Essential Oils Safe for Dogs

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Dogs do not have the same biology as humans and should not be expected to react in the same way. To provide aromatherapy for dogs, essential oils can be diffused or applied.

For topical use, essential oils should always be highly diluted before applying to the animal. Always take extra precautions with essential oils and dogs to prevent accidental ingestion.

Remember that essential oils present a real danger if they are incorrectly dosed, poorly administered (oral, rectal, cutaneous, respiratory), or given to dogs despite veterinary contraindications.

Indeed, some doggies can react badly to certain molecules and you could make their situation worse. It is a gentle medicine, but it is far from being neutral, unlike homeopathy or acupressure for example.

Just like humans, however, there are fairly common essential oils that do not present any particular danger. It is on these that we will focus.

They can be used for small everyday ailments, or in addition to veterinary treatment, but do not risk self-medication in Médor.

Also, remember not to put them on your dog’s hair if he can easily lick this part of his body. Furthermore, do not use essential oils on puppies before 6 months, as well as on pregnant dogs.

Rules for Using Essential Oils for Dogs:

See here how to use essential oil for dogs.

Dosage:

Dogs’ sense of smell is much stronger than that of humans, so the exact dosage must be observed; as a rule, it is less than for an adult.

Quality:

Choose only 100% natural essential oils; this article will tell you how to choose them correctly and where to find them.

Reaction:

When using essential oil for the first time, observe your dog and if you notice any strange behavior or reaction, stop using the oil.

Specialist Consultation:

If you are concerned about using essential oils on your pet yourself, consult your veterinarian.

Benefits Of Using Essential Oils Safe for Dogs:

Essential oils are more than just pleasant aromatic substances that help freshen the air in a room. They can help relieve anxiety, relieve flu symptoms, and help the body restore homeostasis. So, see below the benefits of using essential oils safe for dogs.

Beneficial For Cold:

Dogs suffer from colds, coughs, and pneumonia. In these cases, the best treatment effect is achieved by using eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme oils.

Start with one drop of the mixture per teaspoon of vegetable oil, then two drops, three drops. Four drops is the maximum dose.

You need to rub it from the belly to the shoulders into the skin of the animal. Long-haired animals should rub the oils in the form of a vodka solution – two drops of the mixture per one teaspoon of vodka and two tablespoons of water. Rub in twice a day for 3-4 days.

Essential Oils for Arthritis in Dogs:

If your dog suffers from arthritis, there are alternatives to pharmaceutical pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Among essential oils for arthritis, essential oil has been recognized as one of the best.

A study found that essential oil improved symptoms of inflammation and arthritis in 71% of animals. With natural anti-rheumatic arthritis and anti-inflammatory properties, essential oil can help calm your aging pet.

Beneficial For Dog Dermatitis:

There are a number of essential oils that can be used to treat dermatitis: tea tree, lavender, and Roman chamomile.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that treats skin irritation and inflammation. Lavender is well known for its soothing and relaxing properties. Finally, Roman chamomile is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help with healing and prevention.

Reduce Itchiness:

Itchy skin is one of the most common canine ailments and can be very irritating. You can use essential oils for dog itching to provide natural relief. To date, there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of essential oils for itchy dog skin.

There are many topical treatments for itchy dog skin that use chamomile, lavender, and marjoram essential oils, but they are potentially toxic and should be avoided.

Calming Essential Oils for Dogs:

The best way to use essential oils to calm dogs is through aromatherapy. A dog’s nose is more sensitive than ours and plays a huge role in how your canine friend perceives the world. Using essential oils to calm dogs can be a safe and effective way to naturally change your pet’s mood.

Essential Oils for Bad Breath in Dogs:

In recent years, there have been some scientific studies on the use of essential oils to treat bad breath in dogs, which have shown some promising results.

A 2013 study noted that pepper and rosemary essential oils have natural antimicrobial properties, which are thought to be caused by the high levels of thymol in the essential oil.

Beneficial For Dog’s Ears:

Your dog’s hearing and ear health are very important, and there are several effective essential oils for ear mites in dogs that will help keep their ears in great shape.

In vivo, clinical studies have shown that one of the most effective essential oils for dog ear infections is oregano essential oil, as its natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties can safely help fight the infection.

Although these products were applied directly to the dog’s ears, allowed to sit for a short time, and then washed off, users should not attempt this at home either. Before using essential oils in your dog’s ear, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

Treatment of Wounds, Cuts and Scratches:

Pets are very receptive to natural scents that help heal wounds. Oils will help clean the wound, stop bleeding, and act as antibiotics and antiseptics. It is very important to remove all dirt from the wound.

If your dog has itchy eczema, wounds, or ulcers, you should rub the following essential oil mixture onto the sore areas. This mixture will bring healing and relief. In addition, the animal will become less susceptible to insect bites.

Safe Essential Oil For Dogs:

Although dogs have a less developed sense of smell than humans, they can react positively to essential oils. Some are safe if the dosage is respected.

They can be useful to you and constitute a first aid kit to treat your four-legged companion depending on the desired effect. Here are the ones you can buy for your dog, and for yourself, even if you are a beginner in aromatherapy!

Lavender Essential Oil: 

If you had to choose just one essential oil, it is undoubtedly true lavender that should attract your attention. Calming, antiseptic, healing, repellent, and relaxing, it has more than one trick up its sleeve!

This essential oil helps your dog feel more serene and calms any nervousness he may feel. In addition, it repels fleas and ticks. Lavender essential oil is considered one of the best essential oils for dogs thanks to its ability to act gradually.

Lemon Essential Oil:

Its invigorating and cleansing power will increase your dog’s good mood and encourage him to behave better.

Lemon essential oil strengthens one’s immune system thanks to its vitamin C content. In addition, it has antiseptic properties which can also treat wounds or warts.

Chamomile Essential Oil: 

This oil reduces your dog’s anxiety and helps him relax. It has a sedative effect that reduces the irritability or nervousness that puppies or older dogs may feel. It will help them fall asleep more peacefully.

In addition, it is a remedy with anti-inflammatory and non-toxic properties, which can be used in cases of wounds on the skin (stings, bites, scratches, etc.).

Sandalwood Essential Oil: 

This essential oil is from the same family as chamomile. Versatile, it will be useful for your dog in more than one way: calming his anxiety, particularly at the end of life, and relieving problems linked to arthritis as well as respiratory problems.

Rosemary Cineole Essential Oil:

Rosemary essential oil has analgesic properties that relieve your dog’s discomfort in cases of pain such as osteoarthritis or certain types of skin inflammation. It strengthens its cardiovascular system and even provides anticonvulsant effects. In addition, it is a good liver protector and anti-infective.

Tea Tree Essential Oil:

Tea tree essential oil is very versatile, primarily known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-microbial properties.

It is recommended to treat wounds and skin infections of your four-legged friend. It also acts against ticks and parasites such as fleas and mites and can be used to clean your floors to disinfect your home.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil:

Eucalyptus essential oils are among the best for treating pain in dogs. They have ideal analgesic properties to relieve arthritis, but also respiratory conditions. Bactericidal, antiviral, and immunostimulating, radiated eucalyptus essential oil is perfect for treating respiratory problems.

Peppermint Essential Oil:

Analgesic and stimulating, peppermint essential oil fights effectively against nausea and is perfect for a dog who suffers from travel sickness.

Be careful, however, as it is very stimulating and can cause gastrointestinal pain, hence the importance of not overdosing!

Dangerous Essential Oil For Dogs:

Certain products can poison the dog when they come into contact with its skin or when they are ingested by the animal.

Cinnamon Essential Oil:

To find out if your dog has been poisoned with cinnamon, you will notice that he will have low blood sugar. He will have liver disease and will experience vomiting accompanied by diarrhea. Additionally, his heart rate will be unstable.

Citrus Fruits Essential Oil:

Citrus poisoning manifests itself as skin irritation. The dog will either be agitated or go into a lethargic state. He’s going to vomit a lot. The animal could also experience convulsions and tremors.

Pennyroyal Essential Oil:

After ingesting pennyroyal, your dog may vomit and suffer from diarrhea. The latter will be accompanied by blood because the dog will have liver failure.

Pine Essential Oil:

Pine poisoning causes irritation to the skin or stomach. Your companion will experience vomiting. Blood may be in the vomit. He will salivate. Coordination will be reduced and the central nervous system may suffer damage. It also happens that the kidneys and liver are also affected.

Sweet Birch Essential Oil:

poisoning causes gastrointestinal ulcers. The dog will convulse and have kidney failure. Be careful, because death may be the next step.

Wood Tea Essential Oil:

If your dog ingests wood tea essential oil incorrectly, he will vomit. This is caused by serious disturbances in the stomach. The latter will also be ulcerated. It is possible that he suffers from renal and hepatic failure.

Ylang-ylang Essential Oil:

To know if your dog has been poisoned with ylang-ylang essential oil, you must notice his difficulty breathing. He will have a wobbly gait and vomit a lot.

Precautions For Using Essential Oils for Dogs:

• Use only 100% natural essential oils, do not buy fakes.
• Do not use essential oils with a high phenol content: oil of geranium, anise, yarrow, wormwood, cloves, cinnamon, or thyme.
• Do not apply pure essential oils to the skin of animals. Dilute them with base oils: peach, wheat germ, and avocado.
• Puppies and pregnant dogs should not be in a scented room.
• To reduce the concentration of essential oil, ventilate the room.
• The concentration of essential oils in the room should not exceed the norm.
• Since dogs are very sensitive to essential oils, test on a small area of skin first.
• If your dog has individual characteristics, it is best to discuss the use of oil with your veterinarian.

Conclusion:

Finally, remember that essential oils act directly on your dog’s nervous system. They should always be diluted in vegetable oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. They can cause allergies or even poisoning. Keep them out of reach of canines and consult your veterinarian immediately in the event of any adverse effects or domestic accidents.