Essential oils for dogs
Did you know you can use essential oils for dogs?! These are my goofy pups. Both were rescued in some form and both are precious to us. Duke is the black lab on the right and he basically lives to chase balls and small animals. He sits, lays down and shakes and is a faithful friend to the kids. He’s also scared of storms and fireworks (as most dogs are) but will be ok if we are with him.
Prince, on the left, is stubborn and obedience is beneath him. Can’t you see that in his eyes? But he’s the only real guard dog of the two. He won’t chase anything and you’re lucky if he feels like sitting when you tell him. I swear he rolls his eyes sometimes when I tell him to do things. I think he’s incredibly intelligent and insulted by the idea of bringing me back something just so I can throw it again. He also is a big chicken when it’s storming, there are fireworks or the neighbors are getting a new roof. But we love them both to pieces and because they are part of the family they get essential oils like everyone else!
Let dogs choose their essential oil
Did you know that animals like dogs and horses will use their sense of smell to choose plants to eat when they need them for medicinal purposes? I think that’s incredible! They are so intelligent and made to know what they need. So we can ask our animals what they want by offering them different oils to smell. Their sense of smell is so precise you dont even need to open the bottle
A few months ago we noticed Duke acting very stiff and sometimes refusing to put weight on one of his back legs. We figured out he was having soreness issues in his hips from age and laying on the concrete. This is a video of me “asking” Duke which oils he wants..
In this video I offer Duke White Fir, Marjoram and Lavender to soothe his hips. You will see him lick the air repeatedly which is part of their process of smelling. You’ll see him turn away when he doesn’t want an oil and lick the bottle then stand by me when he chooses one:
Isn’t that incredible?!
Prince isn’t a fan of most oils. Considering his personality it’s not really that shocking. Some dogs just aren’t as open to essential oils as others (just like people). I still apply some Lavender or Serenity to him to calm him when he’s afraid, whether he wants it or not. Sometimes as parents we have to do what we know is best even if they don’t agree. But I do try to ask first and give him the option.
Safety tips
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- Always dilute the oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
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- Dilute more for smaller, older and pregnant dogs.
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- Avoid eyes, nose and genital areas
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- Avoid using oils on puppies under 10 weeks of age
- Avoid regular use of these strong oils: Wintergreen, thyme, clove, cassia, camphor, and oregano.
Favorite essential oils for dogs
- Aromatouch blend – soothe aches and discomfort in joints and muscles
- Cedarwood – calming, sleep, repels bugs
- Copaiba – this oil works WONDERS for our dogs during storms. I give them each 2-4 drops on a dog treat (they are 80-90lbs) This is also great for aches, especially for older dogs
- Digestzen – healthy functioning digestive system
- Frankincense – calming, soothes skin, scar reduction, healthy brain, skin & cellular function
- Geranium – calming, soothes skin irritations
- Juniper Berry – healthy urinary tract function, healthy kidneys, healthy skin
- Lavender – seasonal issues, healthy ears, calming, soothes skin, bug bites
- Lemongrass – great for massage, repels bugs, healthy thyroid
- Marjoram – soothing for stressed muscles, joints and tendons, healthy blood pressure
- Melaleuca – skin irritations, immune support
- Peppermint – fresh breath, digestive support (bloating, gas, indigestion), cooling, repels bugs
- Roman Chamomile – calming for skin, mind and body
- Serenity blend – calming, reduces anxious feelings
- Terrashield blend – repels bugs
- Vetiver – calming, great for massage
Do you have a dog that needs oils but you don’t have doTERRA yet? You can purchase doTERRA oils either at full retail price or save 25% through an easy, affordable membership.
Rachel’s Top 5 Oils for Dogs
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- Lavender
- Copaiba
- Balance blend
- Aromatouch blend
- Digestzen blend
Click the link below to purchase our recommended collection. Your purchase through this link includes a free, 30 minute, personalized consult with Rachel on how to use your oils.
How to order:
1. Click the link above
2. Scroll to the bottom and click “Sign up now” You are signing up to get the customer discount of 25% on all you order for a full year
3. Add any additional product you’d like then click “Proceed to checkout”
4. Enter your info and choose your shipping and you’re done!
Happy oiling to you and your pooch!
Shirley Orrell says
I love that you have created this blog. My dogs are my children and I turn to oils when I can to assist them. I just took in a senior Pom that has some kind of tumor on her back. The vet said just to leave it alone, based on her age. I’ve started using Frankincense on it.
Healing in our Homes says
Im so glad it was helpful Shirley. Our pups need oils too, for sure!
Justine says
What would be the recommended oil for a large dog post a huge seizure?..his first one!! maybe vetiver, frankincense/lavender, whats best application to get best outcome? On his paws/ears?
Many thanks
Justine
Sherry watt says
What would you recommend for a small 10lb dog the seems to have an enlarged heart and is pressing against his esophagus so he coughs a lot. Vet is expensive and his pills aren’t working completely.
Thanks
Healing in our Homes says
I cannot comment on health issues as I am not a vet. I’d highly recommend a consult with Dr Janet Roark who uses doTERRA oils in her practice: https://essentialoilvet.com/consult/
Claire says
Do you know anything about oils for cats?
Healing in our Homes says
Yes https://healinginourhomes.com/essential-oils-for-cats/
Suzi Mould says
Hi. My cocker spaniel has developed very bad breathe due to plaque buildup on his teeth. No infections but i wonder if its safe for him to have peppermint beadlets. What do u suggest i could put in his water to help with teeth hygeine. Thanks.
Healing in our Homes says
I would do a drop of peppermint vs a beadlet. Im not sure the beadlet ingredients are ok for dogs.
Kayce says
The peppermint beadlets are made with Xylitol which is HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs.
If you are searching for an easy way to administer oils to your dog, I suggest putting the appropriate amount of oil drops in veggie caps.
Healing in our Homes says
agreed!
Casey Levine says
What essential oils should I not diffuse around my dog?
Healing in our Homes says
Any of the oils from doTERRA are fine, just make sure your dog can leave the room if they dont like it
Sally says
Hi, I have bought recommended oils from do terra for prevention of ticks and fleas from which I have made the blend in a spray bottle. Pls can you advise how much and how often I should apply and confirm no risk ? Thank you x
Ginny Shasky says
How do I get rid of skin tags on my dog? She is not bothered by them and I don’t want any surgery for her. Thank you.
Karen Gabriel Webster says
What can I use on my pup who barks at thunder? How and where on the dog do I apply.
Healing in our Homes says
Nothing has worked better for our dogs than Copaiba. You can put it on their paws or on a treat. We give our little dog 1-2 drops on a treat and our big dogs 4 drops. Its amazing how it calms them down!
Christine Abendroth says
Serenity is THE BEST oil for your dog for thunderstorms or travel anxiety or vet visits. My female chihuahua is a nervous wreck with thunder or vet visits and I mix one drop of serenity with fractionated coconut oil and mix it, Dan my finger in that mix and rub it on her back paws on top and a little on her pads and within 5-10 mins, she’s so calm and peaceful. I swear by this oil!!
Healing in our Homes says
That’s so wonderful that the Serenity blend is so helpful for your baby girl!
D’Lynn Reed says
How much coconut oil to the drop of serenity
Kimberly Lindgren says
Any oil suggestions for a teething puppy? (20weeks)
Healing in our Homes says
Try some copaiba mixed with coconut oil and rubbed on his gums. Sweet baby!
Caroline says
5 months old golden retriever or yellow lab has canine papilloma
Looking for oils to help and how to use them.
Healing in our Homes says
Please book a consult with Dr Roark for specific health issues https://essentialoilvet.com/consult/
Marie says
Would you share the ratio of carrier to oil? Many thanks!
Healing in our Homes says
It really depends on the size of your dog. The smaller they are the more you need to dilute. Try a ratio of 1 drop oil to 4 drops carrier (20% strength)
Geee says
For my 8-pound yorkipoo, I use 1 drop oil to 1 Tablespoon fractionated coconut oil for topical use.
lizbeth says
do you use “doterra essential oils “””””””????????
Colleen says
Which DoTerra oil would I use to help heal a my dogs torn pad? Thank you. I will not take her to the vet. Do you know what oil works best for any scrapes or cuts on dogs? I have heart tea tree oil is toxic? That would mean no melaluca correct? Thoughts about Onguard. Trying to have a good topical oil to add to fractionated coconut oil. Thank you.
Healing in our Homes says
Lavender and Frankincense are always great choices.
Healing in our Homes says
yes! 🙂
Lorri Carlson says
I have a 5yr 59lb chocolate lab mix rescue. His nervousness gets in the way of enjoying life. Really if a bug zooms by him he jumps and wants to go in he doesn’t play with a ball he’s in fear we are going to hit him with it. It’s sad. Do you think there is any oil or combination of oils that might give him a break so he can relax?
Healing in our Homes says
Poor baby! I’d try some copaiba with him daily, just 1-2 drops on a treat as needed
Jessica says
I have two shisu Tzu, four and five years old. They both have a fungus on there tummy. One on the lower, male. One in the upper, female. What can I put on their belly’s? Is it a good allergy?
Barbara says
My pug had sores on his face from radiation on his oral melanoma. Can I use Correct-X on his face even though it contains melaleuca?
Healing in our Homes says
I would if it was my dog. Or make up your own salve without it
Clint says
Our pit mix had surgery on her right rear knee. She is now getting to the place she wants to lick the wound. What oil would be good to keep her from licking and help it heal?
Healing in our Homes says
Myrrh! they hate the way it tastes and it helps with wounds.
Jessie says
Hi! My coworker has a Pit that her daughter rescued a few years ago and the poor thing was abandoned and covered in chemical burns when she found it. It has been treated and healed for the most part but the dog is now breaking out in hives since her daughter and her dog moved in with my coworker – could it be the cleaning products she is using? Any suggestions for oils that could be rubbed on this dog’s skin to help it heal and keep it from getting hives? Thanks in advance 🙂
Healing in our Homes says
Poor baby! It definitely could be the cleaning products. 🙁 I’d use some diluted lavender on his paws at least twice a day.
Cheryl says
I know not to use DoTerra Breathe, Cinnamon /Cassia and Citrus on dogs but I don’t know if they are safe to diffuse them around my lab.
Susan says
How can I support my 6 yr old Lab who is dealin g with the horrible symptoms of Lyme disease. She is taking Doxy. Her kidneys are not effected by it but she has lost her appetite. I am blending her food and using a pastry bag to food her. What oils do you recommend
Brian Bergquist says
Hi, I am a Doterra user and enjoy the products immensely. I am looking at using it for my dogs, specific the DigestZen . My concern is that science shows that peppermint oil, both topical and ingested, is toxic to dogs. (Along with several other oils, like tea tree, citrus etc). Please share your facts that show the opposite – that a peppermint oil product is safe for dogs. Thank you very much, Brian
Marg says
Hi is it safe to diffuse on guard in a room when my dog is around?
Kristen says
I’d also like to know about this. I diffuse Onguard all the time and recently read about cinnamon not being okay for dogs and cinnamon is part of the Onguard mix.
Healing in our Homes says
It is safe to diffuse ANY doTERRA oil as long as your dog can leave the room. Cinnamon can be strong, if its too strong for you then it definitely is for them. I dont recommend diffusing it alone but as part of a blend it is fine
Kathy McCartney says
Can you diffuse Onguard and Lavender around a labradoodle. The flu is going on in the house so I want to diffuse Ongaurd and Lavender in the livingroom.
Kristen says
I’m also looking for answers to this question.
Kristen says
I’m also looking for answers to this question for my dogs.
Kristen says
I have been diffusing the Serenity blend but see it contains ylang ylang which is on the NO list for dogs. Is this blend safe to diffuse around them?
Healing in our Homes says
Ylang ylang is fine. It is safe to diffuse ANY doterra oils as long as your dog can leave the room if they dont like it.
Maria says
Can I put a drop of Onguard in my dog’s water dish? My dog is having some dental issues and smelly breath.
Healing in our Homes says
It may be a little too “spicy” with the cinnamon. Try peppermint, just one drop.
Margie Hartwell says
My cocker spaniel has yeast infections in her ears several times a year. What oil would you suggest and can it be put in her ear?
Healing in our Homes says
Im not sure but check out the Essential Oil Vet for info or to make a consultation.
Staci says
Isn’t melaleuca (tea tree) extremely toxic for dogs?
Healing in our Homes says
I would not say extremely toxic. If you give them one drop they wont die. But it is not the best choice for using on dogs on a regular basis
Sarah Garofalo says
Hi I want to use the do terra holiday blend in my diffuser. It contains firs. Is this safe for my dogs?
Healing in our Homes says
yes! Just make sure they can leave the room if they don’t like it
Ashley says
Oh my gosh I just had my beagle smell lavender and cedar wood and her tail wagged!!! AWESOME! THANK YOU!
Rachel says
Oh my goodness, so sweet! well done 🙂