Pet-Friendly Essential Oils

In recent years, there is a growing tendency in society that essential oils can be found just about everywhere! We have come to use essential oils to benefit so many different areas of our lives. Aromatherapy already has become part of our lifestyle. But somewhat more recently, essential oil for pets is a popular topic. Pet parents are excited to extend this same healing power to their pets as well! But are these products safe for our pets? well, the answer is yes. It does support the human-animal bond if used appropriately.

How Aromatherapy Helps Pets

Whether it’s a nervous dog or sad cat, we as pet owners will always want the best for him or her. We've put together this guide on essential oils to help our four-legged friends. As always, we hope our beloved pet never suffers from pain and won’t need these methods at all. However, emotional problems for dogs or cats do exist and it has become our realization that we need to do something to ease their pain. And like us, our four-legged friends can experience travel anxiety. Turns out, lavender oil and chamomile oil have been shown to help dogs suffering from anxiety. Diffuse some in your home before you and your pet get into the car could be another option. Or your dog is suffering from some general issues such as aggression or shyness, and you would like a natural way to help them. You may simply diffuse the cedarwood oil, let it float through the air, both you and your pet can enjoy the aroma. When aromatherapy is used responsibly, the powerful plant oils deliver a safe solution to support pet on their journey to emotional and physical well-being, as the complementary or even the alternative to traditional medicine. It can help to create a calming environment scent before rest period (depending on oil), to keep pet alert and energized after a rest period (depending on oil) and to eliminate harmful airborne bacteria and offensive odors (depending on oil).

The following list of Essential Oils are considered to be gentle or “light” and which are thus most commonly used for pets.:

Essential Oils Safe for Dogs:

Cedarwood oil: the active ingredient of Flea & Tick control products

Chamomile oil: elicits a soothing effect and helps calm the gastrointestinal system

Citrus oils (including lemon oil and orange oil): added anti-flea-and-tick power to improve the condition of your dog's skin

Frankincense oil: great all-around oil currently being evaluated as a therapy for bladder cancer in humans and dogs

Fennel oils: helps the adrenal cortex and can break up toxins and fluid in tissue

Helichrysum oil: a member of the sunflower family with some potential in aiding bleeding disorders

Lavender oil: the most well-known essential oil helps calm dogs’ anxiety

Peppermint oils: great reliever helps calm GI upset

Rose oil: relaxing effect on dogs helps with fear, behavior, and training

Essential Oils Safe for Cats:

Chamomile oil: relieve atopic dermatitis and heal infections

Jasmine oil: has a sedative action, soothe nervousness and insecurity

Lavender oil: excellent starter oil and one of the most versatile essential oils

Rose oil: help heal past abuse, nervousness, anger, fear and panic

Citrus oils (including lemon oil and orange oil): repel insects, soothe itchy or irritated skin

The following charts lists oils to AVOID:

Dogs Only:

Anise

Yarrow

Juniper

Cats Only:

Basil

Juniper

Birch

Cinnamon

Eucalyptus

Fennel

Tea Tree/Melaleuca

Oregano

Peppermint

Dogs & Cats:

Clove

Thyme

Wintergreen

However, every animal’s biological makeup is unique, and products will interact differently from species to species. It’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian about the safety of an essential oil product, your veterinarian can advise you on dilution and dosage guidelines. Avoid using essential oils topically or directly on your pet and keep in mind that you never want your pets to swallow essential oils. It must always be diluted!

Essential Oils and Pets: Tips and Advice

1.Only use high-quality pet-safe essential oils from reputable brands and dilute appropriately with pet-friendly carrier oil.

2.A smell test is strongly recommended.

3.Consult your veterinarian before incorporating essential oils into your pet care routine. Proceed with caution and follow instructions precisely.

Lagunamoon, created to provide a safe, natural, and effective pet friendly essential oils products that are tailored to support our beloved four-legged friends, Read More