While our four-legged friends sometimes seem unstoppable, they can actually be more sensitive than you might think! From chocolate to mushrooms, there are so many benign everyday things that can actually be seriously dangerous to our pets. So, is it safe to use essential oils around dogs? The answer is actually not so simple! If you love aromatherapy, there are a few things that you could know about protecting your pets.
Here is your ultimate guide on how to use essential oils around dogs.
How to Use Essential Oils with a Dog
First of all, if you want to know if it’s safe to use essential oils around dogs, you’ll need to do some homework. It is essential to understand the different types of essential oils and ways of using them.
Generally speaking, it is best to avoid using essential oils on your dog’s skin. Not only can they cause irritation, but it is too easy for your dog to eat the oils. While there are some essential oil blends that can be used safely on your dog’s skin, it is best to talk to your vet before doing any DIY health remedies.
When it comes to your dog’s health and safety, always keep in mind that important communication issue. While we can communicate if something is causing discomfort, your dog may be suffering in silence. Always play it safe because you can easily hurt your dog without realizing it.
It is generally safe to use essential oils around dogs when it is done with a diffuser. Don’t have one yet? We love the gorgeous URPOWER 400ml Essential Oil Diffuser. This wood grain diffuser features an auto shut-off, four timer settings, and seven different colored light options that make your place smell amazing while creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Essential Oils That Are DANGEROUS to Use around Dogs
When you are using an essential oil diffuser, it is important to keep in mind that every dog is different. The breed and size of your dog will affect your dog’s ability to deal with potential irritants. As always, trust the advice of professionals, not things you hear from other dog owners. Just because your friend’s dog isn’t affected by something, that does not mean that yours won’t be. While aromatherapy can be great for you, it is never worth taking a risk!
According to vets, it is NOT safe to use essential oils around dogs like cinnamon, wintergreen, tea tree, pine, ylang ylang, citrus fruits, and pennyroyal. While aromatherapy done through an essential oil diffuser will typically not cause levels of concentration high enough to harm your dog, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If your dog gets these oils on their skin or licks them, it will cause major irritation.
According to the VCA Animal Hospital, the essential oils listed above can cause weakness, muscle tremors, low body temperature, vomiting, and drooling. If your dog is showing these or any other unusual behaviors, it is time to get to the vet!
How to Make It Safe to Use Essential Oils Around Dogs
Just as essential oils can be a great way to get the benefits of aromatherapy in humans, these scents can be good for your dogs too! Of course, lavender is always a top pick! This lovely smelling oil is great for a wide range of conditions from insomnia to motion sickness to anxiety.
When you are using essential oil, be sure to use a premium blend. They are not expensive and ensure a higher quality product. In fact, the top quality bottles are actually a better value than the discount blends, which tend to be highly watered down.
For a perfect lavender pick, we love Rocky Mountain Oils Lavender! With amazing smelling Bulgarian blossoms, this 100% pure and natural essential oil is a safe and effective.
Other great options are cardamom, chamomile, spearmint, and thyme.