The Dos and Don’ts of Essential Oils and Dogs
Essential oils have gained popularity over the past few years, and aromatherapy is a holistic healing modality that many people find very helpful. Having diffusers in our homes that emit a lovely, nose-pleasing aroma may seem nonthreatening. After all, essential oils have wonderful health benefits; diffusing lavender can aid with sleep and relaxation, and peppermint may help clear a stuffy nose when you have a cold. However, essential oils can be unsafe when used incorrectly, especially for your furry four-legged friends. Our dogs are a lot more sensitive to scents than we may be. What we believe to be a subtle fragrance may actually be overwhelming and even harmful to your pooch.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are made from extremely concentrated plant extracts therefore they may emit the powerful fragrance of that specific plant. In a chemical sense, they are not true oils because they have long chains of fatty acids. For example, olive essential oil and olive oil used for cooking are two different things. One helps with cracked heels and the other makes for a tasty drizzle over focaccia. Essential oils are produced from certain volatile compounds within a plant. There are numerous types of essential oils, and they each have their own unique physical and chemical properties, which makes them popular when it comes to healing.
The Issue with Essential Oils and Your Pooch
Generally, every pet owner wants the best for their pup, so it is understandable that people think essential oils can help them and their pets. Unfortunately, while many essential oils are beneficial for us, they are often harmful to our dogs. It is tempting to use essential oils for various conditions, from tick and flea prevention to anxiety, but the use of these oils may result in significant side effects for your beloved pooch. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. This applies to essential oils in a diffuser, oils in pet-cleaning or pampering products, and oils that are be applied directly to the skin.
Essential oils are very strong. They may have a wonderful smell, but their molecules tend to be highly reactive with the compounds in our bodies, and our pet’s bodies. It is this reaction that makes them so useful. If they didn’t react with the body, they wouldn’t be beneficial. However, this is also why essential oils may be toxic for your dog. The reactions affect your furry friends’ natural body chemistry.
Your dog’s sense of smell is an inherent part of how they explore the world, so it makes sense that the scent from essential oils affects them more than us. Some essential oils can burn your dog’s skin when applied topically. It is important to distinguish which oils are good and which are harmful when using essential oils in any situation.
Essential Oils that are Harmful for Your Dog
Essential oils that are dangerous to dogs include, but are not limited to:
Anise
Cinnamon
Citrus
Clove
Garlic
Juniper
Pennyroyal
Peppermint
Pine
Sweet birch
Tea tree
Thyme
Wintergreen
Yarrow
Ylang Ylang
Symptoms Of Essential Oil Poisoning in Dogs
The general rule of thumb is that essential oils and your furry friend should not mix. But how can you tell if your dog is having a reaction? There are several common symptoms of essential oil poisoning in pets, including:
The smell of essential oils on their skin, fur, breath, or vomit
Difficulty breathing
Drooling
Fatigue
Weakness
Difficulty walking or stumbling
Muscle tremors
Pawing at the mouth or face
Redness or burns on their lips, tongue, skin, or gums
Vomiting
You know your beloved dog better than anyone else. If you suspect that something isn’t right, speak to your animal practitioner. Always wash off any essential oils if you notice them on your pup’s fur.
Using Essential Oils Safely
There’s no doubt essential oils have health benefits, some of which can help your dog, so don’t be put off using all essential oils just because some are not friendly.
Even when using fido-friendly essential oils, never apply neat essential oils directly to the skin; they must be mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should also not be used in large quantities, and it’s always recommended to consult with your vet before diffusing them in your home.
Pet Safe Essential Oils
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil is less potent and used in various forms of pet care, from behavior improvement to antibacterial healing. Frankincense is a great all-round oil to use in your home. It calms the mind, enhances the mood, and combats stress and anxiety.
Ginger Oil
Just like hot ginger tea can soothe your stomach or clear out your respiratory tracts, the same can be said for your dog. Ginger essential oil can help your pet if they are experiencing certain digestive issues (please do not give your dog ginger essential oil orally without consulting with your animal practitioner), and it can help them breathe a little easier.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is considered to be one of the most versatile essential oils and creates a sense of harmony and peace. Lavender has many of the same soothing perks for canines as it does for humans. This oil will offer a calming effect for you and your furry friend.
Chamomile Oil
Your beloved pooch can experience similar calming effects from chamomile as we do. Chamomile can ease stress in your dog and even settle an upset tummy (please consult with your animal practitioner about the correct dosage and how to administer the oil). Chamomile oil can also be used to help your dog learn to socialize better with other dogs.
Myrrh
Myrrh oil is great for skin irritations due to its antiseptic and anti-infectious qualities. It is a great cleanser and can help clear up irritated skin patches. Myrrh oil can also help anxiety in nervous dogs in cases where they’re scared of a storm or the vacuum cleaner.
How to safely use essential oils around your dog
Fragrant-smelling liquids might attract your curious dog’s inquisitive nose, so keep all your essential oils out of reach. Do not apply any essential oils orally or topically without consulting a veterinarian.
Diffuser: this is the best way to use essential oils around your dog. Mix your chosen dog-safe oil with carrier oil and diffuse it. Ensure that the room is well ventilated. Your dog is more sensitive to smells than you are, so what is normal to you might be overpowering to them. Don’t leave the diffuser on all day either. Only use it periodically throughout the day.
Mists: mix your dog-safe essential oil with a carrier oil and spray it around the room, but be cautious not to spray too much, and don’t spray the oil near your dog’s food, water, or bed. If you are using an essential oil that your vet approves for treating a condition, you can spray the mixture of oil and recommended carrier oil on the affected areas sparingly, but avoid your dog’s eyes, nose, mouth, and genital area.
It is not completely unsafe to use essential oils around your furry friend, provided they’re used with caution. Ensure that your chosen oil is dog friendly and stick to the dosage given to you by an animal practitioner. You don’t have to be fearful of doing something wrong if you stick to the guidelines. Sharing your home with your furry friend means you both need to be happy and healthy, even if that means you have to compromise on certain smells – including the smells your pooch emits!