How to Know If Essential Oils are Good For Your Dog

It’s all the rage!  Essential oils  

There is an essential oil to cure every ailment out there it seems.   You also see essential oils being used in household cleaning products, candles, air fresheners,  personal care products, and more!  

But do you know if they are safe for your pet?  

Amidst the sea of information and sometimes, yes, misinformation, I want to encourage you to arm yourself with solid information that will help keep your pet safe and happy around essential oils.  

What exactly is an essential oil anyway?  

Essentialoilhaven.com says, “Essential oils are the highly concentrated version of the natural oils in plants.”  

Extracting the oils from a plant is done with a process called distillation.   Normally, water or steam along with parts of the plants, including the root, stem, and flowers, are used.      The result is a highly concentrated amount of the essential oil.    The oil has the same fragrance and healing properties that the plant itself carries.    These oils have been used as early as 4500 B.C. for their medicinal benefits.  

In current times, many people rely on essential oils to help them with health issues like anxiety, depression, sinus infections, menopause, tight muscles, and more.     Some veterinarians are even incorporating lavender into towels and exam rooms to calm their anxious patients.  

So, are essential oils safe for your pet?  

This is a loaded question at best.   Have you ever heard that "too much of a good thing can be bad for you"?   Well, it’s no different for essential oils and your pet.     

You should:  

• Always dilute oils with a carrier oil first before applying to your pet.   A carrier oil are oils like vegetable, coconut, olive, or grape seed.     The smaller the dog, the more carrier oil you should add.   
  • If your dog weighs 76 - 90 lbs, mix 2 to 4 drops essential with 1 to 2 drops carrier.
  • If your dog weighs 46 - 75 lbs, mix 2 drops essential with 2 drops carrier oil.
  • If your dog weighs 26 - 45 lbs, mix 1 or 2 drops essential with 2 to 4 drops carrier.
  • If your dog weighs 0 - 25 lbs, mix 1 drop essential with 4 drops of carrier.
• Closely follow manufacturer’s directions on oil diffusers
• Know which oils are considered safe for your pet
• Monitor your pet for symptoms of an reaction to oils
• Never enclose your pet with a diffuser - they should have a way to get to fresh air

• Avoid essential oils on puppies 10 weeks or younger
• Never pour essential oils in your pet’s water or food
• Check with your vet first if your dog has any ongoing health issues
• Never use close to their eyes, ears, nose, or genital areas.

Which oils can I use?  

7 Essential Oils that are considered generally safe for your dog:  

• Cardamom - helps with heartburn and nasua
• Cedarwood - Improves circulation, strengthens kidneys, calms, expectorant for kennel cough
• Chamomile - great for allergic reactions
• Lavender - Relaxes your pet and creates a soothing environment, great for car rides

• Lemongrass - repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitos
• Spearmint (NOT FOR CATS) - supports weight loss and aids in gastrointestinal issues
• Thyme - great for arthritis and infections

​

Some Oils to avoid for all animals:  

• Birch
• Bitter Almond
• Camphor
• Cloves
• Garlic

• Horseradish
• Hyssop
• Juniper
• Mustard
• Oregano
• Sassafras
• Tea Tree
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood
• Yarrow

If your pet gets an overdose of an essential oil, it could become toxic to them and make them sick.    

Some symptoms that may occur:

• Vomiting
• Drooling

• Lethargic and/or weak
• Diarrhea
• Pawing at their face or mouth
• A decrease in their body temperature

If you suspect that your pet is sick due to exposure to an essential oil, you should take them to a vet right away.  You will also want to take the essential oil(s) that they were exposed to so that your vet will know exactly how to help your pet.

Essential oils can have awesome health benefits for both you and your pet.   But it's important for you to educate yourself on which oils can safely be used with your pet and which oils to avoid.   You should also pay close attention to diluting the oil the proper way so that you do not overexpose your pet and make them sick. 

Have you used essential oils to help your pet?   We would love to hear what works for you and your pet.

Comment below!...

(We always strive to provide meaningful content to help your pet!  You might enjoy these reads too: How to Exploit Helpless Animals for more Pathetic Pleasure, Chloe Will Steal Your Heart with her Amazing Smile, 7 Sensational Reasons to Live with a Loving Dog, and How to Organize Your Pet like a Proven Pro.)

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