Did you know that existing within plants are volatile oils that when extracted not only smell lovely, they can also have therapeutic benefits?
They can boost your mood, stimulate your digestion, improve your sleep, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
These extracted volatile oils are called essential or aromatic oils.
Despite their long history of use for humans, many people are wary of using essential oils around animals.
If you’ve ever wondered ‘are essential oils good for dogs?’ the reality is that our pets can enjoy many of the same benefits that we do from essential oils.
However, it’s important to be aware that a plant’s essential or aromatic oils can be a very potent form of medicine, so it’s good to exercise caution when using them.
Remember that not all essential oils are created equal, so there are safety considerations to take into account, especially when it comes to using essential oils with or around animals.
Essential oils for dogs: safety tips
Synthetics
The production of essential oils can be costly, because it takes a lot of plant material to make them. For context, to make just 5 ml of rose essential oil, you would need 8000 roses!
The expenses associated with essential oil production mean that cost saving measures can be, and often are, taken.
One cost saving measure is to use synthetic oils rather than pure essential oils.
Whereas essential oils are made using natural plant compounds, synthetic oils are primarily made from petrochemicals. They are a cheap attempt to duplicate the smell of the essential oil.
Petrochemicals, such as benzene derivatives and aldehydes, can have negative health impacts on our four-legged friends.
So, it’s important to only buy oils from pet-safe essential oil brands.
At Halo Pet Crystal, we only use pure essential oils to ensure the safety of your beloved pup.
Overuse
Because essential oils smell so lovely, it can be easy to use too much.
However, remember essential oils contain potent plant medicine. When you use too much on your dog, this can cause:
- Skin irritations, like rashes and burns
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Organ malfunction
Allergic reactions
Some people and animals can have allergic reactions to certain plants. This can happen with the plant’s essential oil too, so always monitor your dog closely when introducing any new oils.
How to use essential oils with dogs
Diffusion
Can you burn essential oils around dogs? That’s a question we hear often.
The answer is ‘yes’!
The safest and most common form of using essential oils is with a diffuser. Try adding a maximum of 1 to 2 drops to 100 ml of water, or use one of our unique Halo Pet Crystal diffuser collars which slowly and safely evaporate oils through a scented disc.
Petting or Drip and Rub
This is a great balancing and supportive technique that you can use with your animal. Simply drip the oils up the spine, from the start of the tail to the base of the head, and then gently stroke into their fur.
Be mindful about your dog moving whilst you’re using this technique and be careful not to drop any oil into their eyes.
Always dilute the oils with a carrier oil before using this technique, unless you’re using a blend that is already diluted with a carrier oil (like our Halo Pet Crystal blends, which are diluted with fractionated coconut oil).
Why choose Halo Pet Crystal essential oils for your dog?
We love our new essential oil blends for pets!
We have formulated these together, to make sure they’re safe and effective for your pup.
We currently have two blends - Inner Peace and Pure Happiness.
So, what’s in our blends and how can they help your dog?
Our beautiful Inner Peace blend contains lavender, chamomile, geranium, frankincense and cedarwood.
It was developed to help anxious, agitated, angry or depressed animals. The oils in this blend have peaceful, calming and uplifting properties to help dogs relax during thunderstorms, fireworks, boarding, grooming, training and competition, adoptions, holidays, bath time, crating, separation, hospice and clinic visits.
Meanwhile, our glorious Pure Happiness blend contains geranium, sweet orange, frankincense and chamomile.
It 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.
Simply apply 1-2 drops of our essential oil on our Halo Pet Crystal aromatherapy pendant, 3-4 drops in an oil diffuser or 4 drops with 10 ml of carrier oil for massage.
Read on to find out why we chose these specific oils and how they can transform your pup’s wellbeing.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
We are often asked ‘is lavender oil ok for dogs’?
The answer is a resounding yes!
Lavender is one of the most widely recognised calming essential oils. We just felt we had to include it in our Inner Peace blend!
But did you know that lavender has other benefits too? Lavender also helps with skin conditions, wound healing, ringworm, other fungal skin infections and muscular issues.
There’s also significant research into the beneficial effects of lavender with dementia. Studies have shown that, in elderly people, lavender can reduce dementia-associated agitation.
It can support animals with cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, poor sleeping and other emotional issues.
In fact, a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) showed that it can be effective for dogs with a history of travel anxiety before a long car ride.
Lavender is very mild and suitable for all species of animals.
Roman Chamomile (Anthemus nobilis)
A wonderful calming oil that is indicated for behavioural issues and anxiety, roman chamomile may also be helpful in the management of skin conditions, nerve regeneration and liver/blood detoxification.
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
This fragrant oil helps to release negative memories and eases nervous tension, which is perfect for rescue pets who may have experienced past trauma or abuse.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
One of the most important oils for use with animals is frankincense.
This is a very safe and well tolerated oil. It’s suitable for pups with behavioural problems and depression, and may also help with brain and immune disorders plus inflammation, according to prominent studies. It’s actually considered a “life force” oil!
Frankincense can enhance the effects of other oils, so it’s great in a blend like our Inner Peace blend.
Cedarwood (Cedars atlantica)
Well known for its insect repellant benefits, Cedarwood can also help with reducing stress and anxiety. It also supports a good night’s sleep, so it’s perfect for dogs with excess energy.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
A beneficial oil for health in general, sweet orange can also be helpful in managing depression and anxiety.
It’s a photosensitising oil, so it shouldn’t be applied to skin when exposure to sunlight will occur within 12 hours.
If applying topically, apply where the sun will not directly contact, such as the stomach.
In conclusion
Essential oils are highly effective when it comes to improving the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of your beloved pup.
However, remember to exercise caution and follow all safety advice to ensure a positive experience for all.
Why not try our essential oil blends and unique diffuser collars? They are completely pet safe, so you and your cherished pooch can enjoy natural wellbeing with style.
