All You Need To Know About Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential oils are natural substances extracted from plants that benefit humans and animals. We use them for aromatherapy, massage, cleaning, and more.
But are they safe for dogs? And how can you use them effectively and responsibly?
Let’s answer some of the most common questions about essential oils for dogs, such as:
- What are the benefits of essential oils for dogs?
- What are the risks and precautions of using essential oils for dogs?
- How to choose suitable essential oils for dogs?
- How to apply essential oils to dogs?
- What are some of the best essential oils for dogs?
Benefits of Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential oils can have many positive effects on your dog’s health and well-being, such as:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving mood and behaviour
- Boosting immunity and fighting infections
- Relieving pain and inflammation
- Repelling fleas and ticks
- Supporting digestion and metabolism
- Healing wounds and skin problems
- Enhancing cognitive function and memory
Risks and Precautions of Using Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent substances that can adversely affect your dog if used incorrectly or excessively. Some of the potential risks and precautions of using essential oils for dogs are:
- Toxicity: Some essential oils are toxic or harmful to dogs, such as tea tree, cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, pennyroyal, thyme, oregano, and ylang-ylang. These oils should be avoided or used with extreme caution and under professional guidance.
- Allergy: Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to certain essential oils, causing symptoms such as itching, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, or seizures. Always do a patch test before applying an essential oil to your dog’s skin or fur. Stop using the oil immediately and consult your veterinarian if you notice any adverse reaction.
- Irritation: Some essential oils may irritate your dog’s skin, eyes, nose, mouth, or ears if applied undiluted or too close to these areas. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or olive before applying them to your dog. Avoid spraying or diffusing essential oils near your dog’s face or in enclosed spaces.
- Interference: Some essential oils may interfere with your dog’s medications or medical conditions if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Always consult your veterinarian before using any essential oil on your dog if he has any health issues or is taking any drugs.
How to Choose the Right Essential Oils for Dogs
Not all essential oils are created equal. When choosing essential oils for your dog, you should look for the following:
Quality
Choose high-quality essential oils that are pure, organic, therapeutic-grade, and free of additives, fillers, synthetics, or pesticides. Check the label, company reputation, and reviews before buying any essential oil.
Suitability
Choose essential oils for your dog’s age, size, breed, health status, and personality. For example, some essential oils may be too solid or stimulating for puppies, seniors, small dogs, or dogs with certain medical conditions or temperaments. Do your research and ask for professional advice before using any essential oil on your dog.
Variety
Choose a variety of essential oils that can address different needs and situations for your dog. For example, you may want some calming oils for stressful events like thunderstorms or vet visits.
Some energising oils for dull days or training sessions; some healing oils for injuries or infections; some repellent oils for outdoor activities; etc.
What Do Scientists Say?
Some essential oils studied for dogs include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and lemon. These oils have calming, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and insect-repellent effects on dogs.
For example, a study by Wells et al. (2006) found that lavender oil reduced stress and barking in dogs in a shelter environment. Another study by Kim et al. (2010) found that chamomile oil reduced skin inflammation and itching in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
However, not all essential oils are suitable for dogs. Some can be toxic or irritating to their skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. For example, ingested or applied topically, tea tree oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, and wintergreen oil can cause severe adverse reactions in dogs.
Therefore, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using any essential oils for dogs and to follow the proper dosage and dilution guidelines.
You must take special care to avoid direct contact with their eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.
How to Apply Essential Oils for Dogs
Depending on the purpose and preference, there are different ways to apply essential oils to your dog. Some of the most common methods are:
Topical
That involves applying diluted essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or fur using your hands or a spray bottle. You can massage the oil into specific areas, such as the ears, paws, spine, chest, or abdomen, or spray it lightly over the whole body.
This method addresses local issues such as pain, inflammation, wounds, infections, general wellness, and relaxation.
Aromatic
The process involves using a diffuser, humidifier, or cotton ball to disperse the aroma of essential oils into the air around your dog. You can place the diffuser in a room where your dog spends time or near his bed or crate.
You can also place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball near your dog’s nose or in his collar or bandana. This method can reduce stress, anxiety, and behavioural problems or boost mood, energy, and cognition.
Internal
The method involves adding a small amount of diluted essential oil to your dog’s food, water, or treats or putting it in a capsule or syringe and giving it orally.
This method is not recommended unless you have consulted your veterinarian and have proper guidance on dosage and safety.
This method supports digestion, metabolism, immunity, and detoxification.
What Are Some of The Best Essential Oils For Dogs?
Many essential oils can benefit your dog in different ways, but here are some of the most common ones:
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a versatile and popular natural product with many health and wellness benefits. It gets extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant, which belongs to the mint family.
The lavender essential oil has a floral and soothing aroma to help calm the mind and body. Furthermore, lavender essential oil gets used for aromatherapy, massage, skincare, haircare, and household purposes.
Some of the benefits of lavender essential oil are:
- It can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving mood.
- Lavender essential oil can help improve sleep quality and duration by inducing a sense of calmness and tranquillity.
- Furthermore, it can help relieve pain and inflammation by reducing muscle tension and spasms.
- Lavender essential oil can help heal wounds and infections by stimulating blood circulation and fighting bacteria and fungi.
- Finally, it can help nourish and moisturise the skin and coat by balancing oil production. The lavender essential oil can help strengthen and condition the hair by preventing hair loss and dandruff.
Lavender essential oil is generally safe and well-tolerated, but some dogs may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation. Therefore, doing a patch test before using a lavender essential oil on the skin or coat is advisable.
Additionally, Lavender essential oil should not be ingested or applied directly to the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.
In addition, you should dilute lavender essential oil with a conveyance oil before applying it to the skin or coat. And finally, you should store lavender essential oil in a cool, dark, and dry place, and away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is a concentrated extract derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant. There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile.
Both have similar benefits, but German chamomile has a higher content of chamazulene, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties.
People have used Chamomile essential oil for centuries for various purposes, such as:
- Relieving digestive problems like diarrhoea, indigestion, gas, and cramps.
- Promoting wound healing and preventing infections.
- Reducing anxiety and stress and improving sleep quality.
- Soothing skin conditions.
- Alleviating pain and inflammation.
Chamomile essential oil is safe, but some dogs may have allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Doing a patch test before using it on the skin is advisable. Pregnant and nursing dogs should not have contact with chamomile essential oil.
Chamomile essential oil should not be ingested or applied to the eyes.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil is a natural product derived from the Boswellia tree resin, which grows in dry and mountainous regions of Africa and Asia.
People have used it for thousands of years in various religious and cultural ceremonies and for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits.
Some of the benefits of frankincense essential oil are:
- Frankincense essential oil reduces stress and enhances mood.
- It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can support skin health, wound healing and immune system function.
- It can improve respiratory health by relieving congestion, cough and asthma symptoms.
- Furthermore, Frankincense essential oil can stimulate blood circulation and regulate blood pressure.
- Finally, it can boost cognitive function by preventing neurodegeneration and oxidative stress.
One can use Frankincense essential oil in aromatherapy, diffusers and candles. Additionally, frankincense essential oil is generally safe to use.
Still, dilute it with carrier oil before applying it to the skin or ingesting it.
Pregnant or nursing dogs should not come in contact with frankincense essential oil. It may also inflame specific allergies.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is a natural substance extracted from the peel of fresh lemons. Its bright, citrusy aroma can uplift the mood and energise the mind.
In addition, lemon essential oil has many benefits for your health and well-being, such as:
- Lemon essential oil can help fight infections and boost your furry friend’s immune system. Lemon essential oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can kill and prevent harmful germs from spreading.
- Furthermore, it can stimulate coat health and hygiene and prevent dry skin.
- It can enhance your four-legged friend’s mood and cognitive function. For example, lemon essential oil can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by stimulating the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
- Additionally, lemon essential oil can improve concentration.
- Lemon essential oil can support digestion and detoxification.
- Also, lemon essential oil can stimulate bile production and digestive enzymes in the liver and gallbladder, which can help break down fats and toxins.
- Finally, It can relieve nausea, indigestion, constipation, and bloating.
Lemon essential oil can be diffused in a room, added to a carrier oil, applied to your dog’s skin, or diluted with water and drank.
However, you should always do a patch test before using it topically, as it may cause skin irritation or photosensitivity.
You should also consult your vet before letting your pet ingest it, as it may interact with some medications or cause adverse effects.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil is a natural product extracted from various cedar trees’ wood, leaves, or needles. It has a distinctive woody aroma and various health and beauty benefits.
Some of the benefits of cedarwood essential oil include the following:
- Cedarwood essential oil can help prevent or treat fungal and bacterial infections on the skin.
- Furthermore, it can reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, dysplasia, or other joint conditions.
- It can also stimulate a healthy coat by improving blood circulation and strengthening follicles.
- Additionally, cedarwood essential oil can act as a natural insect repellent and pesticide, keeping ticks and other pests away.
- Finally, it can promote relaxation and sleep by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels.
Cedarwood essential oil is generally safe, but you should take some precautions. First, do a patch test before using it on the skin to check for any allergic reactions.
Second, we don’t recommend using it for pregnant or nursing dogs. And finally, it may cause respiratory problems in dogs that already suffer from related health issues.
Basil
Basil essential oil is a versatile and aromatic oil that you can use for various purposes. In addition, it has a fresh and herbaceous scent.
Some of the benefits of basil essential oil are:
- It can help relieve stress and anxiety by stimulating the nervous system.
- Basil essential oil can support respiratory health by easing congestion.
- It can aid digestion by reducing gas, bloating, and nausea.
To use basil essential oil, you can diffuse it in a room, mix it with a carrier oil, or apply it to your pup’s skin.
Bergamont
Bergamot essential oil is a citrus oil extracted from the peel of the bergamot fruit. Its fresh and floral aroma can uplift the mood and reduce stress.
Bergamot oil is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with skin problems and infections.
The main benefits of using bergamot oil are:
- Bergamont can improve digestion and relieve gas and bloating.
- It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- And it can soothe the nerves and promote relaxation.
To use bergamot oil, you can diffuse it in an aromatherapy diffuser. However, it is best to avoid applying bergamot essential oil directly to your dog’s skin and risk UV damage when in direct sunlight.
Orange
Orange essential oil is a natural extract from the rind of the sweet orange fruit, Citrus sinensis. It has a pleasant citrus aroma and flavour and many potential health benefits. Some of these benefits may include:
- Orange essential oil may inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause food poisoning or spoilage.
- It may have a positive effect on mood and reduce stress levels.
- Furthermore, orange essential oil may help treat skin conditions by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
- And finally, orange essential oil may stimulate bile production and digestive enzymes, which improve digestion and prevent gas or bloating.
You can use orange essential oil in various ways, including aromatherapy and topical application.
Orange essential oil is generally safe for dogs and well-tolerated, but some precautions should be taken, such as:
- Allergy test: Before using orange essential oil, perform a patch test on a small skin area to check for any allergic reactions.
- Quality check: Only use pure, organic, high-quality orange essential oil from reputable sources. Avoid oils that are adulterated, synthetic, or expired.
- Veterinary consultation: If your dogs have any medical conditions or are pregnant or nursing, consult your vet before using orange essential oil.
Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil is a natural product that comes from the leaves of the patchouli plant. It has a woody, sweet, and spicy aroma that you can use for various purposes. Some of the benefits of patchouli essential oil are:
- Patchouli essential oil can help improve skin health.
- Furthermore, it can help soothe inflammation and irritation caused by skin conditions.
- In addition, it can help balance the oiliness of a dog’s coat.
- Finally, its antiseptic and antibacterial properties can help repel insects and fungi.
You can use patchouli essential oil in different ways, such as adding a few drops to a diffuser or applying it topically to the skin after diluting it with carrier oil.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood essential oil is a popular natural product with many health and wellness benefits. It gets extracted from the wood of the sandalwood tree, which grows in India, Australia, and other parts of Asia.
Sandalwood essential oil has a rich, woody, sweet aroma that can calm the mind, relax the body, and uplift the mood. Some of the primary uses of sandalwood essential oil are:
- Sandalwood essential oil can help moisturise, soothe, and heal dry, irritated, or inflamed skin.
- It can also reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes.
- Sandalwood essential oil can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Furthermore, it can also enhance concentration.
- Sandalwood essential oil can help relax tense muscles, ease pain, and improve blood circulation.
- Additionally, it can also stimulate the immune system.
Sandalwood essential oil is a versatile and valuable natural product. However, before using it, ensure your dog is not allergic to it and consult your vet if it has any chronic medical conditions.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be an excellent way to enhance your dog’s health and happiness naturally and holistically.
However, you should use them with care and knowledge to avoid potential harm or complications. Always do your research before using any essential oil on your dog.
And remember to choose quality products and follow proper guidelines for dosage and application.
