Welcome EO Friend!
By now you’ve probably heard that essential oils have lots and lots of uses.
Around here we use them to:
- clean the house
- balance our mood
- enhance our beauty routines
- replace over-the-counter medicines
- and even to flavor our food.
But did you know you can also use essential oils for dogs? That’s right, even man’s best friend can benefit from the amazing power of essential oils. Who knew?
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There are approximately 80 million dogs in the U.S. and about 40% of all households own at least one dog.
If you own a dog like we do you probably love him like a family member and want to give him the best life possible.
I was thrilled to find out that it is safe to use our beloved essential oils on our dog and that they can help with some occasional canine problems.
NOTE: Of course, I am not a veterinarian and if your dog has any serious injury or illness, please seek medical attention for your furry friend immediately.
Essential Oils For Dogs
Lavender–calming, relaxing, occasional skin irritations, repels ticks/fleas
Cedarwood–promotes clear,healthy skin, supports healthy respiratory function, calming, repels tick/fleas
Frankincense–supports healthy immune system, promotes relaxation
Helicrysum–helps skin recover quickly, helps relive tension, promotes circulation
Lemongrass–repels fleas/ticks, purifies and tones skin, soothes aching muscles and joints
Eucalyptus–assists with clear breathing, helps to lessen stress
Wintergreen–soothes achy muscles and joints, promotes healthy respiratory function
Only 1-2 drops of essential oils are necessary on most animals including dogs.
Their powerful sense of smell and sensitive systems respond more quickly to the oils than we humans do.
A carrier oil such as extra-virgin olive oil or fractionated coconut oil can be added to extend the oil over a large area or to dilute the essential oils for use on smaller dogs (like our chihuahua, Nico).
Essential Oil Recipes for Dogs
A lot of products sold for use on dogs contain nasty chemicals you probably don’t want to use on your furry friend. Here are just a few ideas of easy DIY recipes you can make yourself.
Dog Shampoo
1 cup water
2 tbsp. castile soap
5 dr. lavender
4 dr. peppermint
5 dr. cedarwood
Mix all ingredients together in a glass dispenser. It will appear watery but use like regular shampoo.
Insect Repellent
2 cups water
8 dr. lavender
7 dr. peppermint
Put ingredients in a 16 oz. glass spray bottle. Mist dog everyday avoiding eyes and nose. Spray on bedding or dog clothes as well.
Anxiety Blend
1 tbsp. olive oil
6 dr. lavender
5 dr. roman chamomile
4 dr. marjoram
Combine ingredients, then apply a few drops of solution to your palms. Massage into dog’s armpits, toe pads, outer edges of ears and thighs.
Training Tip
Next time your dog engages in an activity he really enjoys (going on a walk, a ride in the car, eating, playing fetch) get out the lavender EO.
Place a drop on your hand and rub it along his neck, on the tops of his paws and the bridge of his nose (being careful to avoid his eyes). Then put a drop on your hands and rub them together.
Before he starts the fun activity, put your hand in front of his nose. If he turns his head away that’s okay, don’t force it.
Let him start the activity but every few minutes have him stop and smell your hand. You are teaching him to associate the smell of lavender with something that makes him happy.
Do this every time he does something he enjoys over the next week or two. You can even add in a few rub-downs with lavender on your hands to reinforce the association because who doesn’t love a rub-down?
Now that you have taught your dog to associate the smell of lavender with something positive, you can use it to your advantage.
Next time your dog is about to embark on a stressful situation, put lavender on your hands and rub it on his neck, the top of his paws, the bridge of his nose and down his spine.
Not only will the smell trigger a positive association, but lavender itself lowers stress by lowering cortisol levels. While you’re at it, put a little lavender on the bottom of your feet and back of your neck since it lowers cortisol in humans too.
Because while we love our dogs like family, just like family they can stress us out too.
Jennifer Johnson says
This is great our dogs have major thunderstorm anxiety! I look forward to trying these out on them.
Jessica Simmons says
I really liked this post. I have a very anxious furbaby, and we are fixing to move from the country into the city and I was nervous about her anxiety getting worse from the new noises. I am going to get the anxiety oils and start using them on her. Thanks.
Leah says
That’s great Jessica–it should definitely help. Good luck and please keep me posted.
–Leah
Robin King says
Please If posting EO for dogs you should also let your readers know about the EOs Never to use on them as well. Only so no dog is harmed or worse because some people may think all oils are OK for their dogs and this is not the case. Thank you, I enjoy the recipes and information you share.
The Future Mrs. Vines says
I found out how to use essential oils on my dog before I knew I could use them. He had a bad case of fleas and I had tried everything. The mixture of approved essential oils for dogs that I used helped, but he was severely infested. Fortunately, this was several years ago.
The anxiety blend might come in handy. My dog tends to get separation anxiety from time to time when our schedules change. I’ll give it a whirl!
Leah says
Separation anxiety is actually common with dogs, mine included. Definitely try it out on your pooch and let me know how it goes. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
http://www./ says
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Carolyn says
The first time I’ve heard about it, it sounds great. I would try it soon.
Leah says
Great Carolyn! Let me know how it goes.
–Leah
Donna huff says
What is a oil combo to spray my dogs when they come in the house from the yard. Especially in winter months. They come in smelling from the yard.
Leah says
Hi Donna–thanks for your question. odors are caused by bacteria and since most EOs are ant-bacterial you can use anything form the list above. I personally would go for frankincense, lavender or cedarwood or a combination of those as they can also help repel ticks and fleas as well as help your dogs relax. Hope that helps. 🙂
–Leah
Susan says
Ylang Ylang is also good for anxiety, stress and depression in dogs. Great post!
Leah says
Thanks for the tip Susan! Ylang ylang is an awesome oil and will be added to the list. 🙂
–Leah
Bob says
hi thanks for your great. Ess oil blends
I am selling diffusers at markets in Melbourne Australia
These blends will help with marketing
Thank you so much
Regards Bob hall
Leah says
You’re welcome Bob! I would love to visit your beautiful country someday and I wish you great success with your business. Come back soon!
–Leah
Krys Bearden says
Leah, thank you for all your wonderful info!
Please research EO’s for pets a little more. Some are very dangerous for them. I know for sure eucalyptus, lavender, lemon & orange are. I feel sure the amount makes a difference but I have a friend who diffused some eucalyptus & she had to rush her cat to the Vet. Last I heard her cat had to have fluids, antibiotics & other medicine & still wasn’t able to walk straight or breathe properly. They didn’t know if he would ever be the same. Some Vets are not even aware of these complications.
Thanks, Krys
LisaE says
Thank you for the information. It’s nice to see simple recipes with just a few essential ingredients instead of a million things of which I’ve never heard. I then have to research them and buy if necessary or start all over. You keep it sweet and simple and I appreciate that, as I’m just beginning to learn about essential oils. I, of course, love my fuzzies quite passionately and don’t want to harm them while trying to do better than what is offered in stores.
Susan Ashby says
Hi. Do you have an eo for a depressed dog? We lost his sister and im worried.
Thank you
Susan