Essential oils for dogs: how to use them, which ones to choose
Essential oils can be a useful tool for taking care of our pets in a natural and genuine way.
"Dogs have a great instinct for essential oils and even seem to know which one is good for them. If you put a digestive essence on one hand and a pest control essence on the other, a dog with stomach problems will approach the hand with the more suitable essence for them," writes Valerie Ann Worwood in her Complete Guide to Aromatherapy.
However, it is important to know that dogs have a much more developed sense of smell than humans: they seem to possess about 200 million olfactory receptors, while humans have about one-twentieth of that. Furthermore, some plants can be harmful.
For these reasons, it is necessary to be very well informed before using essential oils on an animal.
In this article, we will thoroughly address the topic of aromatherapy for dogs: what benefits it brings, which essential oils to choose, how to use them, and which ones to strictly avoid.
Parasite-repellent essential oils
Let's start with a common need for anyone who owns a dog: the search for natural, effective, and easy-to-use repellents and parasite treatments. Essential oils are miraculous remedies against fleas, ticks, and other small parasites that love to take refuge in a dog's fur.
How to use them?
- Spray essential oil-based sprays on the fur, on a damp cloth, or on the brush used for cleaning
- Add a few drops of essential oil to dog shampoo
- Pour a couple of drops into the dog bed
- Spray Peppermint hydrosol or Lavender hydrosol daily
Below are the main parasite-repellent essential oils for dogs:
If you prefer them already diluted, you can opt for essential oil-based sprays:
Disinfecting cuts or wounds
If your dog has a cut or abrasion, you can disinfect the area with a solution of water (a basin) and Lavender essential oil. This essential oil is a natural, effective, and safe antiseptic. This way, if the dog licks the wound, it will not risk coming into contact with harmful substances.
Relaxing essential oils for dogs
Lavender is one of the ultimate relaxing essential oils, both for humans and dogs.
To help your dog relax, it is advisable to put one or two drops in their bed or on their favorite cushion. Furthermore, you can put a drop on the palms of your hands before cuddling them, so that they associate the pleasant moment with the scent of Lavender. This association will be very useful in stressful situations such as car trips, where you can use a drop of Lavender on the seat to make the dog feel safe.
Harmful and toxic essential oils
Some essential oils can be toxic to dogs. The level of toxicity always depends on the use and concentration: in general, it is not recommended to use pure essential oils in direct contact with fur, let alone orally.
In particular, we highlight Wintergreen essential oil as not very manageable for dogs, therefore we advise against its use. Another essential oil that can be toxic even in very small percentages is Tea Tree, which is very useful for treating some problems, but we recommend its use only under careful observation by a veterinarian and/or qualified personnel.
Can I use an essential oil diffuser with my dog?
Many people ask us if an aromatherapy diffuser can be used in the presence of dogs or cats. The answer is yes, as diffusers nebulize essential oil particles into the air, making the scent delicate. This is an indirect and completely safe use for the animal's health.
If a particular scent bothers the dog, they will let you know by changing rooms or positions. In this case, you can experiment with multiple essential oils and synergies until you find one that is agreeable to both of you.
Typically, essential oil diffusers are activated for a few hours a day and are not likely to saturate the environment. If you need to choose a model to buy, for those with a dog, we recommend ultrasonic diffusers. Thanks to the presence of water, these devices are even safer and more delicate.
A fragrant greeting,
Barbara - Olfattiva AromatherapistBibliography:
Essential oils and animals, possible applications and methods of use of essential oils and other aromatic plant products in companion animals, Dr. Morena Cena, Veterinarian
Concentrated tea tree oil toxicosis in dogs and cats: 443 cases (2002-2012), Safdar A Khan, Mary Kay McLean, Margaret R Slater
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