best local dog walkers, boarders, and Trainers. WagWalking. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2021, from https://wagwalking.com/.
Is lavender essential oil safe for pets? CBD Dog Health. (2021, October 22). Retrieved December 12, 2021, from https://cbddoghealth.com/is-lavender-essential-oil-safe-for-pets/.
Williams, C. (2018, September 4). Is lavender safe for dogs? Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws. Retrieved December 12, 2021, from https://blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com/is-lavender-safe-for-dogs#:~:text=Lavender%20contains%20a%20small%20amount,reduced%20appetite%2C%20and%20other%20symptoms.