In this health-conscious age, essential oils are a popular method for natural healing. However, when you’re a pet parent, you have to be equally conscious of what’s safe for your dog to be around and ingest.
If you’re a believer in essential oils, it makes sense that you’d want to include your furry family in your health routines. Especially when they’re always at your side, looking up at you with those huge, pleading eyes as they silently ask to share whatever you’re doing.
Before you let your dog sample your essential oils, make sure you know which ones may end up doing more harm than good for your pup.
Why aren’t Essential Oils Safe for My Dog?
Essential oils are concentrated organic compounds made of plants. Since they’re natural, that should make them safe for anyone, right? Wrong! Here’s the clincher; not all essential oils are made of 100% natural products. Some brands may mix oils with other ingredients or additives that preserve.
Also, even all-natural essential oils can be risky for pets. Cats especially are more sensitive to essential oils, and it’s unsafe to use many of these oils around them. Dogs are a little less sensitive to essential oils, but it depends on the type of oil and the type of dog.
If you have an extremely curious pup or one that’s prone to getting allergies, even the safe essential oils may prove a risk to your pet.
Which Essential Oils are Safe for Dogs?
Despite the risks of using essential oils around your pets, there are some types of oils that are normally safe for your pup to share with you. Some of the oils that are safe for dogs are:
- Frankincense (good for almost anyone, even cats)
- Myrrh
- Chamomile
- Lavender (also safe for cats)
- Rosemary (safe for cats)
- Ginger
- Bergamot
- Lemon
- Clary Sage
Using Essential Oils on Your Dog
Essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or grapeseed oil, before using them on your dog. The best method of ensuring your dog gets some benefits from the oils is to put 1-2 drops of the essential oil into a diffuser. Make sure the diffuser is several feet away from your pup, but close enough for them to reap the benefits.
Essential Oils on Dog’s Skin
Some resources say that applying some diluted oil on your hands, then rubbing your dog’s coat or skin, will be mild enough not to cause any bad effects. Other sources, like PetMD, say to never put an essential oil directly on your dog’s coat.
Your dog may lick the oil and end up ingesting too much, which can cause digestive issues or other problems. If you decide to try it, dilute the oil well (one drop of essential oil to one tablespoon of coconut oil). Rub the oily hands on your dog in an area away from the nose, mouth, and eyes, and where your dog can’t easily lick.
Drinking Water
People use essential oils by applying a few drops into their drinking water. If you try this route, be sure that the oil is 100% therapeutic, and only use one or two drops. Always watch your pup afterwards to ensure there are no bad side effects.
Other Uses
If you are unsure about the above ways of using essential oils, you can always sprinkle a drop or two of “safe” oils on your dog’s personal items. Placing the oil on a bandana, harness, collar, or even the blanket in your pup’s bedding or kennel, can be especially helpful when using calming oils like lavender.
Which Essential Oils are Unsafe For My Dog?
Even without possible allergic reactions, some essential oils are toxic to your dog. Whether ingested or inhaled, these oils can be dangerous for your pup. You should complete avoid the following:
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Hyssop
- Citrus
- Pine
- Sweet Birch
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca)
- Ylang Ylang
- Lemongrass
When looking up which oils may or may not be safe for your dog or cat, you will find some differences of opinion. Peppermint, for instance, is listed in several sources as being safe for dogs. Yet it is on the unsafe list for PetMD.
When in doubt, always consult your vet before using any oils that don’t show up as safe on all lists. Also, if your dog gets into an oil that’s toxic to them, treat it like any poisoning situation and contact your vet immediately.
Remember that dogs are sensitive to smells. Even if you may want your pup to share your special essential oils, they may not like the smell. If your pup avoids the room with the diffuser, avoid using that oil around them. You can try introducing the oil to your dog gradually, but only use it on your dog once they don’t mind the smell.
Final Thoughts
Some essential oils can be used in safe ways around your dog. If your furry family enjoys the smell, some oils can even make your pup feel more calm and relaxed.So if you’re an essential oil enthusiast, there may be ways to share that part of you with your beloved dog.