Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
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If you have a senior dog or one with a lot of health issues, you may like the idea of trying dog aromatherapy. With more people turning to holistic treatments for themselves as well as their pets, you’re definitely not alone.
But you might be wondering, “Are essential oils safe for dogs to smell?”
And that’s a good question to be asking.
While most oils are safe for us humans to smell, some can be very toxic to dogs.
The short answer is that aromatherapy can be safe for your dog as long as you follow certain precautions.
How Does Aromatherapy For Dogs Work?
Like with humans, aromatherapy targets the dog’s limbic system- the part of the brain that regulates emotions.
That’s why it’s so popular for alleviating anxiety and aggression in dogs.
It can also be used for fungal overgrowth and repelling pests such as ticks and fleas.
One quick note is that essential oils are not as limited or as specific as traditional medicines.
They can often help with more than one issue and this is no exception when it comes to aromatherapy for dogs.
Basic Safety Precautions When Using Aromatherapy For Dogs
A dog’s sense of smell is up to 10,000 times better than ours because they have up to 40 times more scent receptors than ours.
As a result, what’s a mild smell to us can be very overpowering to a dog.
Aromatherapy is particularly fast-acting for dogs because whatever they smell is circulated straight into their bloodstream.
If you do use a diffuser, run it for only ten minutes and then let the air clear for 30. Oil diffusers work by mixing the oils with water vapor to release the gases into the air. As a result, if you leave your diffuser on around your dog for too long, it can cause pneumonia.
Never leave it any place where it could be knocked over.
Also, your dog could mistake the oil for flavored water so never leave it any place where your dog could lick it. If a dog ingests oil, it can cause chemical burns in their mouths, throats, and stomach.
Always use 100 percent pure oils for maximum benefit.
Never apply one directly on your dog’s body without diluting it. It causes chemical burns on their skin. The usual recommended amount is one ounce of carrier oil to up to six drops of the essential oil. However, it depends on the size and condition of your dog. More carrier oil is recommended if your dog is a puppy, a senior dog, or has a health condition.
Aromatherapy isn’t recommended if your dog has a seizure disorder.
If your dog does get a drop of pure oil on its skin, grab a paper towel or a washcloth, wet it with a hand dishwashing soap, and wipe it off.
You probably wouldn’t appreciate it if you rubbed an essential too close to the eyes, nose, ear holes, or genitalia. Well, guess what? Neither would your dog. If oil does happen to get in their eyes, try rubbing fractionated coconut oil someplace near-but not directly on-the eyes.
If you have any reason to believe that your dog has had a toxic exposure to or has ingested oil, take it to your local veterinarian immediately.
Above all, if you’re unsure, please check with your veterinarian first.
What Essential Oils Are Safe For Dogs?
Safe essential oils for dogs include ones that contain ingredients that have been found to boost their immunity naturally over the centuries.
Frankincense
Frankincense boosts their health and immunity. It also helps to relieve digestive and stress issues.
Myrrh
Myrrh has been found to be particularly good for dogs with skin irritation issues. It has natural antiseptic qualities with astringents, which makes it a natural wound cleanser.
Ginger
Ginger has similar effects for dogs as it does for humans. It helps to alleviate digestion issues and clear the respiratory systems. It also helps with arthritis and joint pain.
Lavender
Lavender is often said to be the Swiss Army knife of essential oils. It can help with everything from motion sickness to wound care. It can kill motion sickness and anxiety if applied during the onset of either. One of the nicest ways to apply it is to firmly rub it onto the back of your dog’s ears.
Peppermint
This should be used only in low amounts in a diffuser. It’s very toxic if ingested and its cooling effect can leave some of the worst burns on dogs. It can be used to alleviate allergies, joint pain, and aches.
Chamomile
Chamomile is just as good for alleviating stress and upset stomachs in dogs as it is in humans. It’s known to help dogs overcome shyness as well.
What Essential Oils Are Not Safe For Dogs?
Tea Tree
Tea Tree has a lot of benefits for humans. However, it’s very toxic to dogs. For dogs, it can cause anything from depression to paralysis.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang smells great to humans. Unfortunately, it’s like being very drunk for dogs. It does little more than making them loopy, weak, and cause them to vomit.
Pine
Pine is great for humans. However, for dogs, it irritates both the skin and digestive system. It can cause both vomiting and diarrhea. In the long run, it can also damage their liver and central nervous systems.
Citrus
While citrus may have a great reputation for being a good house cleaner, it does not sit well with dogs. It can cause vomiting, lethargy or even seizures.
Have you ever tried aromatherapy for your dog? Tell us how it went in the comments!
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