How Much Essential Oils Are Safe For Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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When you use essential oils for dogs … follow canine herbalist Rita Hogan’s recommendation: Use a 0.5 percent to a one percent dilution. This means

3 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of a carrier oil

.

Is it safe to diffuse oils around dogs?


Inhaling diffused oils is known to cause negative respiratory effects on humans and pets, if used in a small space and/or for an extended period of time

. It is important to note that cats and dogs are much more sensitive to scents than their human counterparts.

What diluted essential oils are safe for dogs?

I’ve found that a mixture of

doTERRA’s Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oils

(heavily diluted with water or coconut oil) can be applied topically to the itchy areas and he stops the scratching pronto! A safe dilution ratio is 1 part essential oils to 50 parts carrier for an average-sized, healthy dog.

Are essential oils safe for dogs to smell?

Signs Your Dog Can Smell Essential Oils


Yes, dogs can smell essential oils

. However, not all essential oils are safe for your dog. Lavender is perhaps the most popular (and one of the safest) because of its calming properties. Peppermint oil is another good one that can stimulate circulation and deter pesky insects.

Is diluted lavender oil safe for dogs?


Diluted lavender oil is generally considered safe for topical use on dogs

. Lavender essential oil is extremely potent. Just like for humans, pure lavender essential oils should not be applied to the skin or ingested.

Is lavender safe to diffuse around dogs?


Placing a few drops of lavender oil on a dog’s bedding may help calm them, or it may just cause further stress

. Oils used improperly can also lead to changes in behavior, adverse central nervous system effects, and respiratory problems — all of which can be serious. Some essential oils are poisonous to dogs.

Can my diffuser hurt my dog?


The diffusion itself not necessarily harmful to dogs

, but having these toxins in your home is a risk. Inhalation of essential oils is another concern for dogs. Breathing in the aroma of diffusers is generally not a problem. However, if a pet is sniffing the diffuser and gets oil in the airway, it could be disastrous.

What essential oils are safe to diffuse around cats and dogs?

  • Anise Essential Oil.
  • Basil Essential Oil.
  • Birch Essential Oil.
  • Calendula Essential Oil.
  • Cassia Essential Oil.
  • Cinnamon Essential Oil.
  • Citronella Essential Oil.
  • Clove Essential Oil.

Is Lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs in a diffuser?


No, you should not add lemongrass oil to an essential oil diffuser when your dog is around

. The ASPCA states that lemongrass (including the essential oil) is toxic to dogs as well as cats.

Can I rub peppermint oil on my dog?

Many essential oils are toxic for dogs, whether ingested or applied topically. Canine-toxic essential oils include tea tree oil, ylang-ylang, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil.

You should never apply essential oils directly to your dog’s skin or yours

.

Why is ylang ylang bad for dogs?

The first problem with essential oils interacting with your pup is that many common oils like peppermint, ylang-ylang, and tea tree oil are

poisonous for dogs when ingested

. This means a lick of calming essential oil can cause major tummy troubles for your dog – or worse, an emergency trip to the vet.

Are essential oil humidifiers safe for dogs?

According to APCC,

not necessarily

. Using an oil diffuser for a short time period in a secured area— one that your dog or cat cannot access—is not likely to be an issue. However, if your pet has a history of breathing problems, it may be best to avoid using one altogether.

Is diffusing lemon oil safe for dogs?

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are

toxic to pets

. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin OR used in diffusers.

What scents are calming to dogs?

Because barking and excessive activity are typically signs of stress in shelter dogs — not to mention being undesirable behaviors in the eyes of many adopters — the study concluded that exposure to the odors of

vanilla, coconut, valerian, and ginger

has the potential to reduce stress in shelter dogs.

Is chamomile safe for dogs?

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant commonly used for herbal teas. Best known for its calming properties,

chamomile is safe for dogs

and full of healthy benefits. In fact, it is actually one of the safest herbs you can offer your pet! Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antispasmodic properties.

What happens if dogs lick peppermint oil?

Essential Oils

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated and should not be given to canines. If your pup licks even a small amount of oil, it can be absorbed very quickly.

It can cause severe irritation to their stomach or mouth

. It can also severely damage their liver and cause death.

Is lavender toxic to pets?


Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats

. Mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Lavender poisoning is possible and may cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and other symptoms.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.