4 min read / 29 October 2022 / Laura Garvin Gomez

Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs?

If you're thinking about using essential oils around your furry friends, here are some important tips to bear in mind.

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Dogs essential oil blends Essential Oils Health pets Safety

We love our four-legged companions, and we want to be sure to keep them happy and healthy at all times.

While essential oils can do wonders for our minds and bodies, they may not always be as effective on dogs - and can even be considered harmful.

According to , a dog's olfactory system can be up to 10 thousand times stronger than our own, with their noses carrying up to 300 million scent receptors.

This means that they can be hyper-sensitive to certain aromas, and a strong or unfamiliar scent could cause a great disturbance in their behaviour as well as potential feelings of anxiety. Some essential oils may even go so far as producing toxic effects.

Thankfully, there are ways to use certain safe essential oils for dogs in a way that will keep your companions feeling their best - and even help to uplift and relax their temperament.

Please make sure to always check with your veterinarian before using any of these scents around your home.

Dog infographic.

How do I use essential oils for dogs safely?

The safest possible way to use essential oils with your dog is through scent and diffusion.

Passive scented diffusers like reed diffusers tend to be just fine around dogs, however it's important to always keep them out of reach just in case.

Electric diffusers and oil burners require a little more caution for safe use - but can still be effectively utilised with proper care.

It is recommended to have your diffuser running for no more than 10 minutes at a time when initially introducing your pet to a new scent.

Ensure the room is well ventilated, and that your dog has plenty of space to escape if you find they're not getting on with the particular oil you've chosen.

If your dog does enjoy the scent, be sure to use it sparingly to avoid overexposure. Use your oils for no more than two weeks at a time and then provide a rest period before diffusing again.

Precautions

Always wash your hands after contact with essential oils around your pet
Be sure to keep all oils safe and out of reach
Never apply the oil onto the dog's skin

Which essential oils are safe for dogs?

Some oils that have been considered safe for dogs include:

Lavender

The calming aromas of are said to have a similar effect on dogs and humans. They can facilitate relaxation, enable sleep and encourage a sound temperament during high-energy situations.

A confirmed these effects when testing the behaviour of hyperactive dogs in cars - suggesting that those exposed to lavender had a calmer disposition throughout the journeys overall.

Ginger

It has been noted that diffusing a small amount of essential oil in a ventilated space may help in clearing your dog's airways as well as reducing feelings of nausea or motion sickness.

even went so far as to say that ginger oil may help support your dog's immune system.

Rosemary

Some sources claim that oil may be able to improve the concentration and energy levels of your four-legged friend - much like with humans.

A also positively evaluated the antimicrobial effects of rosemary in dogs, although topical application of the oil is never recommended for pets.

It is important to note that, while some essential oils are labelled as "safe" in a roundabout sense, it is always strongly recommended to check with your veterinarian before using any of these scents around your home.

Which essential oils are toxic to dogs?

There are certain oils that are never recommended for use around your dog due to possible health issues. These include, but are not limited to:

Citrus oils
Pine
Cinnamon
Tea Tree
Ylang Ylang

Dog infographic.

Finding essential oils safe for dogs can be a complicated and risky process, so it is extremely important to always contact your vet for further advice before diffusing these scents around your home.

While it may seem harmless, it's always better to know what's best to keep your furry friend happy and safe at all times.

Shop our essential oils here.

Dogs essential oil blends Essential Oils Health pets Safety

Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.