13 min read

Essential Oils and Dogs: A Cautionary Tale

Dogs are much more sensitive to these oils than humans, and even a small amount can make them very sick!
Essential Oils and Dogs: A Cautionary Tale

Do you use essential oils around your dog?

A lot of people don't know this, but using essential oils around your dog can be very harmful. Dogs are much more sensitive to these oils than humans, and even a small amount can make them very sick.

You may not realize it, but your dog is always nearby when you're using essential oils. They can smell them from across the room, and if they get too close they can breathe in the oil fumes. This can cause serious health problems for your furry friend.  So as pet parents, make sure you are using pet safe essential oils.

Please share this post with all of your friends who use many essential oils around their dogs. It's important that we all understand the dangers these oils pose to our pets!

We've all seen the posts on social media. A friend of a friend is using essential oils to treat their dog's anxiety, skin problems, or pain, and they're raving about the results. It sounds too good to be true, right? Unfortunately, in this case, it probably is not.

How We Choose

Essential oils are a great way to improve your health, but you need to be careful when using them around your pets.

A lot of people don't realize that essential oils can be harmful to their pets. If you're not careful, you could end up harming your beloved pet.

Be sure to use caution when using essential oils around your pets and always consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.

We read through 1000's of Amazon reviews to find the safest essential oil for you and your pet. We only selected products that have 4 or 5 stars and have been reviewed by dozens of people.

PawProven is impartial and is not affiliated with any brands or organizations. Links to Amazon are affiliate links and may result in a small commission on the purchase – at no additional expense to you

Intro

Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular as a natural remedy for a variety of human ailments, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're safe for our furry friends.

In fact, essential oils can be very dangerous for dogs if used incorrectly. Here's what you need to know before using essential oils around your pup.

The Dangers of Essential Oils for Dogs

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids extracted from plants. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, massage, and cleaning products. While essential oils are generally safe for humans, they can be very dangerous for dogs.

Dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans do, which means they're more susceptible to the effects of essential oils. Ingesting even a small amount of essential oil can make a dog very sick.  As pet parents we need to be aware of the dangers of essential oil toxicity.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If your dog ingests essential oil, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Inhaling diffused essential oils can also be harmful to dogs. Some dogs may develop an allergic reaction to inhaled essential oils, while others may experience respiratory distress.

If you choose to use essential oil diffusers in your home, make sure your dog has a safe place to go where they can't smell the fumes.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely Around Dogs

If you decide to diffuse essential oils around your dog, there are some precautions you need to take:

First, always consult with your veterinarian before using any type of new treatment on your pet, even if it's natural.

Second, only use high-quality oils that are meant for use on animals. These products will usually say "pet-safe" or "animal-safe" on the label.

Third, only use a small amount of essential oil and make sure it's diluted properly before applying it to your dog's skin or fur.

Finally, never diffuse oils around dogs unless you're absolutely sure they won't be able to smell the fumes.

Essential Oils Dangerous for Dogs

When used properly, essential oils can be a powerful tool for supporting your pet's health and well-being. However, it's important to understand that not all oils are safe for use around animals.

Some oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint, can be toxic to pets if ingested. Other oils, such as citrus oils, can cause skin irritation.

And still other oils, such as Lavender and Chamomile, can be calming and soothing to animals (and humans!) For this reason, it's always best to consult with a holistic veterinarian or pet aromatherapist before using oils around your furry friend.

With their help, you can create a custom blends that are safe and effective for your pet.

Pet Safe Essential Oils for Diffuser: Dogs

When it comes to oils, there are a lot of different options available. And, with so many different types of oils out there, it can be hard to know which ones are safe for your dog.

However, there are some essential oils that are known to be safe for dogs. Some of the most popular options include lavender oil, chamomile oil, and geranium oil.

These oils can help to soothe your dog's skin and provide relief from anxiety. Additionally, these oils are relatively low-cost and easy to find. So, if you're looking for an essential oil that is safe for your dog, these three options are a great place to start.

Symptoms of essential oil poisoning include:Drooling

  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Drooling
  • Weakness
  • Trouble walking — sometimes they stagger and stumble (this can indicate a problem with the central nervous system)
  • Vomiting
  • Liver Damage
  • Skin Irritation

Young Living Animal Scents Pet Skin Ointment

Best Ointment

Young Living Animal Scents Ointment

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Why We Like it

Looking for a natural way to soothe your pet's skin? Look no further than Young Living's Animal Scents Pet Skin Ointment! This soothing cream is made with natural ingredients and essential oils, and it works to soften and protect your pet's skin.

The essential oil blend provides natural protection against environmental elements, while the other ingredients work to tone and hydrate the skin. Apply this ointment to your pet's skin as needed for relief from dryness, itching, and inflammation. Your furry friend will thank you for it!

What Else You Should Know

Looking for a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free salve that you can use every day? Look no further than Young Living's Tea Tree Salve. This versatile salve can be used for everything from cuts and scrapes to dry skin and insect bites.

And because it's made with 100% pure oils, you can rest assured that it's safe for your skin - and your paws! That's right, this Paw Safe salve will not harm animals if they lick the applied ointment.

So whether you're looking for an everyday ointment or one that you can use on your furry friend, Young Living's Tea Tree Salve is the perfect solution.

Plant Therapy Pup & Pony Line

Best For Being Certified By Aromatherapists

Pup & Pony By Plant Therapy

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Why We Like it

Introducing the Plant Therapy Pup & Pony Line! This line of 100% undiluted essential oil blends was created specifically for dogs (and ponies)! The Confident K9 blend is perfect for those furry friends who need a little help feeling confident and relaxed.

Simply diffuse using 1-2 drops per 100 mL of water for 5-10 minutes every few hours. You can also dilute to 0.25-2% and apply topically as needed.

The Pup & Pony Line was created with safety in mind, so you can feel good about using these products on your furry family members. All of the ingredients are natural and safe for both dogs and ponies. Give your pet the gift of calm today with the Plant Therapy Pup & Pony Line!

What Else You Should Know

Plant Therapy is committed to providing the highest quality essential oils at an affordable price. We believe that everyone deserves to live a happy, healthy life, and our goal is to positively impact as many people as possible.

By selling high quality products at a reasonable price, we are able to help those who are less fortunate to live a better life. In addition, we are able to use our financial resources to help fund research and development of new products that can help even more people. We are truly committed to making the world a better place, one person at a time.

My Peaceful Paws Essential Oil Calming Blend for Dogs

Best For Calming

My Peaceful Paws

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Why We Like It

If you're looking for a calming blend of essential oils to help your dog relax, My Peaceful Paws is the perfect choice. This blend can help ease separation anxiety, fear of thunder and fireworks, and performance nerves in sport dogs.

It's also great for dogs who get stressed in unfamiliar settings or when away from home, such as in boarding situations. To use, simply apply a few drops to your dog's neck and chest.

You can also add a few drops to their bedding or collar for extra peace of mind. My Peaceful Paws is the natural way to help your furry friend relax and feel calm.

What Else You Should Know

If you have a dog that gets stressed out easily, whether it's from vet visits, car rides, or guests coming over, you may want to consider trying a natural calming aid.

Veterinary recommended, this blend is formulated by a certified aromatherapist and made in the USA. For best results, apply about 15 minutes before heading out or guests arriving.

Made for dogs older than ten weeks, it is safe to use on cats. Since 2007, this product has been helping to calm dogs and make them feel more relaxed in stressful situations.

ThunderEssence Dog Calming Essential Oils, 4 FL OZ. Spray

Best For All Natural

ThunderEssence Naturally Calmer Dog

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Why We Like It

Dogs are like family members, so it's understandable that you want only the best for them. ThunderEssence Dog Calming Essential Oils can help your furry friend feel more relaxed and stress-free.

The all-natural essential oils of Lavender, Chamomile, and Egyptian Geranium have aroma therapeutic benefits that can help reduce anxiety and calm your dog.

ThunderEssence has been specifically formulated for dogs and can be used at home, during vet visits or car rides, or during kennel stays.

Just a few drops of ThunderEssence on your dog's collar or in their favorite spot can help ease their stress and make them feel more comfortable. Give your dog the gift of relaxation with ThunderEssence Dog Calming Essential Oils.

What Else You Should Know

Meet ThunderEssence, a natural calming solution that can help your pup feel relaxed and comfortable. Whether you're dealing withSeparation Anxiety, car rides, fireworks, or vet visits, ThunderEssence can help your dog feel calm and collected.

And because it's safe and easy to use, you'll both love the experience. Simply mist or drop some of the Thunder Essence onto your dog's fur (avoiding their face) and massage it in

The calming scent will do the rest. If you're looking for an extra boost, pair ThunderEssence with a ThunderShirt for the ultimate day-to-day calm. Your dog will thank you for it!

ADAPTIL Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser, 30 Day Starter Kit (48 mL)

Best For Calming Diffuser

Adaptil Calming Diffuser

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Why We Like It

The ADAPTIL Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser. This safe and drug-free solution is the #1 vet recommended way to help your dog feel calm and relaxed at home. The diffuser releases calming pheromones that mimic a mother dog’s natural nursing pheromones, helping your furry friend feel comfortable in any situation.

Whether it’s dealing with visitors, fears, staying home alone, or loud noises like thunder or fireworks, the ADAPTIL Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser can help reduce common signs of stress.

Vet approved and easy to use, the ADAPTIL Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser is the perfect way to help your furry friend feel calm and comfortable in any situation.

What Else You Should Know

The ADAPTIL diffuser is an easy way to help your dog feel calm and comfortable in their environment. The diffuser covers up to 700 square feet, and should be placed where your dog spends most of their time.

The diffuser comes with a starter kit that includes one diffuser head and one vial; for best results, replace the vial once a month and the diffuser every six months. The diffuser releases a natural pheromone that helps to calm and comfort dogs, and can be used to help reduce stress during periods of change or upheaval.

Whether your dog is feeling anxious about a move or a new baby in the family, the ADAPTIL diffuser can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

FAQ's

  1. Which essential oils are safe to diffuse around dogs?

Lavender, frankincense and lemon are all safe to diffuse around dogs. Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so it's important to use essential oils that are safe for dogs.

Lavender oil is known for its calming effects, and it can help reduce anxiety in dogs. Frankincense oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help reduce inflammation in dogs.

And lemon oil is known for its cleansing properties, and it can help purify the air around dogs.

2. Is it safe to diffuse oils around dogs?

There are a few things to consider when diffusing oils around dogs. For one, not all oils are safe for dogs. Secondly, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so they may be more sensitive to the aromas of the oils. And finally, it's important to make sure that the dog isn't licking or ingesting any of the oil.

That said, many people do diffuse oils around their dogs with no adverse effects. Some oils that are considered safe for dogs include lavender oil, geranium oil, and frankincense oil.

If you're going to diffuse oils around your dog, start with a small amount and increase if needed. And always keep an eye on your pup

3. Can you diffuse essential oils with a dog in the house?

You can diffuse essential oils with a dog in the house as long as you make sure that the essential oils are safe for dogs.

Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so they may be able to smell the essential oils even if you can't. This means that it's important to use only safe essential oils around dogs and to avoid diffusing them in areas where the dog spends a lot of time.

Some essential oils that are safe for dogs include lavender, lemon, peppermint, and chamomile. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before using any essential oils around pets.

4. Are pure essential oils toxic to dogs when diffused?

You can diffuse essential oils with a dog in the house as long as you make sure that the essential oils are safe for dogs.

Dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so they may be able to smell the essential oils even if you can't. This means that it's important to use only safe essential oils around dogs and to avoid diffusing them in areas where the dog spends a lot of time.

Some essential oils that are safe for dogs include lavender, lemon, peppermint, and chamomile. However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian before using any essential oils around pets.

5. What should you not diffuse around a dog?

You should generally avoid diffusing around a dog any oils that are high in beta-caryophyllene or camphene. These compounds can cause irritation in a dog's respiratory system. Some good essential oils to diffuse around dogs include lavender, rosemary, and lemon balm.

6. What scents are safe for dogs?

There are a number of scents that are safe for dogs. However, it's important to be aware that some scents may be harmful or even toxic to dogs.

Here are some of the most common scents that are safe for dogs:

- vanilla

- lavender

- chamomile

- rosemary

- lemon balm

While these are all safe scents for dogs, it's important to research any other scents before using them around your dog.

Some additional scents that may be safe for dogs include: baby powder, ginger, and sandalwood. However, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian before using any new scent around your dog.

7. Is lavender oil safe for dogs to breathe?

Yes, lavender oil is safe for dogs to breathe as long as it is used in diluted form. Lavender oil has a calming effect on dogs and can be used to help them relax. It can also be used to treat skin problems or fleas.

However, it is important to use only pure lavender oil and not a blend that contains other oils, as some of these oils may be harmful to dogs.

8. Can I diffuse thieves around my dog?

Yes, you can diffuse thieves around your dog. Thieves is a blend of essential oils that is known for its ability to deter unwanted pests, such as insects and rodents. In fact, it's so effective that it's been used by the military to keep pests away from areas where they're stationed.

You can diffusing thieves around your dog in several ways. One way is to add a few drops of the oil to water and spritz it on your dog's coat before taking them for a walk outside.

You can also place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and place it near where your dog usually hangs out or sleeps. Finally, you can add a few drops of the oil to your pet's food.

9. Which oils are toxic to dogs?

Coconut oil is toxic to dogs.

It's important to be aware of which oils are toxic to dogs, as even a small amount can cause serious health problems. Coconut oil is particularly dangerous for dogs, as it can cause them to experience vomiting and diarrhea, and it can also lead to metabolic problems.

10. Is lavender toxic to dogs?

Lavender is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause them to have a stomach upset.

Dogs may like the smell of lavender, but it's not good for them if they eat it. Lavender oil is fine, but avoid using the dried flowers since they can be dangerous if ingested. A little bit of lavender won't hurt your dog, but too much could make them sick.

Symptoms of lavender poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling. If you think your dog has eaten too much lavender, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Essential oils can be dangerous for dogs if used incorrectly. If you decide to use them around your pup, make sure you consult with your veterinarian first and only use high-quality, animal-safe products that are diluted properly. Never diffuse oils around dogs unless you're certain they won't be able to smell the fumes.

There are a number of safe oils for dogs when used correctly.

Some of the most common oils that are safe for dogs include lavender, chamomile, and geranium. These oils can be diluted and applied topically or diffused in a room where the dog is present.

However, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before using any type of new treatment on your pet, even if it's natural. Some oils may not be safe for dogs, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.