Top 5 Beneficial Essential Oils for your Dog

By Emily Oliveras

Sick of always running to the vet and trying to figure out the safest way to get rid of fleas, skin irritation, or to relax your fur baby? Amazingly, these oils can do wonders. Try these five essential oils, for a natural and safe alternative fix. 

1. CBD Oil

 This is a popular one, for obvious reasons. CBD oil is derived from the hemp plant and not marijuana, so there are no effects of THC. Some dogs feel a little calmer on CBD to treat anxiety, but there are plenty of other benefits to this essential oil. There is evidence suggesting it can treat pain and control seizures. CBD is also wonderful for its anti-inflammatory properties, anti-nausea, anti-cancer, and cardiac benefits. It is also feline-friendly, what a jack of all trades! 

2. Chamomile

If your fur baby has a sensitive tummy, chamomile oil might be something to keep on hand (or paw). Chamomile evokes a soothing effect that calms the gastrointestinal system. For an at-home remedy, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water. When it is cooled, place the bag to your pet’s infected eye for at least 5 minutes. The tea can be used to flush the eye. There are two types of chamomile oils: German and Roman. German helps with tummy problems and is great for the skin and coat; this can also help calm down a reaction on the skin. Roman helps with cramps, muscle pain, and teething. This is also feline-friendly.

3. Lavender

Not only does Lavender smell heavenly, but it has some angelic effects as well. Lavender can help with allergies your dog may have. It also can aid with anxiety, insomnia, burns, car ride anxiety, and motion sickness. Although Lavender is loving to our dogs, it is toxic to our feline friends.

4. Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a natural bug repellent that is topically safe. It should not be ingested. We recommend applying cedarwood to the back of your dog’s neck and upper back, where they are unable to lick it off. Cedarwood has claimed to have a relaxing effect and promotes healthy skin. Cats can have diluted cedarwood oil for flea treatment.

5. Geranium

Geranium is anti-fungal. This oil is great for yeast overgrowth or fungal ear infections. Ticks do not like rose fragrances, including this one. Geranium, part of the Pelargonium species, is toxic for cats.

How do I Apply Essential Oils to my Dog?

You can apply by petting your dog, rubbing your hands together with the oil, and into their skin. The best way to apply is on their back so they can not lick it off. Not all oils are safe to ingest so an easy fix is to apply them on the back of their neck for the full effect, be sure to remove their beautiful Dolce collar before applying.

Some of these oils are ingested such as CBD and chamomile.

Where can I get Essential Oils for my Dog?

Essential oils are easy to get your hands/ paws on. They can sometimes be found right at your vet or local grocery store. Online shopping like Amazon also has many oils like the ones in this article readily available. If you do have further concerns about an essential oil or a brand, check reviews and ask your vet for their opinion.

For CBD, we found Verma Farms has tail-wagging treats in salmon and chicken flavors. They have incredible CBD products. Penguin has other wonderful choices of treats and oils for dogs and cats that are delivered right to your door.

For Lavender, we found Bocce's Bakery Bedtime Tea Banana, Vanilla & Lavender Dog Treats. Reviews are ecstatic over these treats and how they have positively improved their pet’s well-being.

For essential oils, we recommended doTERRA as easy access and delivery to your doorstep. If you’re interested in small businesses, check local pet stores and vets to see if they offer oils or treats.

If you’re ever in a pinch and need to help out your fur baby, feel free to refer to this article and the links below for the best results!

References & Links:

https://www.24petwatch.com/blog/are-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs-and-cats

https://www.wondercide.com/blogs/news/8-essential-oils-for-dogs

https://wildearth.com/blogs/dog-knowledge/what-essential-oils-are-safe-for-dogs

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/

https://www.petguide.com/health/dog/7-natural-essential-oils-for-dogs/

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/top-20-essential-oils-for-dogs/

https://www.lecalico.com/collections/dolce

https://www.washingtonian.com/2021/06/14/25-best-cbd-oils-for-dogs-lab-tested/

https://vermafarms.com/collections/pets?cjevent=9d57385c9a4f11ec802200c30a82b838

https://penguincbd.com/products/dog-cbd-oil