Are you a fan of essential oils? If so, you may have found yourself asking ‘is it safe to use essential oils around dogs?’
Good news! The answer is ‘yes’.
However, it’s important to take precautions, such as only using oils that are classified as non-toxic for dogs and created by pet-safe essential oil brands.
So, to help your pup get all of the wonderful benefits of essential oils, we have gathered our top tips on how to safely use essential oils around your dog.
Read on to learn about the best oils for your four-legged companion, the oils you should avoid and why quality vs. quantity is especially important.
How do essential oils work on dogs?
Before we go any further, let’s take a look at exactly how essential oils work on dogs.
As your pup breathes in the fragrance of an essential oil, the molecules of the oil are transported into the limbic system of the brain, which is the part of the brain that processes memories and emotions.
This means dogs can benefit greatly from aromatherapy, just like humans can. However, they have a much stronger sense of smell than we do, which is why caution is required.
In fact, dogs have more than 100 million sensory receptor sites in the nasal cavity compared to 6 million in us humans. The part of their brain devoted to analysing odours is about 40 times larger than the comparable part of the human brain.
Because of this, dogs are much more sensitive to aromas and can become agitated or sick if their olfactory system is overwhelmed.
So, what are the safest essential oils to use around dogs?
The following essential oils can greatly enhance your pup’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. They are also safe to use around dogs, if used as directed.
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Cedarwood
- Geranium
Which brings us to…
What are the essential oils to avoid using around dogs?
The following essential oils are dangerous to dogs and should always be avoided.
- Aniseed
- Basil
- Fennel
- Tea Tree
- Thyme
- Clove Bud
- Rosemary
- Pine Needle
- Ylang Ylang
How to safely use essential oils around dogs
Arguably, one of the most important aspects of aromatherapy is practising safety when using essential oils. This keeps not only your dog safe, but you too.
So, read on to discover our top tips for pet safe essential oil usage.
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Storage
If you’re wondering ‘can essential oils go off?’ the answer is ‘yes’.
Essential oils typically have an expiration date and can spoil if not stored correctly. This means you shouldn’t let your pet inhale them or use them on their skin if the expiration date has passed.
Be sure to store essential oils in a dark place, away from heat. It’s also important to store all essential oils in containers or bottles made from glass, rather than plastic, as essential oils can degrade plastic over time.
Most vitally, always keep bottles locked away and out of reach, to avoid your dog ingesting any oils which could make them very sick.
Just a couple of licks or a small amount on the skin could be harmful to a dog.
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Quality vs. Quantity
Quality is especially important when it comes to essential oils, because not all essential oils are created equally and most are not safe for pets.
Additionally, many oils are created using only partial plant material, while the rest is filled with additives. When choosing essential oils to use around and for your dog, it’s important to select 100% natural pet-safe essential oils - ideally from pet-safe essential oil brands.
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Introduce gradually
When introducing essential oils, be sure to observe your dog’s response as you would with any new product.
Introduce oils gradually, starting with a small amount, so you can gauge your dog’s reaction. Most importantly, remember to never exceed the recommended dosage.
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Use as directed
Always use pet-safe essential oils correctly and as directed on the label. Don’t allow your dog to ingest the oil and avoid neat application to the skin, as this could lead to discomfort, irritation or burns.
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Avoid sensitive areas
Keep essential oils away from your dog’s ears, face, nose and eyes. If any oil is accidentally placed on these areas, rinse thoroughly with fresh water and seek advice from a veterinarian.
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Be mindful of time
It’s easy to switch on a diffuser and forget all about it. However, this could be distressing for your dog and their highly sensitive olfactory system.
Avoid using essential oils for prolonged periods (try to limit diffusers to one hour), make sure they are used in well ventilated areas, and ensure your dog always has the ability to leave the area.
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Oils aren’t for puppies
Avoid using any essential oils on or near puppies ten weeks old or younger. Just like newborn babies, they are especially sensitive during these precious first few weeks.
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Clean up spills
Always clean up essential oil spills immediately, to avoid accidental ingestion which could cause your pup serious harm. It’s also advisable not to leave dishes of oil at ground level for a curious pooch to discover.
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Dilution is important
If you buy essential oil developed for human use, make sure you dilute the essential oil in a base oil, such as fractionated coconut oil or grape seed, before you offer them to your four-legged friend.
Where do I find pet-safe essential oils?
At Halo Pet Crystal, we are passionate about safe and effective natural wellbeing for pets.
That’s why we created two pet-safe essential oil blends called Inner Peace and Pure Happiness.
Both are responsibly formulated with 100% pure essential oils that have been clinically tested for safety via gas chromatography, optical rotation, refractive index, specific gravity, colour and odour profile. They are also approved and recommended by an animal naturopath and diluted for pets to use safely.
Even better, our oils are rich in antioxidants, which remove free radicals and improve your pet’s immune system, while containing no filler or additives.
We also designed a unique diffuser pendant, which is attached to a stylish vegan leather collar, so your four-legged friend can enjoy natural wellbeing on the go.
So, what are the benefits of Halo Pet Crystal essential oils?
Our Inner Peace pet essential oil blend was developed to promote relaxation, balance your pet’s mood, relieve anxiety and help to calm fears.
Meanwhile, our Pure Happiness pet essential oil blend helps to balance and uplift their mood and promote feelings of unconditional love, which is great for pups that struggle with bonding or past trauma.
Why not give them a try with our beautiful diffuser collar to fully embrace natural wellbeing with style?
We hope this article helped you to understand which essential oils are beneficial for your dog and which ones should be avoided. If you are interested in introducing pet-safe essential oils to your pup, please check out our essential oils collection.
