Yes, they are, and no they are not! I realize that’s a contradictory statement, but it’s true nonetheless. Essential oils are extremely concentrated, that’s why we do a test patch on our skin if using the oils straight, and/or use with carrier oils and in diffusers. If this is true for people, imagine then how important it is to dilute the potent impact of essential oils when using them for our beloved animals who are much, much smaller and far more sensitive than ourselves.
That said, essential oils, used safely and judiciously, may provide supportive health and/or emotional benefits for our pets. Adding a drop or two of essential oil(s) to a diffuser or in a water filled spray bottle, may benefit your pet both physically and mentally. Try using the spray bottle to very lightly spritz your pet’s bedding!
Essential Oils Favored for Pets
Carrot Seed (Good for dry, flaky, sensitive skin which is prone to infection), Cedar Wood (Good for skin and coat conditioning and dermatitis of all types), Geranium (Gentle, anti-fungal, good for skin irritations, fungal ear infections, and is effective in repelling ticks), Ginger Root (Good for motion sickness, aids digestion, effective for pain relief caused by arthritis, dysplasia, strains and sprains), Lavender (is often recommended for its calming effect, it’s very safe and gentle, antibacterial, anti-itch, nerve-calming and, good for many common animal ailments such as skin irritations), Valerian Root (Nerve-calming. Good for treating dog anxiety such as separation and noise anxiety).
Avoid Using These Oils On or Near Your Pets
Camphor
Pennyroyal
Wintergreen
Tea Tree
Tips On Using Essential Oils for Your Pets
- Always dilute essential oils before using them on your pets. A rough guideline is to add approximately 3-6 drops of essential oils to 1 oz. (30 ml) of carrier oil, or about 18-25 drops of essential oils to 8 oz. (240 ml) of shampoo.
- Diffuse the oils by adding just 1 to 2 drops to your Ultrasonic Diffuser.
- Apply diluted oils directly on location of pet (hot spots etc.).
- Place diluted oils in your palm, then pet head to toe.
- Apply diluted oils where the skin is thin such as the belly.
- Allow the pet to smell the oil right out of the bottle or from your hands.