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Many dog owners are turning to natural solutions to support their dogs' health and well-being, and essential oils have become a popular option. Essential oils can help repel pests, calm anxious dogs, and promote overall wellness when used correctly. However, essential oils can also pose serious risks if used improperly. Here’s what you need to know to incorporate essential oils into your dog’s routine safely.
Benefits of Essential Oils for Dogs
When sourced from reputable brands and used appropriately, essential oils can offer several benefits for dogs:
- Repelling Fleas and Ticks: Certain oils naturally deter pests without the need for harsh chemical treatments.
- Calming Stress and Anxiety: Many dogs experience stress from loud noises, travel, or changes in routine. Essential oils can help create a sense of calm.
- Supporting Immune Health: Some oils have antimicrobial properties that support a healthy immune response.
- Promoting Respiratory Health: Certain oils can support clearer breathing and a healthier respiratory system.
- Creating a Positive Home Environment: Gentle diffusion of oils can make the home feel more peaceful and inviting for both dogs and humans.
Risks of Using Essential Oils with Dogs
Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be dangerous to dogs if used incorrectly. Risks include:
- Toxicity: Reports of specific singles and blends being toxic are more than likely due to poor quality or a dreadful overdose.
- Respiratory Distress: Strong or prolonged diffusion can irritate a dog's sensitive respiratory system.
- Skin Irritation: Undiluted oils applied to the skin can cause burns, rashes, or allergic reactions.
- Liver and Kidney Damage: Over time, repeated exposure to low-quality or inappropriate oils can burden the liver and kidneys.
- Behavioral Changes: Some dogs may become agitated or distressed if they dislike certain scents.
Essential oils should never be used on or around dogs without proper guidance and should always be introduced slowly and cautiously.
Why Quality Matters: Sourcing Safe Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are safe for pets. Many commercial oils contain synthetic fragrances, adulterants, or solvents that can be harmful.
For safety and therapeutic benefit, it’s essential to choose oils specifically formulated for use with animals—ideally, those created by a qualified holistic veterinarian.
Dr. Melissa Shelton of AnimalEO is one of the foremost experts in veterinary aromatherapy. Her AnimalEO line of essential oils is formulated specifically for safe use with animals, using veterinary research, species-specific dilution rates, and careful sourcing.
Why choose AnimalEO?
- Formulated by a holistic veterinarian
- Free from harmful additives or solvents
- Safe dilution ratios for animals
- Transparency in ingredient sourcing
- Backed by veterinary experience and testing
Dr. Melissa Shelton has also authored a comprehensive guide to using essential oils for pets. The guide lists which oils are safe, the benefits, and how to use them to address common health ailments.
I also order essential oils from Plant Therapy and Simply Earth.
Plant Therapy and Simply Earth are reputable brands known for producing high-quality, pure essential oils without synthetic additives or fillers. Both companies offer GC/MS-tested oils and provide full transparency on sourcing and safety. While not explicitly formulated for veterinary use like AnimalEO, many of their single oils, such as lavender, frankincense, and copaiba, are safe for diffusing around pets when used correctly. Both brands offer a trustworthy option for dog owners who follow safe diffusion practices and stick to pet-friendly oils for general home use.
Best Essential Oils to Repel Fleas and Ticks
When used in proper blends and dilutions, these essential oils can help repel fleas and ticks:
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica or Cedrus deodara): Naturally repels insects and is safe for dogs in appropriate dilutions.
- Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): Effective for repelling ticks; use with caution and proper dilution.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Offers calming effects and light insect-repelling properties.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus): Helps repel fleas; should be used cautiously and properly diluted.
Note: Never apply essential oils directly to your dog without guidance. The safest option is pre-formulated sprays or diffuser blends from trusted veterinary aromatherapy lines like AnimalEO, Kin+Kind, Wondercide, and Project Sudz.
Best Essential Oils for Calming Dogs
These oils can promote relaxation and calm:
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): The most widely studied calming oil for dogs; helps ease anxiety and stress.
- Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile): Gently soothes the nervous system.
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Promotes grounding, relaxation, and overall wellness.
- Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Eases tension and can help with sleep.
Essential Oil Dilution Chart for Dogs
| Dog’s Size | Carrier Oil Amount | Essential Oil Amount | Dilution % | Usage |
|---|
| Under 10 lbs (toy breeds, small puppies) | 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | 1 drop | ~0.25-0.5% | Very sensitive; use extreme caution |
| 10–25 lbs (small dogs) | 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | 1–2 drops | ~0.5-1% | Light dilution for massage or spot application |
| 25–50 lbs (medium dogs) | 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | 2–4 drops | ~1-1.5% | General topical use; paw balm, spray, etc. |
| 50–75 lbs (large dogs) | 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | 3–5 drops | ~1-2% | Topical use or light diffusion blends |
| 75+ lbs (giant breeds) | 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | 4–6 drops | ~2% | Topical blends, sprays |
Important Notes:
- Always dilute essential oils before applying to a dog’s skin or fur. Never use undiluted oils!
- Carrier oils include fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or hemp seed oil.
- Less is more — dogs are very sensitive to scents.
- Avoid sensitive areas: nose, eyes, inside ears, genitals. Apply to the back of the neck, chest, or along the spine when needed.
- When diffusing: use 1–2 drops total in a diffuser, diffuse intermittently (10–15 mins), and always provide a scent-free escape route.
Safe Carrier Oils for Use with Dogs
| Carrier Oil | Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Good for sensitive skin; avoid if you have nut allergies | Good for skin; long shelf life; doesn’t solidify |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Rich in vitamin E, soothes dry skin, mild | Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin |
| Jojoba Oil | Closest to natural skin oils, very stable | Great for sensitive or allergic dogs |
| Olive Oil (extra virgin) | Rich in antioxidants, nourishing | Slightly heavier, use sparingly for topical use |
| Sunflower Oil | High in vitamin E, lightweight | Good for dogs with sensitive skin |
| Hemp Seed Oil | Anti-inflammatory, rich in omega-3 & omega-6 | Great for skin & coat health; refrigerate |
| Grapeseed Oil (use with caution) | Lightweight, rich in antioxidants | Lightweight, absorbs easily, moisturizing, and antimicrobial |
Sourcing: Plant Therapy
General Tips:
- Always choose organic, cold-pressed, or expeller-pressed oils.
- Store oils in dark bottles away from heat and sunlight to preserve freshness.
- Perform a patch test with any new blend—apply a small amount to a less sensitive area (like the outer thigh) and monitor for 24 hours.
- Oils go bad over time — if it smells rancid, discard it.
Diffusing Essential Oils with Dogs
Diffusion is generally the safest way to expose your dog to essential oils when done carefully:
- Use intermittent diffusion: Diffuse for 10–15 minutes at a time, then turn off the diffuser and allow for a break.
- Provide escape routes: Always allow your dog access to an oil-free area so they can leave if the scent is too strong.
- Start slow: Start with light diffusion and monitor your dog’s reaction.
- Observe for sensitivity: Watch for signs of distress, coughing, sneezing, squinting, drooling, pacing, or lethargy. If any of these occur, stop diffusion immediately.
- Avoid ultrasonic diffusers near sensitive dogs: Some ultrasonic diffusers can emit sounds dogs can hear, which may cause stress. Opt for passive diffusion or consider veterinary-approved diffuser devices.
Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes for Dogs
Here are a few gentle diffuser blends for promoting calm and wellness. Use 1–2 drops total in a diffuser in a well-ventilated room for a short period:
Calming Blends
| PEACEFUL PUP | STORM SOOTHER | QUIET COMFORT | SERENE HOME | ANTI-ANXIETY BLEND |
| 2 drops Lavender | 2 drops Lavender | 2 drops Roman Chamomile | 2 drops Lavender | 1 drop Lavender |
| 1 drop Frankincense | 2 drops Sweet Marjoram | 1 drop Frankincense | 1 drop Vetiver | 1 drop Clary Sage |
| 1 drop Roman Chamomile | 1 drop Lavender | 1 drop Frankincense | 1 drop Roman Chamomile |
| RELAX & REST | ZEN DOG | CALM CONFIDENCE | HARMONY BLEND | TRANQUIL MOMENTS |
| 2 drops Lavender | 2 drops Frankincense | 2 drops Lavender | 2 drops Lavender | 1 drop Lavender |
| 1 drop Copaiba | 1 drop Sweet Marjoram | 1 drop Cedarwood | 1 drop Bergamot | 1 drop Frankincense |
| 1 drop Frankincense | 1 drop Roman Chamomile | 1 drop Roman Chamomile | 1 drop Frankincense | 1 drop Sweet Orange |
Sourcing: Plant Therapy
Tips for Use During Fireworks & Storms:
- Start diffusing 30–60 minutes BEFORE the stressful event starts
- Use intermittently through the event
- Pair with other calming tools: calming music, safe space, thundershirt, CBD, etc.
- Less is more — never overload the diffuser! Monitor your dog’s behavior.
Can You Increase the Amount of Essential Oils?
When our dogs are experiencing a high-stress event, it may be tempting to increase the number of drops of various essential oils when diffusing. Here are a few steps to consider before increasing the amount of essential oils in the above recipes:
- You’ve already observed your dog tolerating the blend well at lower amounts.
- The room is large enough and well-ventilated (especially for 500+ sq ft rooms).
- You diffuse intermittently (NOT continuously).
- You provide an escape route (dog can leave the room).
- You avoid doing it too often — for example, you wouldn’t want to run “heavy” diffusing all day, every day.
How Much Can You Safely Increase?
For a 500 sq ft room:
- Start: 2–4 drops TOTAL (as listed in the recipes I provided)
- If well tolerated and desired, you may increase to 5–6 drops TOTAL, especially for short-term use during a fireworks event, storm, or highly stressful episode.
What Dog Owners Should Know About Increasing Oils:
- Sensitivity Varies Greatly: Some dogs (especially brachycephalic breeds, senior dogs, puppies, or those with respiratory conditions) are much more sensitive — for these dogs, do not increase beyond 3–4 drops total.
- More Oil Doesn't Equate to Better Results: Increasing oil too much can overwhelm a dog’s sensitive olfactory system and lead to adverse effects (agitation, panting, pacing, coughing, drooling, vomiting, hiding).
- Ventilation is Key: If you increase oil amounts, the room MUST be well ventilated — crack a window or door and ensure free airflow.
- Intermittent Diffusion Only: Even when increasing to 5–6 drops, never run the diffuser continuously — use 10–15 min on, 30–60 min off cycles.
- Monitor Closely: When increasing oils, watch your dog carefully for signs of sensitivity; if any signs offur, stop diffusing immediately and air out the space:
- Pacing, whining, leaving the room
- Drooling, coughing, sneezing
- Lethargy or unusual agitation
- Gradual Increase: Don’t jump from 3 drops to 6 overnight. Increase gradually over a few sessions, while monitoring your dog.
When You Should NOT Increase:
- If your dog is new to essential oils.
- If your dog has shown sensitivity in the past.
- If your dog is a puppy under 12 weeks, geriatric, or has respiratory/neurological concerns.
- If the room is small, unventilated, or your dog cannot leave the space.
How I Use Essential Oils
As essential oils became more popular, I noticed a rise in low-quality products marketed for pets. This made me rethink my approach—I transitioned from daily topical use on my dogs to carefully diffusing only a select few oils in my home and using AnimalEO oils, expertly formulated by Dr. Melissa Shelton, always following safe-use guidelines. This journey taught me that essential oils can be an excellent addition to a dog’s holistic wellness routine—but only when used thoughtfully and responsibly. When in doubt, I always consult a qualified holistic veterinarian.
By respecting your dog’s sensitivities and using only the best quality products, you can harness the natural power of essential oils to support your dog’s health and happiness safely and effectively.
