Essential Oils – Are They Safe for Dogs?

Have you ever heard of essential oils? Many people are making great strides in trying to heal holistically. Essential oils are the essence of a plant that people distill to bring the power of nature into homes. You may wonder if essential oils are safe for our four-legged friends. Allow us to dive deeper!

The good news is that several essential oils are safe for dogs.

Lavender is well known in the dog world as it helps relieve anxiety and promotes relaxation. Chamomile is ideal for a dog that is stressed and uptight. Peppermint oil can help dogs overcome seasonal allergies by supporting a healthy respiratory system. Finally, frankincense places a high focus on immunity and cell repair.

Now that we have got the safe essential oils out of the way, we must inform you of the essential oils that are not so safe. Pine oil is toxic as it can cause damage to the central nervous system and liver.

Citrus oils smell lovely but are not ideal for dogs because they can cause seizures, lethargy, and vomiting. Tea tree oil is toxic because it can cause skin irritation and vomiting.

At this point, you are probably wondering how and why people would want to administer essential oils to their dogs in the first place.

You can apply the oils topically or administer them through a diffuser in your home. Keep in mind that just because a product states that it is “natural,” it doesn’t always mean that it’s healthy. We encourage you to research essential oils to see others that are safe or toxic to dogs. As you can see from our example of safe essential oils, they can benefit greatly! Contact your veterinarian immediately if you discover your dog has come in contact with a harmful essential oil.