Everyone wants the best for their pets, especially when those pets are dogs. The love we get from dogs has no match, and it’s our duty to take care of our dogs as though they were members of our family. You probably already use essential oils to help out your human family members, but did you know you can also use essential oils for dogs? It turns out that dogs respond well to essential oils. Used correctly, essential oils can improve dogs’ physical and mental health, granting them longer, happier lives and letting you enjoy more of their loving companionship.
Essential Oils for Dogs
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1. Use non-toxic oils
The first requirement is obviously that the essential oil won’t hurt your dog. Dogs may seem like they’re able to eat anything, but in fact toxicity is a problem for them just as it is for humans (and for all animals). Only buy essential oils that are not toxic to dogs, and be careful! The wrong oil can cause your dog a lot of trouble. Here are oils that are safe for dogs:
Chamomile (German) 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil by Edens Garden- 5 ml
- Bergamot
- Carrot Seed
- Cedarwood
- German Chamomile
- Roman Chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Eucalyptus Radiata
- Geranium
- Ginger
- Lavender
- Niaouli
- Peppermint
- Sweet Orange
- Valerian
2. Make sure your pet oils are easy to use
One of the bet things you can do it have some essential oil blends for your dog already prepared. you don’t want to be lookign for all the right ingredients (the right essential oil, the right carrier oil, etc.), when your best friend is in need. Make some roller blends that are the easiest to apply.
3. Get a variety of oils
Different essentials oils help dogs in different ways, so it’s best to make sure you have an appropriate oil for each situation. Assemble an essential oil kit with 12-15 oils and keep it on hand for colds, scrapes, allergies, car rides, visits from trainers and pet sitters, trips to the vet etc. When you use the right oil for the circumstances, it’s very effective and very fast acting.
4. Try essential oils for training
Training dogs can be very rewarding, but it’s hard, especially if you’re not an expert. One problem many people have is that their dog won’t concentrate and heed their commands. But some essential oils are great for increasing concentration and focus, in dogs as well as people. Others are useful for reducing stress and apprehension, which can also be an issue in training. The right oil or oils can be a great training aid.
Here are a few good essential oils to help your dog focus:
NOW Foods Anise Oil, 1 ounce
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
- Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
- Valerian (Valerian officinalis)
- Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
5. Avoid these oils
Some essential oils could be dangerous for dogs and should be avoided. Dogs just don’t like the scent of some essential oils that people consider perfectly pleasant. So before you try one of your favorite essential oils on your dog, do some research. Find a good website or reference book and determine whether the oil in question is a dog friendly one. Of course, dogs, like people, have individual tastes. Some dogs won’t like an oil others are fine with. If your dog appears agitated after you apply any oil, give it a bath and try something else next time.
Here are oils you should avoid suing on or around your dog:
- birch
- cinnamon
- clove
- oregano
- thyme
- wintergreen
6. Medicate with therapeutic grade oils only
Perfume and aromatherapy grade essential oils have their place, but it’s not healing. If you’re trying to cure your dog’s ailment with essential oil, make sure it’s therapeutic grade. Pure therapeutic grade oils are distilled with steam, not solvents, and they are entirely unadulterated. Therefore they don’t contain any chemicals that could irritate an already sick dog. Therapeutic grade oils are more expensive, of course, but it’s well worth the money if you care about your pet. Perfume and aromatherapy grade essential oils may actually do more harm than good when your dog is ill.
7. Be safe
Be sure to use the right oil, in the right amount, and apply it correctly. Essential oils are all-natural, but they’re also powerful, and using them in the wrong way can actually hurt your precious pets. You can find a lot of safety information on the web, but it’s even better to invest in a good reference book and familiarize yourself with the safety section so you’re aware of the precautions to take when you use essential oils for dogs.
8. Read up
Essential Oils for Your Dog: Safe Natural Remedies for your Dog or Puppy ((Essential Oils for Dogs, Essential Oils for Puppies, Essential Oils for K9, Natural Dog Care, Natural Remedies for Dogs))Of course, your reference book has a lot more than just safety info – it can suggest new oils, new applications, and new techniques. Try to find a book with a pet section, and browse through it to get a real education in how to use essential oils for dogs both safely and effectively.
