Essential oils can help maintain your dog’s health and well-being. Not all essential oils are safe for use on dogs. If used improperly, essential oils can be dangerous and even toxic to dogs. That’s why we’ll list seven safe essential oils for your furry friend and how to use them.
1. Lavender
- Calms and soothes
- Reduces stress
- Improves sleep
- Relieves skin irritations
- Repels insects
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils known for its calming and soothing properties. Lavender oil is safe for dogs and can be beneficial in many ways. For example, it can help reduce stress and improve sleep.
When using lavender oil on a dog’s skin, it’s important to be mindful of concentration. Because of their heightened sense of smell, dogs can become overwhelmed when exposed to too much lavender. Diluting the oil before use is a must; this will help to prevent any adverse reactions. No essential oils should be used directly on a dog’s skin or coat, as they are extremely potent and can be dangerous.
Also, avoid getting any oil directly into your dog’s eyes or nose. When applied topically, lavender oil can help to soothe and heal minor skin irritations. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil such as argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, then massage gently into the affected area. For dogs with anxiety, use a diffuser with lavender essential oil – just make sure the room is well-ventilated!
2. Chamomile
- Soothes
- Provides gastrointestinal relief
- Anti-inflammatory
- Treats skin issues
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Treats bug bites
- Treats rashes
- Heals wounds
Chamomile is a gentle, soothing essential oil that can be used to treat a variety of ailments in dogs. For example, it can help soothe your pup when feeling stressed, anxious, or stomach aches. Chamomile oil can also be used to help reduce inflammation and treat minor skin issues such as bug bites and rashes.
When using chamomile oil for your pup, it’s important to always dilute it in a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil before applying it. The recommended ratio for dilution is 1-2 drops of chamomile oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. Then, you can apply the mixture to your dog’s skin or add it to their bath water. If you use it in a diffuser, use no more than two drops at a time and ensure your pup is in another room when diffusing.
Overall, chamomile is an excellent essential oil to have on hand for any pet parent. It’s easy to use and provides various benefits for your pup.
3. Rosemary
- Boost cognitive health
- Support mental health and overall coordination in the body
- Anti-microbial properties
- Treat skin allergies and infections
- Treat bacterial disorders
- Soothes and relaxes the skin and the whole body
- Stress relief
Rosemary is an incredibly versatile essential oil that has a wide range of benefits for people and pets. Rosemary oil can help to improve mental clarity and boost overall cognitive health. It can also be used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, making it a great choice for treating skin irritations and allergies in dogs. When used topically on your pet, it can help reduce inflammation and alleviate discomfort.
Rosemary oil is also known for its soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for relaxation and stress relief. Whether applying the oil directly to your pet’s skin or diffusing it in the air, its calming effects will help keep your pup relaxed and content.
4. Bergamot
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Antibacterial and antiseptic properties
- Relieves itchiness
- Calming and uplifting effects
Bergamot essential oil is derived from the peel of the bergamot orange and is widely used for various therapeutic and medicinal purposes. For dogs, it’s been found to have calming effects and may be used to help relieve stress and anxiety. Bergamot can be used topically and aromatically, with a few drops of the oil added to your dog’s bath or diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or fractionated coconut oil and rubbed on their skin.
As always, it’s important to research essential oils around pets and dilute them appropriately before use.
5. Frankincense
- Promotes calm and solace in dogs,
- Manages their behaviors
- Balance and peace
- Soothes fear and stress.
Frankincense is an ancient and revered essential oil that is loved for its calming properties and ability to help promote feelings of balance and peace. It is safe to use with dogs and can be used to soothe feelings of stress, fear, and anxiety. PawPurity uses frankincense in most of its products.
To use Frankincense, add a few drops to a diffuser or spray bottle with water and lightly mist your pup. Next, add it to a diluted carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rub it onto your dog’s ears, feet, and chest. As always, be sure to test any new oils on a small patch of skin first to make sure there are no adverse reactions.
6. Lemongrass
- Therapeutic benefits
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial and antiseptic
- Treats dryness and mange
- Good for flea bites
- Relieve itchiness and rashes
- Reduce anxiety levels
- For flea and tick prevention
Lemongrass is a fragrant, citrus-scented oil extracted from the stalks and leaves of the lemongrass plant. It has many therapeutic benefits and is safe for use with dogs. Its antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties make it great for treating skin conditions like mange and flea bites. When used in aromatherapy, lemongrass can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in dogs. PawPurity uses lemongrass as a key ingredient in its flea and ticks shampoos for dogs.
To use lemongrass on your dog, dilute it with a carrier oil such as apricot or almond oil at one drop of lemongrass to ½ cup of carrier oil. Mix and massage the oil into the affected area twice daily until the condition improves.
7. Cedarwood
- For skin diseases and allergies
- Calming and soothing
- Repels fleas and ticks
- Reliefs irritations
- Flea bites treatment
Cedarwood is an essential oil with a strong woodsy aroma extracted from the leaves and wood of the cedar tree. It’s great for skin issues, stress relief, and calming anxieties in dogs. It can also help with repelling fleas and ticks.
When using cedarwood essential oil on your dog, it’s important to use it in extremely small amounts. Start by mixing one drop of cedarwood oil in ½ cup of carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil. Then, using a cotton swab or a cloth, apply the diluted oil to your dog’s fur and massage it in. Next, add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to your dog’s bath water or shampoo. PawPurity Intensive nourishing shampoo for dogs has cedarwood calming properties in it.
Cedarwood essential oil is known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it great for helping your pup heal from wounds or infections. It can also help improve your pup’s respiratory health and relieve discomfort caused by allergies.
Essential Considerations while Using Essential Oils for Dogs
It is important to know that essential oils can be hazardous if used incorrectly. Dogs, being more sensitive than humans, require even more caution. Here are some things to keep in mind while using essential oils on your dog:
- Talk to your veterinarian before using any essential oil on your pet, especially if they have a medical condition or are taking medications.
- Dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil, like almond or jojoba oil, before applying it to your pet’s skin.
- Always use therapeutic-grade essential oils, which are much safer for dogs than other essential oils.
- Don’t apply essential oils to your pet’s eyes, nose, or mouth, as this can lead to adverse reactions.
- Start with a very small amount and apply to a limited area of your pet’s skin to check for potential reactions before using the oil more widely.
- Never leave your pet alone when using essential oils around them.
- Make sure the area where you’re using the essential oils is well-ventilated.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can safely and effectively use essential oils to improve your pet’s health and well-being.
Toxic Essential Oils for Dogs – Be Aware of these!
Here is a list of the essential oils that are potentially toxic to dogs:
- Clove oil: Clove oil contains a compound called eugenol, which is highly toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities.
- Tea tree oil: While tea tree oil is generally considered safe for topical application in low concentrations, it is highly toxic if ingested. Avoid using tea tree oil on or around your dog, as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and liver failure.
- Wintergreen oil: Wintergreen oil contains a compound called methyl salicylate, which can be toxic when ingested by dogs. The risk is higher with wintergreen oil because it is far more concentrated than its natural form.
- Thyme oil: Thyme oil contains thymol, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested. Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
- Peppermint oil: Peppermint oil contains menthol, which can be toxic to dogs when ingested. Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
- Pine oil: Pine oil contains phenols, which are highly toxic to dogs when ingested. Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
- Eucalyptus: This essential oil can be dangerous if applied topically to a dog’s skin, especially in large amounts. Ingesting this oil can also lead to drooling, vomiting, depression, and even seizures.
Takeaways
In conclusion, essential oils provide a natural and safe way to promote skin and coat health, and the well-being of our canine companions. From calming anxiety to repelling fleas, essential oils have countless benefits for our furry friends. However, it is important to remember that not all essential oils are safe for dogs, so be sure to read labels and research before using them. You can confidently incorporate essential oils into your dog’s wellness routine by knowing which oils are safe and the proper dilution processes.