7 Natural Essential Oils For Dogs

by Kate Barrington

Published: September 5th, 2021

It’s not new-age nonsense – essential oils for dogs offer a variety of health benefits when used properly.

Essential oils are the concentrated liquid found in plants that contain the aromatic compounds. These oils are said to contain the “essence” of the plant and they can provide a number of health benefits. Essential oils play an important role in aromatherapy and other alternative medicine practices for humans, but they can also be used for dogs.

These natural remedies are a great solution for those that are looking to address minor health concerns ranging from skin conditions and arthritis to anxiety and depression. Some pet owners even use essential oils to create their own natural flea and tick prevention in place of the chemical-heavy options that are commercially available. While there isn’t a lot of scientific research available regarding the effectiveness of essential oils, their growing popularity has been fueled by the many positive experiences shared by those that have chosen to go this route.

If you are going to incorporate essential oils into your dog’s care, especially for the treatment of health conditions, it is recommended that you consult with a holistic veterinarian. These professionals are knowledgeable about the most up to date information available regarding the use of essential oils and how to use them effectively as part of a larger care plan.

The Risks of Essential Oils

Before moving onto to discuss which essential oils you should consider for your dog’s health and well-being, we should take a moment to discuss the potential risks and concerns. The term ‘natural’ does not necessarily mean that a product is safe. There are many oils that are dangerous and toxic for your dog. This includes some oils that are safe for human use but not for our pets.

Essential oils are extremely potent, meaning just a few drops can have a major impact. A high dosage could cause long-term health problems when metabolized by the liver, especially for older dogs, dogs with liver disease and young puppies.

Don’t forget that your dog has an incredibly strong sense of smell. This means that any essential oils being diffused will be significantly stronger for them. You may find the scent level to be tolerable, but that may not be your dog’s experience. If you use too much, it may even have the exact opposite effect on your pup. For example, a strong diffusion of an oil for stress or anxiety relief could cause your dog stress.

This isn’t to say that you can’t or shouldn’t use essential oils. However, it highlights the importance of gathering the necessary knowledge before you get started!

Signs of Oil Toxicity in Dogs

If you are going to use essential oils on or around your dog, you should familiarize yourself with the signs of oil toxicity (or essential oil poisoning) and how to react appropriately. Common signs of oil toxicity include excessive drooling, trouble walking (staggering or stumbling), weakness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and skin irritation.

The moment that you notice any of these signs, you should remove exposure to the oil. For oils that have been applied topically, you should wash the area to remove as much as possible. If you have been diffusing an oil, turn off the diffuser and get your dog outside or to fresh air. Call your veterinarian and explain in detail your concerns including what oil(s) you were using and how you were using it. They will let you know how to best proceed.

Check Out These 7 Dog-Friendly Natural Essential Oils

Below you will find a list of seven essential oils that are safe for dogs as well as a brief description of their use.

1. Chamomile

There are two types of chamomile essential oil – German and Roman. German chamomile has anti-inflammatory benefits which can be good for your dog’s skin and coat – it may help to reduce allergic reactions. Roman chamomile helps to calm nerves and it may also reduce teething pain, cramps, and muscle pain.

Our choice: Healing Solutions Organic Chamomile German Essential Oil

Certified USDA organic, this therapeutic grade essential oil is one of the finest on the market. Made from 100 percent pure German chamomile, this is a pure oil- so you might want to dilute it in a carrier oil if you are worried about potency. You can put a few drops in your pet’s homemade shampoo or DIY flea repellent spray- as the soothing effect of this plant is great for irritated skin.

Our choice: Gya Labs Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

The gentle and soothing Roman Chamomile is a great anti-anxiety aid as the calming scent of this essential oil is certain to help your pooch unwind. This pure roman chamomile therapeutic grade essential oil is made from steam distilled plants sourced from Italy and it’s of the highest quality. Use in a diffuser when your pooch is restless!

2. Lavender

This essential oil can be used in its natural form or you can dilute it with a carrier oil. Lavender essential oil can help to treat allergies, ulcers, burners, anxiety and car sickness. Another benefit of lavender essential oil is that it can help calm your dog’s nerves.

Our choice: Cliganic USDA Organic Lavender Essential Oil

With an organic certificate from USDA, this is one of the purest, best lavender oils there is. Non-diluted, free of chemicals, and made with highest-quality lavender, this therapeutic grade essential oil will be a welcome ingredient in natural insect repellents or as a holistic calming aid.

3. Peppermint

This essential oil is an anti-spasmodic – it also helps to stimulate circulation which can benefit your dog’s skin and coat. Peppermint essential oil can treat motion sickness, arthritis, and it can even repel insects.

Our choice: Artizen Peppermint Essential Oil

100 percent pure, undiluted, and therapeutic grade, this peppermint essential oil offers great value for money. Dilute it with a carrier oil or use as one of the ingredients in a homemade, natural insect repellent spray- in either case, a little of this oil goes a long way. Just a heads up – these bottles are pretty big in comparison to the rest (the smallest is 1oz) so if you’re looking to try it out, you might want something with less product.

4. Cardamom

This essential oil is a natural diuretic but it also has anti-bacterial benefits as well. Cardamom essential oil can help soothe nausea, treat cough, and normalize your dog’s appetite if he is eating less than usual.

Our choice: Edens Garden Cardamom Essential Oil

Made from natural, non-toxic ingredients and nothing else, the invigorating cardamom essential oil could be the perfect companion for your pet-friendly road trips. Pour a few drops of the oil on a piece of cloth and leave in your car near the seat your pooch is using- the invigorating scent could help him feel less nauseous from the drive.

5. Frankincense

In some cases, frankincense essential oil has been shown to improve immune system health and it has even been beneficial in some cases of cancer. This essential oil also helps to reduce ulcers and to increase blood supply to the brain.

Our choice: Handcraft Blends Frankincense Essential Oil

Easy to dose, this premium therapeutic grade frankincense oil comes in a glass bottle with a glass dropper. The quality of the oil is superb and it is bottled in an FDA approved facility so you can rest assured that the highest standards for quality and safety are being met.

6. Fennel

This essential oil primarily helps to break up toxins and excess fluid in bodily tissues. Fennel essential oil also helps to balance the pineal, thyroid, and pituitary glands.

Our choice: Plant Therapy Fennel Essential Oil

Steam distilled from the seeds of the Fennel plant, this pure, undiluted therapeutic grade essential oil has many uses and even its scent can be beneficial enough to make it interesting to pet owners. The sweet and spice fragrance is said to have a calming and mood lifting effect. Always make sure to dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc) as this is pure essential oil!

7. Helichrysum

This essential oil has natural anti-bacterial properties and it may help to reduce bleeding. Helichrysum essential oil may help repair nerve cells as well as skin cells to speed healing.

Our choice: Essence-Lux Helichrysum Essential Oil

Natural, undiluted, and therapeutic grade, this healing helichrysum oil is made through the process of steam distillation. You can be sure that the best of the plant is preserved this way- and your pooch gets to reap those many benefits.

While essential oils can have a variety of benefits for your dog, you do need to be careful about how you use them. For one thing, you should only use therapeutic-grade oils that you purchase from a reputable source. It is also important to note that while many oils are safe for humans to use in their natural forms, dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell so diluting the oil with a carrier oil is typically recommended. Before you use any essential oils on your dog it is always a good idea to contact your veterinarian – this is especially true if your dog is taking medications as the oils may be contraindicated.

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Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom

The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.“Bleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,” said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesn’t work together as they should. “We knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,” the zoo’s executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zoo’s animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zoo’s staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.“It was a crazy first month,” Sisk said. “Our team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.”The zoo’s veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassy’s litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyone’s efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didn’t show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.“Blue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,” the zoo shared in a release. “These three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

Study Finds That Cats Have Hundreds of Facial Expressions

If you’ve lived with cats for any length of time, you know that they express themselves in a variety of ways, and their faces can tell you a lot. Yet, there are some people who think that cats are expressionless, especially when compared to other animals. Well, science has once again come through to prove that cats are social and communicative; you just have to know how to read them.

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What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

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