While essential oils may have some pup-tastic benefits for us humans, sometimes these advantages may land your pooch in the doghouse. 

Whether you are using it to train your dog not to pee in an area or if you want to use it to clean around a dog, this article will tell you which one’s dogs love or hate, and ones you should never ever use. 

We have compiled the do’s and don’ts of essential oils from dog experts to make sure you can keep your dog safe and help you become a bone-afide dog owner! 

Notes On Essential Oils 

Before we go into which essential oils are good or bad for your furry friend, let’s break down exactly what essential oils are. 

Essential oils are a plant based liquid concentrate. They are derived from plant materials like bark, leaves, or petals which are obtained from pressing or distillation. Through this process, the liquid concentrates not only preserves the smell of the plant material but also allows it to retain its natural benefits. 

The concentrated oils can be used for a variety of purposes, which you can already find in your homes. Essential oils can be found in skin care and cosmetic products, household cleaning, aromatherapy, as well as flavouring for food. 

Because they come from a ‘natural’ source like plants, the assumption is that they are safe for everyday use around animals. People tend to think “if they are okay for me, they should be okay for my dog”. However, the answer is much more complicated than that. 

Reasons Why Essential Oils Can Be Bad For Your Dog 

While essential oils can have benefits for humans, our furry friends are much different and their reactions to them may be overwhelming for their bodies. Here are a few reasons why essential oils can be bad for your pup:

Keen Sense Of Smell

Just like how we humans can have different sensitivities to different ingredients, creams, or food, so can our furry friends. Some essential oils are great for them, some not. Their heightened sense of smell compared to us mere humans might mean that essential oils that smell good to us may be a bit too much for our pooch. 

They Might Make Your Dog Sick

If applying topically, there is a risk they might lick it off and accidentally ingest it. This might cause respiratory or gastrointestinal issues if it enters their body. For dogs with liver issues or older dogs, this is particularly more risky. 

‘Paw-some’ Essential Oils For Dogs

Lavender Oil

If you have sleepless nights, lavender oil has amazing properties that encourage sleep. The effect is similar for dogs and has been found to calm them down and reduce anxiety. If your best friend is experiencing skin issues, lavender oil can promote healthy skin when applied onto their skin.

Citronella Oil

Citronella oil is derived from lemongrass which is a great essential oil to use when potty training. When placed in an area or diffused, the smell deters your dog from peeing in that spot, which if you are training your dog to pee outside, is a great way to do so. While this is more of a benefit for us owners than the dog, it is still a safe oil to have around the house. If you don’t have citronella oil on hand, consider using Brady’s Don’t Pee Here – Indoors as an alternative.

Ginger Oil

Ginger in both the fresh form and oil form can boost your paw pal’s immune system to prevent illness and in some cases, reduce the chances of cancer. However, ginger in its essential oil form can be very potent so use sparingly and always use it with a carrier oil. It can be used as a natural remedy to soothe irritation on their skin and improve skin health. 

Rosemary

With summer coming up, you and your pooch may be spending more time outside. Rosemary oil is a natural insect repellent which is safe to use around dogs. By diffusing rosemary essential oils outside to deter those pesky insects from entering your home. Dog-safe insect repellent that is applied onto their fur can also be used, especially if you are taking them out on walks. 

If your dog is experiencing indigestion, food-grade rosemary oil has amazing antimicrobial properties that supports their digestive system. It is also an antioxidant that can improve the overall health of your furry friend.

Frankincense

If you enjoy the relaxing properties of frankincense or use it for its ability to rejuvenate your skin, then you will be tail-wagging happy to note that frankincense is safe to be around your animal sidekick. It works similarly for our dogs as when humans apply it to their skin. The benefits of applying it onto their skin has calming effects, reduces inflammation, and antibacterial properties. 

No-No Essential Oils

Tea Tree Oil

Found predominantly in dog shampoos, tea tree oil is an essential oil that claims your pet can have applied topically. However, take caution that you do not put pure tea tree oil as it is extremely toxic to dogs. If using a product with tea tree in it, ensure that it has less than 2% concentration. For the safest practice, it is recommended to avoid it all together, even if the product claims to be pet friendly.

Birch Oil

Most people use birch oils to help in scent training dogs however, research has shown that using birch is extremely toxic for dogs if consumed. Even when diluted to lower concentrations, there is a risk of vomiting, diarrhoea, and in extreme cases acute kidney failure.  

Wintergreen Oil

Similar to Birch Oil, Wintergreen essential oils are highly poisonous to dogs. Wintergreen oils are more commonly used as massage oils as well as for aromatherapy for its muscle relieving properties. However, for your furry friend, it may cause skin reactions and if consumed, could lead to liver failure. 

How to Safely Use Essential Oils Around Your Dog

Dilution ratio

If you are using a combination of up to 3 essential oils, Forbes recommends diluting 4 to 5 drops to a ratio of 10mL of a carrier oil. A carrier oil can be something like coconut oil or jojoba oil and are completely safe to have on and around your pup. Dogs have a keen sense of smell so diluting it is important to not irritate them with a pure concentrate of essential oils. 

Let Them Play While You Clean

If you are cleaning, try to bring them outside or get someone to take them out while you use essential oils. If you are using essential oils to clean a room, ensure that your dog has other areas of your home they can hide away to if the smell becomes too strong for their noses. 

Having good ventilation with open doors and windows is another way to prevent them from getting overwhelmed. Having good circulated air not only while using oils but other product cleaning products is the number one best safety practice for you and your pup. 

Use A Water Diffuser 

If you are using essential oils for its aroma properties, use a water diffuser to further dilute the concentration. You can still let your dog play while using a diffuser as it lowers the risk of a reaction. 

Keep It Away From Areas Where They Can Lick It Off

Ingesting essential oils can be toxic for dogs so if you are applying it on their skin, keep it away from parts of their body that they can lick at it. 

If you are using essential oils for their aromatherapy benefits, consider using a bandana or scarf to wrap around your dog to minimise direct contact to their skin.

To keep them completely away from any accidents, Brady’s Don’t Chew For Puppies & Dogs is a great tool to keep them from accidentally ingesting any toxic chemicals.

If In Doubt, Contact Your Vet

If you are still unsure about which oils are safe for your furry family member, the best practice is to contact your dog’s vet. As each animal has different sensitivities, it is best to avoid contact with any new products until you are confident that they can be around your pups. If you plan to introduce new foods and medicine for your dogs, ensure that your vet has given you the green light to use them. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential oils are safe around dogs?

Lavender, Citronella, Ginger, Rosemary, and Frankincense are some of the essential oils safe to use around dogs. However, make sure that you do not use undiluted oils directly in their food or on their coats as the potency may be overwhelming to their noses and skin. 

Is it safe to diffuse oils around dogs?

Yes, the best practice is to use a water diffuser to dilute the essential oils. This minimises the risk of the pure concentrated oils touching the skin of your pet. It is best practice to diffuse in a room with good ventilation and in an open area where your dog has space to hide away if they do not like the smell. 

Is essential oil safe for dogs to breathe?

If used with a diffuser, or applied on their coat with a carrier oil, this can reduce the risk of respiratory issues if breathed in. Just make sure the oils aren’t any of the ones listed as ones that can not be around dogs. If in doubt, contact your vet. 

Is lavender essential oil toxic to dogs?

If applied safely, either by diluting it through a diffuser or a carrier oil, lavender essential oil is safe for dogs. Ensuring that it is diluted before placing it on their skin can have great benefits for your dog. These benefits include reducing anxiety, encouraging sleep, and promoting healthy skin. 

The Scent of Success

We hope this article has helped you paws and reflect on the health and safety of using essential oils around your furry best friend. 

Although we have outlined some that can be helpful in training your dog and preventing them from getting sick, if you do not use them properly, they can cause serious harm for your loved ones. 

The best practice is to always do your research and contact your vet, so your furry friend can always stay having a tail-waggin good time!