Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, but have exploded in popularity in the United States over the last several. Fortunately, the science and credibility behind their use has also exploded, and their use continues to gain respect and acceptance in mainstream and alternative health fields.
Essential oils can be found everywhere now, so it’s easier than ever to reap their benefits.
While they may be great for you and your family, did you know essential oils may be able to benefit your dog as well? From lavender to frankincense, there a number of essential oils that support the health of your furry friends, too!
A Brief History of Essential Oils
Essential oils (also known as aromatic oils in some places) have been in use around the world for many centuries. While the specific uses have always varied between cultures, countries, and even religions, one thing has always remained the same – their use in support of better health.
From Europe and Persia to China, Greece, and Egypt, essential oils have been used for generations.
But concerns about their safety have also been around and the use of essential oils for pets is no exception. For a more in-depth look at essential oils, their benefits, and what the FDA has to say about them, click here.
Essential Oil Precautions & Your Dog
Just like with humans, there are precautions to take when using essential oils with your dog.
When deciding which oils to use, always do the proper research to avoid harming your pet. It’s best to consult your veterinarian and/or a certified aromatherapist who is trained in aromatherapy for pets, before using them.
One of the most important things to remember is that dogs are much smaller than people, and therefore, fewer drops of essential oils should be used, and they should always be diluted. This means that the oils should be mixed with a carrier oil. Many people like to use almond oil, which you can get here.
Options to Avoid
AllNaturalPetCare.com offers a comprehensive list of essential oils that may not be safe for use on dogs. This list includes the following:
• Birch (Betula)
• Mustard (Brassica juncea)
• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Other precautions you should keep in mind include the following:
• Keep essential oils away from your dog’s eyes, nose, and their behind and genital areas
• If your dog is a puppy under 10 weeks of age, a senior or pregnant, consult your veterinarian
Using Essential Oils on Your Dog
While not every essential oil is safe for your dog, there are a number that are, and they provide natural support for keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
The graphic below gives you an idea of which essential oils may be beneficial for the health and well-being of your dog. If you’re interested in giving any of these oils a try, click on the image to be taken to the Natural Healthy Concepts website where you can purchase them.
There are more than just these eight that may support your pup’s health. You can find a full list on the Natural Dog Health Remedies website.
Delivery Methods for Essential Oils
There are a variety of ways to use essential oils on your pet: topically and aromatically.
Aromatic use is easy. Simply place a drop or two of diluted essential oil on your pup’s collar or their bed. If you’d like, you can even mix the diluted essential oils with water and spray it on your dog’s fur.
A note of caution: The sense of smell in dogs (and especially cats) is considerably stronger than in humans. Be mindful of your pets if you are using a diffuser at home – what may be an enjoyable aromatic experience for you, could prove harmful for your pet.
Diluted essential oils may also be applied to your dog topically. Rub a little on his or her foot pads or on other parts of the body. Remember to stay away from the eyes, nose, and private parts, though!
When you use them properly, essential oils can be a great addition to your dog’s natural health regimen.
Have you used essential oils to help support your dog’s health? We’d love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below!
