Everyone’s quick to recommend essential oils for almost any condition, from arthritis to separation anxiety. But not all essential oils are good for dogs. In fact, some oils can be dangerous. So, what essential oils are safe for dogs? Here’s the information you need about essential oils, which ones are safe for dogs and which aren’t, plus how to use them safely on or around your dog.
What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants, usually by water or steam distillation. They’re the essence of the plant, with many different functions, such as protecting the plant from predators and pathogens, because plants can’t move to escape threats. Essential oils are expensive because it takes so much plant material to make them. For example, it takes about 250 lbs of lavender flower to make 1 lb of lavender essential oil. This is why essential oils are so powerful.
Essential oils can help your dog with many issues but they’re also very powerful. Be sure to use safe handling principles or consult an aromatherapy expert so that you don’t risk harming your dog. Always wash your hands after handling essential oils.
Caution: Because essential oils are so popular, there are some bad manufacturers. Some oils can contain contaminants or adulterants, and can cause a more serious adverse reaction. Always use high quality oils from reputable companies. A good company will be happy to answer questions about their product. Your dog’s sense of smell is hundreds of times more sensitive than yours so be sure to use diluted oils. Here’s canine herbalist Rita Hogan’s recommendation for topical use of essential oils: Use a 0.5% to a 1% dilution. This means 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of a carrier oil. She recommends using almond, coconut or apricot kernel oil. For internal use, read the cautions in the link below. RELATED: Be aware of the dangers of undiluted essential oils for dogs. Before using essential oils, check with your holistic vet if your dog has severe or persistent symptoms you’re trying to handle. Also, make sure your vet knows what other natural products you’re using for your dog. This will help you avoid any interactions with other remedies. Many essential oils have similar healing properties, so if your dog rejects one scent, there may be another one he tolerates better. And NEVER give these oils orally to your dog. Some are considered safe when used topically or diffused, but can still be toxic if licked or swallowed. Here are some essential oils that are safe for short-term or first aid use. Lavender: Calming, helps with anxiety and stress, burns, ulcers, insomnia, car ride anxiety and motion sickness. Cardamom: Aids in digestion, heartburn, nausea, colic, coughs and freshens breath. Fennel: Helps the adrenals and balances pituitary, thyroid and pineal glands. It can also break up toxins and fluid in tissue, supports digestion and freshens breath. Helichrysum: It’s anti-bacterial and can reduce bleeding after an accident, helps regenerate skin and repair nerves. It’s also useful in heart disease. Frankincense: This has helped some cases of cancer and works on the immune system. They’re often made with cheap waxes that release toxic gases into the air, and they often contain poor quality essential oils. Veterinarian Dr Richard Palmquist says this about essential oils and your dog: “Essential oils contain a host of biologically active and powerful compounds. Used correctly, they are an indispensable part of integrative medical care. However, they can cause undesirable and even dangerous side effects. This is why people using oils medically should seek specialized training.” So don’t think essential oils are safe because they are “natural.” Before you use them on your dog, you need to know which oils you can use … and how. How To Use Essential Oils For Dogs.Some essential oils have various benefits for dogs. For example, certain oils can reduce tumors and external ulcers, increase blood supply to the brain (but use caution as it can worsen high blood pressure). Anti-inflammatory properties help in cases of arthritis and asthma. Spearmint is preferable to peppermint as it is less pungent due to less menthol. It helps reduce weight, balance metabolism and stimulate the gallbladder.
It can also be used for colic, diarrhea and nausea. Chamomile is soothing and aids in relaxation and digestion. Ginger aids in digestion, relieves nausea and motion sickness. Lemon Balm is calming and aids in digestion and relaxation. Myrrh is antimicrobial and helps with skin infections and inflammation. Clary Sage is hormone-balancing and promotes relaxation. Marjoram supports muscle relaxation and eases pain. Valerian is calming and aids in anxiety and sleep issues. Patchouli soothes skin irritations and promotes relaxation. Bergamot is uplifting and helps with mood and anxiety. Rose or Rosewood promotes emotional balance and soothes skin. Sandalwood is calming, promotes relaxation and skin health. Neroli is calming, promotes relaxation and skin health. Sweet Orange or Tangerine is uplifting and helps with anxiety and depression. Lemongrass is an insect repellent and promotes calmness. Best Essential Oils To Repel Fleas and Mosquitoes: Lavender, lemongrass and peppermint (or spearmint) have strong scents to repel insects. Other options include Eucalyptus (in low dilutions and with caution as it supports respiratory health and repels insects), Cedarwood (repels fleas and ticks and promotes relaxation), Geranium (repels ticks and fleas and may help with skin conditions), Rosemary (supports cognitive function and repels fleas but don’t feed to dogs with epilepsy), Basil (supports focus and concentration and repels insects), Thyme (supports respiratory health and repels insects), Juniper Berry (supports urinary health and repels insects), Hyssop (supports respiratory health and repels insects but don’t feed). What Essential Oils Are Bad For Dogs? Dogs metabolize and react differently to essential oils. Some essential oils contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs if swallowed, inhaled or used topically. Always be cautious with so-called ‘hot’ oils like cinnamon, oregano, clove, wintergreen, thyme or birch. Cinnamon can cause irritation to the skin, mouth and digestive system and liver damage. Oregano can cause gastrointestinal upset, liver damage and skin irritation. Clove can cause liver damage, difficulty breathing and bleeding disorders. Wintergreen has aspirin-like effects, gastrointestinal issues and neurological problems. Thyme can cause gastrointestinal upset, irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Birch can cause skin irritation, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. In general, it’s safest to avoid these oils.Essential oils, while beneficial for humans, can pose serious health risks to dogs. This comprehensive guide outlines the dangers of various essential oils and provides advice on safe usage.
Tea Tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, can cause toxicity, skin irritation, and neurological problems in dogs. Eucalyptus oil may lead to respiratory distress, drooling, vomiting, and weakness. Clove oil can result in liver damage, difficulty breathing, and bleeding disorders. Cinnamon oil irritates the skin, mouth, and digestive system, and can also cause liver damage. Citrus oils, such as lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit, can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, and photosensitivity. Pennyroyal oil is particularly dangerous, leading to liver failure, seizures, organ damage, and miscarriage in pregnant dogs if ingested. Pine oil can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, vomiting, and weakness. Peppermint oil, when used in high concentrations, can lead to gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and respiratory issues. Camphor oil can cause neurological problems, seizures, and liver damage. Garlic consumption can lead to hemolytic anemia, gastrointestinal upset, and liver damage. Mustard oil can cause gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and oral burns. Nutmeg oil can depress the central nervous system, cause tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. Thuja oil contains a neurotoxin, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney damage. Basil oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and potential liver damage. Juniper oil can lead to kidney damage, gastrointestinal upset, and skin irritation. Citronella oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and potential central nervous system depression. Rue oil can cause gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and potential liver damage. Yarrow oil can irritate the skin and potentially cause gastrointestinal upset and liver damage. Tarragon oil can cause gastrointestinal upset and potential skin irritation. Dr. Palmquist emphasizes that pet owners often encounter problems with good intentions. Overusing essential oils can lead to unintentional overdose for pets, causing liver and kidney toxicity in sensitive species. To reduce sensitivity and organ toxicity, it is recommended to use an oil for no more than two weeks, followed by a rest period. In special circumstances, such as cancer treatment, oils may be used for longer periods, but this should be left to those trained in the use of oils. You can read Dr. Palmquist’s full article here.
