Easy And Safe DIY Essential Oil Recipes For Dogs (2024)

FAQs

How to make essential oils safe for dogs? ›

Approach them slowly and allow them to become accustomed to the aromas. Avoid getting the essential oils anywhere near the dog's eyes and never drop in their ear canals or other soft tissue areas. Use essential oils with caution around puppies, pregnant dogs, and very old dogs.

Lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, peppermint, and frankincense oil are all safe for dogs, while lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and bergamot oil are safe for use in a diffuser. As with any new addition to your dog's routine, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using essential oils.

Before topical application to a pet's skin, Essential Oils should always be diluted. A safe ratio is 1 drop of Essential Oil for 1.5 tablespoon (approx. 445 drops) of Carrier Oil. This equates to a dilution of approximately 0.25%, which is considered to be be mild and likely agreeable for pets.

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.

Valerian essential oil is ideal for dogs who are skittish and get anxious from noise, new environments, and separation. It's fantastic for relaxing and managing anxiety levels. Tangerine essential oil is another favorite of ours; it smells amazing and works well for insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

When the proper precautions and guidelines are followed, essential oils have been successfully used with dogs in diffusers, in drinking water, and applied topically such as in properly diluted sprays. Always follow the use guidelines from a trusted source and never try to do it without expert knowledge.

Simply breathing diffused peppermint oil can cause respiratory distress in your dog. Wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness can occur due to the severity and potency of peppermint oil. If this has happened, we recommend getting your pet to fresh air ASAP to avoid further complications.

For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. For medium-sized dogs dilute 4:1 carrier oil to essential oil.

Diluted essential oils are safe to use on dogs, but undiluted versions are too strong and can cause skin irritation and digestive issues if ingested.

How do you mix lavender oil for dogs? ›

Instead of applying lavender essential oil direct to your dog's collar or bedding, a far more convenient option is to make your own mist spray. Start slowly with one or two drops of lavender essential oil in 4 fluid oz. of distilled water in a glass spray bottle, and then gradually increase the dosage over time.

Soak a dog treat in chamomile tea for a mild, natural sedative. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, either allow your dog to drink the tea or soak a dog biscuit in the tea and offer it to your dog.

Using a clean spray bottle, fill the bottle with one ounce of warm water and 3-4 drops of lavender essential oil. Tightly close the cap and then shake well. Note: Each time you use the spray, be sure to re-shake the bottle before using.

It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

When the proper precautions and guidelines are followed, essential oils have been successfully used with dogs in diffusers, in drinking water, and applied topically such as in properly diluted sprays. Always follow the use guidelines from a trusted source and never try to do it without expert knowledge.