What Are the Best Essential Oils for Dogs?

What are Essential Oils for Dogs?

Essential oils for dogs are pet-safe products featuring an essential oil, which is concentrated liquid extract from a plant. 

These oils are readily absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes (like the lining of the mouth or nose), or through the respiratory tract. The oils enter the bloodstream and are metabolized by the liver. 

If you have an interest in natural treatments for your pets, essential oils may be an option. The use of essential oils has been around for many years but has become popular recently among pet owners looking to improve their dog’s health and wellness. 

Essential oils for dogs are used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, skincare, pest repellants, and more.

What Essential Oils are Safe for Dogs?

Here are some dog-safe essential oils:

  • Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils and has many uses, including calming anxiety. Some believe it may reduce inflammation and may have antibacterial properties. 
  • Cedarwood Essential Oil: Cedarwood oil is used as a bug-repellant and has calming features. 
  • Lemongrass Essential Oil: Lemongrass contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint pain caused by arthritis. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help promote healthy skin and coats.
  • Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is thought to help with digestive problems like bloating and stomach upset.
  • Frankincense Essential Oil: This oil may help with skin conditions.
  • Chamomile Essential Oil: Chamomile oil soothes skin irritations and can also promote calmness and relaxation.
  • Citrus Essential Oil: Citrus oils (lemon oil and orange oil) are excellent deodorizers and can also be used as mosquito repellents. 
  • Fennel Essential Oil: In human herbal medicine, fennel oil is sometimes used for managing stomach upsets and hormonal imbalances. Some holistic vets recommend the oil for the same purposes in dogs.
  • Helichrysum Essential Oil: Helichrysum oil may help reduce bleeding and could have benefits in skin healing. 

It is important to note that the benefits of essential oils for dogs are still heavily debated, and more research is needed. As always, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian prior to utilizing essential oils. 

Holistic veterinarians may have more experience utilizing essential oils as treatments. In some cases, essential oils may be utilized as an adjunctive treatment for your pet rather than the sole therapy for their condition.

Are Essential Oils Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, some essential oils can be toxic to dogs.

To be more specific, all essential oils can be dangerous if misused, meaning they are given too often or in large amounts (undiluted). However, some essential oils are considered toxic and, therefore, not pet-safe. The group of essential oils that should be avoided include:

  • Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
  • Sweet birch oil
  • Hot oils (clove oil, cinnamon oil, oregano oil)
  • Wintergreen oil
  • Pennyroyal oil
  • Geranium oil
  • Pine oil
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Red or white thyme oil
  • Cassia oil
  • Ylang-ylang oil

Essential oil poisoning is an emergency. The oils can affect the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling), respiratory system (difficulty breathing), and central nervous system (depression, uncoordinated gait). They can also cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.

To avoid causing negative side effects, you should never give a high concentration of any oil. All oils should be appropriately diluted. Avoid utilizing inhaled essential oils, such as the mist produced by an essential oil diffuser, in pets who have underlying respiratory issues such as bronchitis or asthma. 

Because the oils will be metabolized by the liver, they may be avoided in dogs who have liver disease. Keep in mind that oils that are safe for your dog may not be safe for other household pets. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving an essential oil. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Dogs?

Essential oils for dogs support calmness & relaxation and have anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory features. They also support skin, digestive, reproductive, and immune health.

Here is a closer look at the benefits of essential oils for dogs:

  • Relaxation: Essential oils are known for their ability to relax both people and animals. They help calm the mind and body and aid in relieving depression and anxiety in dogs, which can be a major cause of destructive and aggressive behaviors.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: The essential oils in some products can help reduce inflammation in dogs who suffer from arthritis or other joint problems.
  • Pain Relief: When used topically or diffused in the air, essential oils can help relieve pain caused by arthritis, muscle aches, and other physical issues.
  • Immunity Boost: Some essential oils contain antibacterial properties that can help fight infections or boost the immune system.
  • Skin & Coat Health: Some essential oils are natural moisturizers that can keep skin healthy, while others have antifungal properties that may help treat fungal infections like yeast infections on the skin’s surface.
  • Digestive Health: Many essential oils have antispasmodic properties that aid digestion by relaxing the colon muscles, which can help eliminate digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation.
  • Insect Repellants: Essential oils are known to repel insects such as fleas, ticks, & mosquitoes. You can add a few drops of essential oils to your dog’s shampoo or conditioner or spray them on the dog’s coat.

The Best Essential Oils for Dogs Reviewed

Essential oils for dogs are a popular natural remedy for many issues. Here is a closer look at some of the best essential oils for your furry friend.

Zwetke Pet-Friendly Essential Aromatherapy Oils

Zwetke Pet Friendly Essential Aromatherapy Oils

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Item Form: Oil

Material Feature: Natural

Summary: Zwetke Pet-Friendly Essential Aromatherapy Oils are pure essential oils that can be used safely with pets. Bathing your dog is the most effective way to remove unwanted odors from its coat and skin.

The scents of these essential oils for dogs are mild enough not to overpower your pet’s natural scent or leave him smelling like cologne. The oils come in seven different scents, and each package features one sample of each scent.

Price: $39

Scent: Copaiba, Cedarwood, Myrrh, Frankincense, Niaouli, Vanilla, Ginger

Amount: 7 bottles, each 0.34 fl oz (10 ml)

Pros
  • Safe, no side effects at recommended doses
  • No chemicals, additives, or preservatives
  • Made in the USA
  • Come in a wide range of appealing scents
  • Can be used for a variety of purposes
Cons
  • Carrier oil not listed 

Ingredient Analysis: These essential oils for dogs contain 60% pure oils and 40% pet-compatible carrier oils. The manufacturer did not list the specific carrier oil in this product.

Customer Review: The Zwetke Essential Aromatherapy Oils are well-loved by customers on Amazon, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers love the product, especially the natural sweet scent.

Total.vet Review: Our team at total.vet is giving Zwetke Essential Aromatherapy Oils an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This product is safe for all pets and all life stages. 
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10): Both the essential and carrier oils are natural and considered safe for animals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): Based on the customer’s review, this product comes in good quality, and it is worth every penny. 
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the customers have a positive rating. They give these essential oils for dogs 4.2 out of 5 stars. 
  • Product Variety (10/10): The set of essential oils for dogs includes seven different options.  

Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets

Lavender Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening Shining Spray For Pets

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Item Form: Spray

Material Feature: Natural

Summary: This great all-natural spray will keep your pet’s coat shiny, soft and smelling great! Made with organic lavender and chamomile essential oils, known for their calming properties.

This is a wonderful option for dogs and cats with sensitive skin or those who don’t do well with traditional shampoo. It’s also great for pets who don’t like getting wet during bath time. This spray can be used on indoor and outdoor dogs of all sizes.

Price: $9.49

Scent: Lavender & Chamomile

Amount: 8 fl oz (236 ml)

Pros
  • Organic ingredients
  • Safe for pets with sensitive skin or allergies
  • Keeps your pet smelling fresh between baths
  • Keeps coats shiny, soft, and healthy looking
  • Uses oils known for calming anxiety
Cons
  • Concentration of lavender and chamomile not included on bottle

Ingredient Analysis: This product is made with ingredients that we love. They include purified water, vegetable-derived glycerin, natural coconut-derived cleansers, vegetable-derived quaternary ammonium salt, oat extract, paraben-free preservative, pro-vitamin B5, lanolin-based conditioner, lavender oil, lanolin, natural vegetable-derived hydrotrope, fragrance, and aloe vera extract.

Customer Review: With over 5,000 positive reviews, pet parents love this Shining Spray For Pets. They say it smells great, makes their dog’s coat shiny and soft, and even improves their dog’s dander.

Total.vet Review: Our team at total.vet is giving Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This product is safe for all pets at all life stages, and works with your dog’s own system to take the edge off.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10): This product oil uses only natural ingredients to neutralize bad odors (even on smelly paws), giving you 100% dog-safe, naturally fresh scents. 
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): Most of the customer’s reviews are positive, giving this product good feedback that says that this is worth buying. 
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): Customer feedback for these essential oils for dogs is mostly positive. They said that they love the fresh scent and this product makes their pets calm. 
  • Product Variety (7/10): There is only one option of these essential oils for dogs. 

Honeydew Dog Calming Spray with Lavender Essential Oil

Honeydew Dog Calming Spray with Lavender Essential Oil

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Item Form: Spray

Material Feature: Natural

Summary: Honeydew Dog Calming Spray with Lavender Essential Oil is a calming, deodorizing spray for dogs. It is a soothing, non-toxic, herbal formula that helps to calm your dog by providing them with a sense of security and safety.

This essential oil may help calm your pet during stressful situations. It has a pleasant scent that helps distract your pet from its fears and worries. The natural ingredients have no side effects and will not harm your pet if they lick it off.

Price: $11.95

Scent: Lavender

Amount: 8 fl oz (236 ml)

Pros
  • Zero alcohol or chemical fragrances
  • Calming features 
  • Comes in an easy-to-spray bottle
  • Hypoallergenic
  • All-natural ingredients
Cons
  • Concentration of lavender oil not included on bottle

Ingredient Analysis: This product is made with water, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, heptyl D-glucoside, glycerin, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, Lavendula officinalis (lavender) flower oil,  tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Oenothera biennis (primrose) oil, citric acid. 

Customer Review: Dog parents love this Calming Spray with Lavender Essential Oil, and the reviews are positive. They say it is a calming agent for dogs of all ages and sizes — even puppies. The spray is made with all-natural ingredients and lavender essential oil, known for its calming properties.

Total.vet Review: Our team at total.vet is giving Honeydew Dog Calming Spray with Lavender Essential Oil an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): This product is safe for all pets at all life stages. It has a pleasant scent that helps distract your pet from its fears and worries.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10): Made with pure lavender essential oil. The natural ingredients have no side effects and will not harm your pet if they lick it off.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This product comes with a good quality that matches the price. 
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customer reviews are positive (rated 4.2 out of 5 stars). Customers are loving the smell they just wished it would be a little more long-lasting. 
  • Product Variety (7/10): There is only one option of these essential oils for dogs.  

What Should I Look for in Essential Oils for Dogs?

Here are some things you need to consider when choosing essential oils for dogs:

  • Ingredients: Essential oils come from plants and trees, so they should have the name of their plant printed on the label. If it says “lavender” but doesn’t say “Lavandula angustifolia,” “Lavendula Officinalis”, or any other lavender species, then it’s probably not real lavender oil. Many products will have both the common name and scientific name for the plant.
  • Oil Purity: The best essential oils for dogs are made from 100% natural ingredients that have been steam-distilled or cold-pressed. They should not contain artificial additives or chemicals and should be free of all synthetic ingredients, fillers, or other additives.
  • Cultivation: Make sure the oils come from plants that have been organically cultivated or at least grown without pesticides and herbicides. This is pretty standard for most natural products. The bottle should tell you the country of origin.
  • Concentration Levels: Different brands use different concentrations of their oils. High-concentration products will need to be diluted to a safe level prior to use. Many pet parents prefer to purchase high concentrations and dilute the product themselves while following the advice of their veterinarian.
  • Brand Reputation: You want to choose an essential oil company that uses pure oils and has a good reputation among its customers and industry professionals. You also want an essential oil company that offers quality information about their products and will answer questions you may have about them.
  • Veterinary Recommendation: Consider asking your holistic veterinarian for recommended products.

How Do I Use Essential Oils on My Dog?

Essential oils for dogs can be applied in the following ways:

  • Topical Application: You can apply them to your dog’s skin by putting them on their paw pads or rubbing them into the fur around their ears. You can also use them on localized skin infections.
  • Inhalation Application: You can diffuse essential oils by putting one drop of oil in a diffuser and letting it diffuse into the air for several minutes before allowing your dog to enter an area where the essential oil diffuser is located.

Always dilute topical essential oils with a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil before use. In their raw natural form, they are too strong and can be toxic.

How Much Essential Oil Is Safe for Dogs?

According to canine herbalist Rita Hogan, when you use essential oils for dogs, go for a 0.5% to 1% dilution. In more practical terms, you can add between 3 and 6 drops of essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Good carrier oils are coconut oil, almond oil, and apricot kernel oil.

Long-term use of essential oils is recommended in some cases, but it requires some precautions and close monitoring. You may utilize the oils for two weeks and then allow your pet a break.

If you decide to use essential oils for dogs, we recommend consultation with a holistic veterinarian. 

Dr. Rhiannon Koehler says, “For pet parents interested in natural treatments, essential oils can be a great addition to your pet’s care plan. That being said, the use of essential oils comes with risk. It’s essential that you work with your veterinarian to ensure you are using all products safely.”