One of the greatest gifts from the world of plants is essential oil. Although not all plants produce essential oils, those that do offer a natural solution to a variety of physical and mental ailments.
For thousands of years various cultures worldwide have used essential oils. Ancient Egyptian documents record their use, while Hippocrates, the father of medicine, wrote about using them in his medical practice. It is believed that they have been used since before recorded history.
But what about using essential oils for our beloved dogs? Are they safe? Do they work? Which ones are beneficial?
In this article, we will unpack the best essential oils for dogs and how you can safely use them to improve your pup’s health and remedy minor ailments naturally.
What are plant essential oils?
Plant essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile liquids obtained from various parts of plants, such as flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and fruit.
They consist of primarily aromatic compounds, including terpenes and phenylpropanoids. These volatile compounds have unique therapeutic properties and are used for aromatherapy and various wellness applications.
How are essential oils commonly used for human wellness?
Essential oils help improve overall health in humans in various ways.
Here are some of the most common uses:
1. Aromatherapy: Essential oils are used for aromatherapy, which involves inhaling the oil’s aroma to help reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and other negative emotions.
2. Skin Care: Certain essential oils can be used in skin care products as they have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Some oils are thought to reduce wrinkles, promote collagen production and provide antioxidant protection against environmental toxins or free radicals.
3. Immune Support: Essential oils such as tea tree, oregano, and frankincense are believed to support the immune system by helping fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could make us ill.
4. Digestive Health: Essential oils such as peppermint can be used for GI issues like nausea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The oil is thought to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which helps relieve discomfort and promote regularity.
The best essential oils for my pup and how to use them
Essential oils are potent. When pet parents take all the necessary precautions, these oils can be used with dogs in diffusers and applied topically in a properly diluted spray or salve.
Here are some of the best oils for your pup’s first aid and wellness holistic kit.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil, steam distilled from plant flowers, is known for its powerful calming properties. It also provides antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti0inflammatory benefits.
Dr. Roark, a holistic veterinarian, uses lavender essential oil in her practice,
“Lavender essential oil can be used for all things calming. Whether your animal is anxious or has stress in their lives, is fearful of loud noises, or gets very excited when company visits, lavender may be helpful. It helps relax muscles that are tense and soothes skin that is irritated or damaged. It is emotionally used to help calm insecurities, fear, tension, and blockages. This oil is excellent to use in transitions such as bringing a new puppy home that may miss their mother…or if you are moving to a new home or apartment.”
For calming, diffuse lavender or combine with a carrier oil and
Additional uses of the lavender essential oil include calming inflammation of hot spots, soothing itchy skin and relaxing muscles. Combine with a carrier oil and give your dog a relaxing and therapeutic massage.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage essential oil is extracted from the buds and leaves of the clary sage plant, scientifically known as Salvia sclarea. It has a sweet, nutty aroma and calming properties. When combined with lavender in a diffuser, it can help calm down your pup, or use diluted as a spritz to cool down on a hot day. Because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, mixing with a carrier oil such as coconut oil can help relieve itchy skin spots.
Copaiba
Copaiba essential oil is obtained from the resin of the Copaifera Officinalis tree, which grows in South America and parts of Central America. The oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiseptic properties, making it beneficial for treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
Additionally, it can be used to reduce muscle spasms, ease joint pain and soothe sore throats. Its most popular use is to improve the health of the respiratory system. Copaiba essential oil can also be used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Make salve using coconut oil and use it for minor wounds and cuts. Add a few drops of oil to your pup’s bathwater to help resolve itchy and stinky skin.
Sweet Orange
Sweet orange essential oil is derived from the peel of the fruit of the Citrus Sinensis tree. It has a sweet, citrus aroma and is known for its energizing and uplifting properties. Use it to help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Diffuse it when your pup is feeling overwhelmed.
Additional oils generally considered safe for dogs
- Chamomile
- Valerian
- Marjoram
- Ginger
- Myrrh
- Frankincense
Safety precautions
It is important to always consult a veterinarian before using essential oils on dogs.
According to Dr. Shelton, an internationally recognized holistic veterinarian, the oil quality makes a tremendous difference. Always use essential oils tested for purity by a reputable company and steam distilled.
“Certainly, any essential oil that would be more towards a ‘fragrance-grade’ oil – will have the potential to cause long term problems….In homes with a lot of air freshener and artificial fragrance use, these lesser essential oils are akin to spraying perfume on your [pet] and wondering why that didn’t bode well. And it is just unfortunate in the current market of essential oils that there are so many poor grade essential oils being sold as high quality.”
Here are some additional safety guidelines to use with your furry friend.
- Don’t use oils on puppies under six months
- Don’t use oils on or around pregnant or nursing dogs
- Don’t use oils around small dogs frequently
- Never use oils undiluted
- Always start with low dilutions
- Never use oils around dog’s nose, mouth, ears, or private parts
- Don’t put essential oils in your dog’s mouth
How to safely diffuse oils for your pup
Know that your dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than yours. This means diffusing 15 drops of essential oil is like 100,000 drops to your furry friend. Here are some tips to help you reap the benefits of essential oils by safely diffusing
- Place your diffuser where your pup can’t reach it.
- Diffuse only in a well-ventilated area.
- Be sure your pup has a way out of the room where oil is being diffused.
- Never leave a diffuser running when you leave the house.
- Diffuse for 10 – 15 minutes intermittently.
- Use a passive diffuser – like a reed diffuser when possible.
How to safely dilute oils for your pup
Before applying any essential oils topically, they must be diluted. Use one drop of oil for every 1.5 tablespoons of carrier oil. Safe carrier oils for dogs include,
- Aloe vera
- Coconut oil
- Avocado oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Sunflower oil
- Borage oil
Before applying broadly, always do a patch test using a dime-size amount of diluted oil. Allow 24 hours for any adverse side effects to appear, such as pawing, coughing, sneezing, drooling, vomiting, low body temperature, or weakness.
Essential oils to avoid with pets
It is important to note that animals metabolize essential oils differently than humans. This means that some oil produces adverse side effects for our furry friends. Avoid these oils
| Birch Oil | Cinnamon Oil | Juniper Berry Oil | Pine Oil | Spike Lavender Oil |
| Cajeput Oil | Citronella Oil | Nerolina Oil | Rosalina Oil | Spruce Oil |
| Camphor Oil | Clove Bud Oil | Niaouli Oil | Rosemary Oil | Tea Tree Oil |
| Cassia Oil | Eucalyptus Oil | Oregano Oil | Sage Oil | Thyme Oil |
| Celery Seed Oil | Fir Needle Oil | Peppermint Oil | Spearmint Oil | Wintergreen Oil |
Note: If you are unsure whether or not a particular oil or brand of oil is safe for your pup, always consult a veterinarian first.
