How to Safely Use Essential Oils On Your Pets & Around Your Dogs
Heard conflicting about using essential oils for pets? Then you are in the right place!
Discover the best essential oils safe for pets and learn how to use essential oil for dogs.
We love natural wellness and live for toxic-free remedies, not only for ourselves but for our families, friends, and of course, our pups! But, in a world full of different opinions and suggestions, how do we know which essential oils are actually safe to use on and around our dogs and which essential oils to avoid for dogs? If you’re looking for the best essential oils for dogs, you’ve come to the right place! Before beginning, let’s cover some important reminders.
A Few Safety Reminders!
Remember, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do, so when you diffuse EOs around your furry friends don’t diffuse for more than 10 minutes at a time. Refrain from using EOs on or around pets under 8 weeks old. Since they cannot tell us how essential oils are affecting them, it’s our responsibility to use caution and observe how they react to different EOs.
The following are general guidelines for use. Consult with your vet before you use EOs on your pets topically or orally, if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition. Store EOs out of your pet’s reach.
Using EOs on Dogs Topically
Never apply undiluted essential oils on your dog’s skin. Test diluted EO on a very small area first and see if the EO is okay to use for them specifically. As a rule of thumb, EOs should be diluted to 0.5% - 1% or 3-6 drops per 1 ounce of carrier oil. EOs should always be applied in small quantities. Don’t let your pet lick the area where you topically apply the diluted EO.
Because dogs have different biological systems than we do, taking these measures can help ensure your fur baby is safe around EOs. Now that we have that covered, let’s jump right in!
Types of Carrier Oils to Use
Carrier oils are used to dilute pure and even already diluted essential oils to a state where they can safely be used on sensitive skin. Some of the best and most nurturing essential oil carriers that are also safe to use on your pets are:
- Coconut Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Aloe Vera
- Sunflower Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
Essential Oils Safe for Dogs
Looking for essential oils to use for your pup? Here are a few that your dog might love! Remember, all dogs are different, so introduce these oils cautiously and be sure to observe their reaction and adjust accordingly.
1. Roman Chamomile
If your puppy is feeling anxious, Roman Chamomile may ease her stress and help her relax. It can also be great for dogs that are shy. Offer your pup a sniff of Chamomile oil before going for a walk or to the dog park to help calm her nerves. Chamomile can also help soothe tummy aches.
2. Lavender
This is generally one of the best essential oils safe for dogs. Lavender is very calming, so you can diffuse it near your pup for 10 minutes or less for her to receive the benefits. It’s also thought to help ease car sickness, so bring your personal diffuser and Lavender when you hit the road.
3. Ginger Root
Ginger Root can provide benefits in a myriad of ways. It can help clear your pup’s respiratory tracts, soothe an upset stomach, and may even help ease joint pain.
4. Citronella
This EO acts as a natural bug repellent. Pro tip: Add a few drops of Citronella to the outside of your dog’s collar (the side that’s not touching their neck) before you take her outside. It can help deter mosquitoes and other pests. Avoid using Citronella topically or orally on your pet as it can cause an adverse reaction.
Essential Oils to Avoid For Dogs
Mother Nature is a wonderful resource for holistic health remedies. As we’ve mentioned, although essential oils come from Mother Nature and are wonderful menders and natural healers, we have to remember our pets have a highly sensitive sense of smell. A dog’s sense of smell is anywhere between 10,000 - 100,000 times better than ours! Because of their heightened awareness of scents, and because they are smaller than us humans, we must be careful of how we introduce essential oils to them so they can benefit from the wonderful healing properties without feeling overwhelmed or suffering from undesirable side effects. When used incorrectly, certain EOs can have negative effects on dogs, and what works wonders for one dog might cause an adverse reaction for another. That is why it is best to
Here are some essential oils to avoid for dogs that could potentially be harmful:
- Cinnamon
- Citrus Oils
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
- Anise
- Clove
- Thyme
- Juniper
- Yarrow
- Garlic
More information
For questions specific to your pet, we urge you to consult your veterinarian. We’d also love to hear from you and answer your questions or give EO advice, so do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are available at 1 (866) 493-8159, or you can chat with us via our website. Happy essential oil explorations for you and your fur baby!
Want to learn more about essential oils for pets? Check out these links here:
- https://www.rockymountainoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-basics/how-to-safely-use-essential-oils-on-around-your-dog
- https://www.rockymountainoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-basics/diffusing-essential-oils-around-your-pets
- https://www.rockymountainoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-basics/are-essential-oils-safe-for-pets
- https://www.rockymountainoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-basics/how-to-treat-your-pets-allergies-with-essential-oils
- Dr Katie Webinar | Essential oils to use with your pets - https://fb.watch/dVzt-dJ0zD/
- lDr Katie Webinar | Essential oils and pet allergies - https://fb.watch/dVzF6P5H_K/
- Dr Katie Webinar | How to use essential oils safely around your pets - https://fb.watch/dVzIuzdXxx/
