You may have heard about the importance of using essential oils for humans. But, did you know that they have the same effects on dogs too?! Well, here, I will tell you some interesting facts about the essential oils for dogs and some tips too!
First, let’s know what essential oils are; they are some oils extracted from various plants and can be used for several purposes. The essential oils are mainly found in the roots, stems, nuts, leaves, and seeds of the plant and they are highly recommended for healing purposes.
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How to use essential oils for dogs?
If you’re planning to start using essential oils for dogs, keep in mind the less you use, the better result you get. Make sure you’re using essential oils that are 100% pure. Make sure you stick to the following precautions about using essential oils for dogs:
- Don’t get close to the eyes, ears, nose or genitals
- Better to avoid using essential oils for pregnant dogs
The Best Essential Oils That Perfectly Safe for Dogs
When it comes to the diagnosis of animal diseases, vets always know the best. So, as a start, you should consult your vet about your dog’s situation. However, the following essential oils for dogs are perfectly safe to use. AGAIN, do not use any of these essential oils before getting your vet’s approval.
- Lavender Oil
Lavender is considered one of the safest and most recommended essential oil for dogs that you are highly recommended to use. That delicate oil can be used to help your dog fight anxiety, for example, if your dog has troubles while riding the car or suffers from car sickness, this essential oil can gently make your dog calm down. In addition, this gentle essential oil has a magical effect on fleas so using it with your dog will repel fleas and ticks.
- Spearmint Oil
After consulting your pet, you can use spearmint essential oil to help your dog lose some weight and also to fight some issues like Diarrhea. Spearmint is known as an effective aid in balancing the metabolism and stimulating the bladder as well.
- Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass is famous for repelling insects like fleas and ticks that could lead to serious diseases like Lyme disease. Just remember to consult your vet before applying it on your dog’s body and make sure the drops will be around 2 – 3 drops maximum in a spray bottle.
- Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is also a safe essential oil that can be used for dogs. It’s well-known for its effectiveness as an insect repellent. It stimulates the circulation and perfect for back pains. It can be perfectly used with dogs who have separation issues or generally shy.
- Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is less effective than other essential oils on this list, however, it’s considered a perfect all-around oil. You can use it to help your dog calm down and fight anxiety. Moreover, it has been used in some serious cases like cancer to reduce tumors and to strengthen the immune system.
- Cardamom Oil
Cardamom oil is famous for its effectiveness and several benefits to the digestive system. Vets consider it safe for dogs as it helps to maintain ideal gastrointestinal balance, calm stomach upsets and elevate the mood of anxious dogs.
Some Tips to Follow While Using Essential Oils for Dogs
Keep in mind, before using any of the essential oils for dogs, these safety tips:
- They must be 100% pure
- Dogs are more sensitive to essential oils than human, so never use the same amount of drops that you use for yourself.
- Essential oils should be diluted before using.
- Do not apply any of the essential oils around the ears, eyes, nose, or genital areas.
- Use them for your dogs, ONLY, when they’re diagnosed with some health issues and after getting approval from your vet.
- Do not use them for small dogs or puppies under the age of 10 weeks.
- Do not add essential oils for a dog to your dog’s food or a drinking bowl.
15 Essential Oils You Should Avoid on Any Animal!
- Bitter Almond (Prunus dulcis)
- Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
- Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
- Cassia (Cassia fistula)
- Rue (Ruta graveolens)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Thuja (Thuja occidentalis)
- Savory (Satureja)
- Juniper (Juniperus sp. with the exception of Juniper Berry)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)
- Boldo (Peumus boldus)
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- Tea Tree Oil
The bottom line
Before using any essential oils for dogs, make sure to consult your vet because they know your dog’s health condition and will definitely recommend what’s the best for them.
Click here to learn how to bathe your dog without getting yourself soaked, we know it happens.
Make sure to share this with all the dog owners you know to spread the awareness!
