Essential Oils Safe for Dogs: Enhance Your Pet's Well-Being

As devoted pet owners, we constantly seek ways to enhance our dogs' comfort and health. Whether it's a birthday celebration or a reward for good behavior, we spare no effort in pampering our beloved companions. One effective method of soothing and caring for them involves the use of essential oils. Beyond just making them smell wonderful, these oils can also contribute to their overall health and immunity, aligning perfectly with our goal of ensuring their happiness and well-being.

The benefits of essential oils safe for dogs are so profound that Veterinarians are increasingly recommending essential oils for pet wellness. Essential oils are known to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, support skin health, and even assist in managing certain ailments and pain.

While essential oils have become increasingly popular, it's important to understand which ones are safe for dogs before incorporating them into your pet's routine. Before introducing any new essential oils into your pet's routine, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized guidance based on your dog's specific health needs and ensure that the chosen oils are safe and appropriate for your furry companion. 

This blog will be a good guide to essential oils safe for dogs, ensuring that you can pamper your furry friend naturally and effectively.

The Benefits of Essential Oils Safe for Dogs

• Stress and Anxiety Relief: Calming essential oils can help alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs prone to separation anxiety or fear of loud noises.
• Skin Health Support: Certain essential oils possess natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties that aid in healing minor skin irritations.
• Natural Deodorizer: Essential oils with pleasant aromatic properties can serve as a natural deodorizer between baths, helping to keep your dog smelling fresh.
• Flea and Tick Deterrence: Some essential oils have insect-repelling properties that can help deter fleas and ticks.
• Muscle and Joint Support: Diluted essential oils applied topically may help soothe sore muscles and joints, offering relief from arthritis or injuries when gently massaged onto your dog.

What Essential Oils Are Safe For Dogs

Essential oils safe for dogs	Main Benefits
Lavender	Promotes restful sleep Helps calm down pets with anxiety or aggression.
Chamomile	Helps calm your pet during nervousness, panic, restlessness, or excitement. Promotes restful sleep
Frankincense	Helps improve mood when the pet is experiencing anger, fear, or irritability
Clary sage	Helps ease emotional distress Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties help maintain skin health
Cedarwood	Helps keep ticks and other insects at bay Helps stimulate circulation and support skin health
Ginger	Helps reduce muscular discomfort and joint pain. Topical applications aids digestion
Marjoram	Helps keep ticks and other insects at bay Topical application helps calm inflammations and reduce digestive discomfort
Myrrh	Helps calm the skin Promotes alertness and improves the sense of security.
Valerian	Known to support wound healing when used topically. Calms the pet during times of restlessness, excitement or hyperactivity

What Essential Oils Are Bad for Dogs

Essential oils are very concentrated versions of plant compounds. This potency can overwhelm a dog's sensitive sense of smell and irritate their respiratory system. What might be a safe amount for humans can be toxic for dogs. Essential oils have to be diluted extensively before using it for pet wellness. Try using essential oils that are specifically designed for pets. 

Certain essential oils contain phenol components that are particularly toxic to dogs. A dog’s liver has trouble breaking down phenol compounds. They tend to store it up which then turns toxic. Essential oils that are unsafe for dogs are as follows, Tea tree, Birch, Wintergreen, Oregano, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Rosemary, Thyme, Eucalyptus.

It's important to remember that our canine companions are much more sensitive. Their powerful sense of smell and faster metabolisms can make essential oils harmful if not used correctly. If you're considering using essential oils in your home, consult your vet first to ensure the safety of your furry friend. Always use pet-safe essential oils that are crafted specifically for pets.

Essential oils for Dog Odor: 

Our beloved canine companions bring endless joy, but let's be honest, they can develop less-than-desirable aromas from time to time.  Dietary indiscretions, ear infections, or simply rolling in something unpleasant can leave your pup a little funky. Thankfully, some essential oils like pet lavender, pet cedarwood, and pet chamomile essential oils offer a natural solution to tackle dog odor, thanks to their deodorizing properties and fresh scents.

Ways to use essential oils to eliminate pet odors

Add a few drops of diluted essential oil to your dog's shampoo during bath time.

Make a DIY deodorizing spray using white vinegar and water (50/50 dilution). You can add a few drops of a dog-safe essential oil for a pleasant scent.

Essential Oils For Dog Anxiety and Stress: 

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. Signs of anxiety in dogs include excessive licking, chewing, and barking, as well as irritability and restlessness. Leaving your dog alone unaccompanied when you’re away at work gives them separation anxiety causing them to tear up clothes and shoes or pee in the house. 

Pet Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, or clary sage can help soothe these symptoms, whether diffused in the air or applied topically. A dab of pet-safe essential oil on your dog's calming cone or collar during vet trips can create a calming atmosphere, easing their anxiety in the car.

Always consult with your veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog for anxiety or stress management. 

Ways to use essential oils for pet anxiety

Essential oils for dog joint pain - Oils that aid pet pain relief 

Our beloved canine companions bring us endless joy, but as they age, many can develop a common complaint – joint pain. This discomfort can significantly impact their mobility and quality of life. Joint pain in dogs can stem from various sources, including old age, arthritis, and injuries like sprains or ligament tears. Larger breeds are particularly susceptible due to their increased body weight, which puts more stress on their joints, accelerating cartilage wear and tear. 

Essential oils like helichrysum, cedarwood, or ginger, help in soothing aches and pains. 

Recognizing the signs of joint pain in dogs is crucial for early intervention. Symptoms may include limping or stiffness, especially after exercise or rest, difficulty navigating stairs, reduced activity levels, and even behavioral changes like irritability or whining. To alleviate their discomfort, exploring natural remedies such as essential oils could provide the necessary support.

Always consult with your veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog for pain management. Ensure proper dilution of essential oils and monitor your dog for any signs of sensitivity or adverse reactions. Essential oils should complement other preventive measures for effective pain relief for dogs.

Ways to use essential oils for pet pain relief

Dilute pet-safe essential oils cedarwood, or ginger with coconut carrier oil. Massage the mixture onto your dog's affected joints to promote circulation and relieve pain. 

Add a few drops of pet-friendly essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, or frankincense to a diffuser filled with water. Let the calming aroma disperse in the room to reduce stress and discomfort associated with joint pain in dogs.

Essential oils for dog skin allergies and wounds :

Essential oils can be beneficial for managing dog skin allergies, which can arise from various sources such as environmental factors, food sensitivities, or interactions with other animals. Certain essential oils like clary sage and marjoram possess antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help address skin issues. Helichrysum is known for its antibacterial qualities and ability to support skin rejuvenation. Valerian is effective for wound healing. Additionally, pet-safe essential oils like frankincense, cedarwood, and myrrh can assist in combating skin allergies and maintaining a healthy skin coat.

Always consult with your veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog, especially if they have pre-existing skin conditions or are prone to allergies. Proper dilution and application techniques are crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of essential oil use for skin allergies in dogs. 

Ways to use essential oils for dog skin allergies and wounds

Dilute the chosen essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Apply a small amount of the diluted mixture directly to the affected area of your dog's skin using gentle massage motions. This method can help soothe irritation and promote healing.

Add a few drops of pet-friendly essential oil to your dog's bathwater. Ensure the oils are well-diluted in the water before bathing your dog. This can help calm irritated skin and maintain overall skin health.

Essential Oils For Fleas And Ticks On Dogs : 

One play date with the dog down the street and there are ten not-so-friendly insects on them! Dogs catch fleas and ticks like honey flies. Essential oils can be effective in repelling fleas and ticks from dogs, preventing these pesky insects from causing discomfort and potential health issues. Neem oil, known for its bitterness and strong odor, serves as a natural repellent that not only keeps fleas and ticks away but also reduces excessive biting and scratching in dogs. Lavender, cedarwood, and marjoram are other essential oils commonly used to combat fleas on dogs. 

Always consult with your veterinarian before using essential oils on your dog for flea and tick control. Ensure proper dilution of essential oils and monitor your dog for any signs of sensitivity or adverse reactions. Essential oils should complement other preventive measures for effective flea and tick management in dogs.

Ways to use essential oils for ticks and fleas on dogs

Create a diluted essential oil spray by mixing a few drops of cedarwood, or marjoram essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your dog's coat with the mixture before outdoor activities to repel fleas and ticks. Avoid spraying near the eyes, mouth, or sensitive areas.

Add a drop or two of a pet-safe essential oil like lavender or cedarwood to your dog's collar. The scent from the infused collar can act as a natural deterrent against fleas and ticks while your dog wears it.

Symptoms of Essential Oil Poisoning In Dogs :

Overdosing your dog with essential oils, accidental ingestion, or using an unsuitable oil might lead to toxin buildup in your dog. Dogs tend to store up the compounds they are unable to break down, which might lead to slow poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, irritability, fever, weakness and fatigue, muscle tremors. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, take them to the vet right away.

Best Carrier Oil for dogs 

When choosing a carrier oil for dogs, it's important to select one that is safe, gentle, and beneficial for their skin and coat. One of the best carrier oils for dogs is coconut oil. Coconut oil is naturally moisturizing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for soothing dry, irritated skin and promoting a healthy coat. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that can help improve skin health and provide relief from itching and irritation. Additionally, coconut oil can be easily absorbed into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. 

Two other commonly used carrier oils for dogs are olive oil and jojoba oil. Olive oil boasts a wealth of antioxidants and healthy fats, which can greatly aid in enhancing skin and coat health. Meanwhile, jojoba oil mirrors the natural oils found in a dog's skin, making it an exceptional option for hydrating and calming dry or irritated skin.

When using carrier oils for essential oils on dogs, ensure to start with a small amount and monitor for any signs of sensitivity or adverse reactions.

Things To Remember When Using Essential Oils Around Dogs:

• Be sure to research the oil you choose to use well before you use it around or on your dog. 
• Some essential oils are not safe around pets. 
• Do not use any essential oil on puppies or pregnant dogs.
• Always consult a veterinarian before introducing essential oils or any new natural fragrance around pets.
• Monitor their behavior and response for the first half an hour after you introduce them to the oil. 
• Keep the diffuser in a well-ventilated area to make sure the fragrance isn’t too overpowering for the dog, remember they are much more sensitive to smell compared to us.
• A little goes a long way for pets. So just use a couple of drops in the diffusers or dilute extensively using carrier oil for topical use. 

Don't be deterred from trying essential oils with your pets due to concerns about misuse. Many dogs have experienced a relaxed and happy state of mind from using pet-friendly essential oils safely and appropriately. Try our pet-safe incense sticks too for pet wellness!

FAQ about essential oils for dogs

1. Are essential oils safe for dogs?

   Yes, essential oils are safe for dogs when used properly. However, certain oils can be toxic and should be avoided.  Explore our range of pet-safe essential oils. 

2. Is eucalyptus oil safe for dogs? 

   No, eucalyptus oil is toxic to dogs and should not be used.

3. Are frankincense and myrrh safe for dogs?

   Yes, pet frankincense and pet myrrh essential oils are generally safe for dogs when diluted properly.

4. Is cedarwood essential oil safe for dogs?

   Yes, pet cedarwood oil is safe for dogs in diluted amounts and can help repel fleas and ticks.

5. Is lavender safe for dogs?

   Yes, pet lavender essential oil is generally safe for dogs when diluted properly. It's a popular choice for promoting relaxation and alleviating anxiety.

6. Is peppermint oil safe for dogs?

   Peppermint oil has menthol content which can irritate the skin and respiratory system. It's best to avoid peppermint oil or consult with your veterinarian before using peppermint oil on your dog.