The use of essential oils can be a great addition to our daily lives, but when it comes your furry friend, pet owners need to exercise caution. While some essential oils are safe for dogs and can provide various health benefits, others can be harmful or even toxic. It’s important to know which essential oils are safe to use around dogs and which ones to avoid. In this article, we will discuss the essential oils that are safe for dogs and discuss those that should be avoided.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs?
There are many safe oils for your four-legged friend. It’s important to learn which oils are safe, which are toxic, and how to use them safely.
You can learn how to keep your pup healthy with natural options.
These recommendations are holistic veterinarian approved! You can feel confident and safe with these recommendations because they come from a well known and respected veterinarian, Dr. Janet Roark.
Essential oils safety tips for dogs + dilution guide
It’s important for dog owners to know about a few safety considerations to keep in mind when using essential oils on dogs.
Always dilute essential oil when using essential oils topically on dogs.The smaller the dog, the more you will need to dilute an essential oil.Bigger dogs need less dilution.Just like humans! Refer to the dilution chart below for specifics.
Observe your dog’s behavior when using essential oils on him or her for the first time.
DO NOT use essential oils near your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, or genitals
Essential Oil Diffusers are absolutely safe to use around dogs.You want to be sure not to lock them in a room with a diffuser running.
They should be allowed to leave the roomin case the oil in the air is bothering them.They have an intuition and will know if it is bothering them and will try to leave.
Do not use topically on your dog if you are using another topical medication or dermal patch.
Only use Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils.
NEVER use a fragrance only oilbecause these can do more harm than good.Generally speaking, inexpensive essential oils from your superstore are not safe to use, even though they make all kinds of claims stating otherwise.I’m not going to go into great detail here, but there has been extensive testing done on these, and even though they claim to be pure, they are synthetic and not true essential oils.You wouldn’t slather perfume all over your dog and hope it calms them, would you?Using these so -called essential oils is no different.Be sure to use only pure essential oils. ( I personally use doTERRA).
Products We Think You Will Love: Dog Paw Essential Oil Holder & Organizer
Just like humans, smaller dogs need less essential oils to be effective than larger dogs. Here are some guidelines you can follow:
Dogs under 20 lbs – 1 drop to 1 Tbsp/15ml
Dogs over 20 lbs – 1 drop to 1 tsp / 5ml
Dogs over 75 lbs – 1 drop to 1/2 tsp
It’s a good idea to never use undiluted essential oil on your four-legged family members, regardless of size.
*Mix your oil and store in an empty mason jar or reuse an empty oil bottle
How to let your dog smell an Essential Oil
The main thing to do here, is let your dog choose the essential oils he or she prefers.
You can do this by holding the bottle of essential oil out to them, with the cap on, let your dog smell the oil, and watch his or her behavior.
A Dog’s sense of smell is very sensitive and they can smell the essential oil even with the cap closed.
If they turn away, wipe their face, or even run away, that’s not the oil for them.
How to use essential oils on your dog
Once your dog has chosen an essential oil, you can use the oil on your dog in the following ways:
Add a drop of diluted essential oil to your hands and pet your dog along their spine.
After petting your dog, hold your hand out and they may like it so much they lick it off your hands.This is fine – as long as you are using a doTERRA essential oil that is safe for internal use.(The label will have supplement facts on it.If no supplement facts are on the label, it’s not safe to use internally).
Diffuse the essential oil your dog has chosen throughout the day.
You can add a drop to your dogs collar, blanket, or pillow.I have frequently added a drop of Lavender to my dog’s collar and it mellows her anxiety instantly.
How to Safely Apply Essential Oils to your pet’s skin
Remember what we said before about Dilution?This is the most important thing to do when putting essential oils on your dog’s skin.
There are many ways to apply oils topically to your pet:
Along the spine (pet the hair backwards from tail to head to get the oil to the skin)
Massage (who doesn’t love a good massage?)
Reflexology points on the skin between the back paw pads.
Ear tipping.
Directly to the area of interest.
In your pet’s shampoo.
Via Hot or Cold compress.
In a Roller Bottle or Spray.
Spray a little diluted oil onto their brush before grooming.
Just like you would for yourself, always do a small patch test on your dog’s skin to make sure there are no adverse effects, sensitivities or irritations.
TIP: if you use a roller bottle, apply the oil from the roller bottle onto your hand or finger; in this way, the roller bottle does not get contaminated!
How to Safely Diffuse Essential Oils for your Dog
Always observe your pets for the first 15–20 minutes after you diffuse a new oil in your home.
If you have small pets, use a water based diffuser rather than one that pulls directly from the oil bottle.
Allow your pet to roam freely, and leave the room door open so your animal may leave if they choose to do so, or if they don’t particularly care for an oil (make a note of this for future reference, so you know it’s one they might not like).
Remember, some animals are more sensitive than others. But chances are, when you diffuse, your pets will try to sleep as close as they can to the diffuser!
Other ways to use oils aromatically around your pet:
Spray directly into the air with a water mist
Direct inhalation (let your pet smell it on your hands or a closed oil bottle)
On a cloth, cotton ball, or your pets bedding
Hot water/ steam
Humidifier (be sure to use one that is safe for oils use!)
In a fan or air filter in your home
Top 10 Safe Essential Oils for Your Dog
Here is a list of the Top 10 specific doTERRA Essential Oils that are safe for dogs, and can help with specific targeted health needs for your dog.
Whether that’s an upset tummy, stress and anxiousness, fleas and tics, or sore joints and muscles.
The following essential oils are a specific list of the top10 safe doTERRA essential oils to support your dog’s health in a way that is natural, healthy, and holistic.
These are a great alternative medicine option that you can use instead of expensive medications that cause side effects like drowsiness.
1. DigestZen Tummy Tamer Essential Oil Blend for dogs
doTERRA DigestZen digestive essential oil blend is known as a “tummy tamer” blend due to its ability to aid in a dog’s digestion, soothe stomach upset, and maintain overall digestive health for dogs.
If your dog is having digestive issues, this is the blend to reach for.
This unique blend contains Ginger, Fennel, and Coriander to help ease occasional stomach discomfort, including motion sickness and indigestion, while Peppermint, Tarragon, Anise, and Caraway aid with proper digestion and help maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
doTERRA DigestZen essential oil is great to have on hand when your dog gets an stomach upset. DigestZen and is safe and extremely effective.
DigestZen is a healthy, natural, and gentle way to soothe upset stomach , motion sickness, gas, or maintain a healthy digestive system.*
Before a road trip, apply one to two drops for a calming aroma.
Add a drop to water to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Eases feelings of queasiness.
Use with fractionated coconut oil for a soothing abdominal massage.
Helps reduce bloating, gas, and occasional indigestion.
Topical application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tbsp.carrier oil to 2 drops Essential Oil for dogs up to 20 pounds.
1 tsp carrier oil to 2 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
2. Lavender Essential Oil for Skin and Calming Your Dog
doTERRA Lavender essential oil is very safe for dogs and is incredible for calming them down. Lavender essential oil can also be used on your dog to soothe skin irritations and help skin recover quickly.One of the best ways to use it is to let your dog smell Lavender essential oil! Let your dog inhale Lavender essential oil to help him or her relax and get a restful night’s sleep.
Lavender oil is an ideal oil to use in a diffuser at bedtime or when a dog’s stress levels are high.
Lavender essential oil is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times due to its versatility and soothing properties. One of the most common questions I get asked is “Is Lavender Essential Oils Toxic to dogs?”. The answer is absolutely not! Lavender Essential Oil is perfectly safe for dogs!
Widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities.
Soothes occasional skin irritations.
Reduces appearance of skin imperfections.
Helps to ease feelings of tension.*
Diffuse for 2–3 hours as needed (but make sure your pet can leave the room if they desire.
PRACTICAL IDEAS
Diffuse for 30–60 minutes prior to a stressful event (e.g., before an oncoming storm, fireworks, company, or vet visit).
Use 2 drops diluted in water in a small spray bottle to bedding, toys, or blankets.
Add to bath shampoo or apply to the back of the neck or base of the ears.
Use the Ear Health Recipe below
How to Use doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil
Topical Application
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for dogs up to 20 pounds.
1 tsp.carrier oil to 2 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
If your dog needs some extra support for their ears, try this recipe for Optimal Ear Health
OPTIMUM EAR HEALTH RECIPE
5 drops of Lavender
5 drops of Arborvitae
3 drops of Geranium
Mix the above ingredients in 1 tbsp.of Fractionated Coconut Oil.Use a Q-tip to rub the Essential Oil mixture in the FLAP of the ear (but not in the ear canal).
3. AromaTouch Massage Blend for your dog’s sore muscles and joints
Basil, Grapefruit, Cypress, Marjoram, Lavender, and Peppermint work together to soothe and relax muscles and ease achy joints.
Its effects are deep and penetrating with sustained results. Once gently rubbed into the area of discomfort, the therapeutic benefit of MASSAGE BLEND will be felt almost immediately.
AromaTouch essential oil massage blend provides instant relief to your dog for the occasional discomfort of tired, sore, and worn-down muscles and joints.
• Soothes occasional sore muscles and achy joints.
• Supports healthy circulation.
• Promotes relaxation
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
1 tbsp. carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for breeds under 20 pounds.
4. Frankincense Essential Oil for Dogs
Known as As the king of oils, doTERRA Frankincense essential oilis known to promote cellular health and immunity and is safe to be consumed daily by your dog for these internal benefits.
When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense can bring on feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.
• Known as the “KING of ALL OILS.”
• Promotes cellular health and DNA integrity.
• Supports healthy function of the nervous system.
When in doubt, get the Frankincense Out!
How to use Frankincense Oil for dogs
Topical Application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for cats and dogs under 20 pounds.
1 tsp.carrier oil to 2–4 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
5. Balance Grounding Blend for dogs
doTERRA Balance Grounding blendis an essential oil blend that promotes whole body relaxation and a sense of tranquility. Balance Grounding blend is a safe option that can help dogs with sleep and anxiousness and calm them.
Balance Grounding blend essential oil can be diffused or applied topically to promote restful sleep and to help ease your dog’s anxiousness.
This essential oil supports the nervous system, emotional balance, and is effective for muscle and joint soreness.
Relaxes sore muscles and achy joints.
Supports healthy emotions and nervous system.
Promotes relaxation.
Topical Application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for cats and dogs under 20 pounds.
1 tsp.carrier oil to 2–4 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend contains the therapeutic oils of Spruce, Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, and German Chamomile as well as Fractionated Coconut Oil.
doTERRA OnGuard is one of the MOST POPULAR blends and is safe to use on dogs to keep them well.
doTERRA OnGuard protective blend protects your dog against environmental and seasonal issues with Essential Oils known for their positive effects on the immune system.
doTERRA OnGuard Essential Oil Blend can be used daily to maintain healthy immune function as well as used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaner.
When diffused, OnGuard Protective blend helps purify the air and support healthy respiratory function in your dog, and can be very energizing and uplifting.
It also provides cleansing and purifying benefits while promoting healthy circulation.
An effective alternative to synthetic options for immune support.
Supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses.
Supports healthy immune function.
Protects against environmental threats.
Supports healthy respiratory function.
How to use doTERRA OnGuard on dogs
Diffuse for 2–3 hours as needed, but make sure your pet can leave the room if they desire.
Topical Application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tbsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
2 tbsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for Dogs under 20 pounds.
OnGuard has Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus Leaf/Stem, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower Essential Oils.
7. Breathe Respiratory Essential Oil Blend for dogs
doTERRA Breathe Respiratory Blendsupports healthy respiratory function in dogs when seasonal sniffles are high and helps to soothe airways and promote clear breathing in dogs.
Breathe can also help if your dog snores!
Enhanced with the powerful respiratory benefits of Cardamom, doTERRA Breathe Respiratory blend is a remarkable blend of Essential Oils that combine to help you breathe easier.
Breathe Respiratory blend consists of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom Essential Oils, all known for their positive effects on the respiratory system.
Breathe can be applied topically to the neck, back of a dog’s ears, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote sleep.
• Maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing.
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
1 tbsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for dogs under 20 pounds.
Diffuse for several hours each day and during the night if needed.
8. InTune Focus Essential Oil Blend is a safe way to help your Dog’s state of mind
doTERRA InTune Focus Blendcontains oils that have been used traditionally to promote calmness, focus, and a balanced state of mind.
This proprietary doTERRA blend consists of Amyris, Patchouli, Frankincense, Lime, Ylang Ylang, Hawaiian Sandalwood, and Roman Chamomile.
These oils are famous for supporting the nervous system and promoting emotional balance.InTune Focus Blend can be applied topically to your dog’s neck or along the spine, or diffused to help your pet remain on task.
Helps to maintain focus amidst distractions.
Promotes clarity and understanding.
Use during training or on walks.
Topical Application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 5 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
1 tbsp. carrier oil to 5 drops Essential Oil for dogs under 20 pounds.
Diffuse for several hours each day and during the night if needed.
9. Juniper Berry Essential Oil for safe support of your dog’s kidney and urinary tracts.
Juniper Berry Essential Oil has a refreshing sweet, balsamic odor. Juniper Berry essential oil supports the digestive system, skin, and nervous system. It also supports healthy kidney and urinary tract function.
Supports healthy kidney and urinary tract function.
Natural detoxifying agent.
Topical Application:
Apply 1–2 drops 2–4 times daily as follows:
1 tsp.carrier oil to 1 drop Essential Oil for cats and dogs under 20 pounds.
1 tsp.carrier oil to 2–4 drops Essential Oil for dogs over 20 pounds.
10. Terrashield Outdoor Essential Oil Blend & Spray for fleas, ticks, and insects prevention for dogs.
doTERRA Terrashield combines a proprietary blend of highly effective and safe Essential Oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil to help ward off insects.
No additional dilution is necessary for topical application on pets.
A primary function of Essential Oils in plants is protecting against insects and other predators. Unlike other products that contain synthetic and toxic chemicals, doTERRA Terrashield is a natural approach to managing exposure to biting insects and flea & tick prevention.
doTERRA Terrashield’s fresh, light citrus scent is wonderfully invigorating and can be used safely by everyone in the family.
One application provides coverage that lasts up to 6 hours.
PRACTICAL USES of doTERRA Terrashield
• To ward off pesky insects, apply OUTDOOR BLEND to the legs and neck of your dog before going outdoors.
• Put 1–2 drops on your dog’s collar before going outside.
• If your dog spends most of their time outside, use the ALL NATURAL DIY PEST COLLAR (see below).
While most essential oils are safe for dogs, there are a few essential oils that can be toxic to dogs. Some essential oils that are not safe for dogs are:
Birch
Melaleuca (Tea Tree)
Wintergreen
Use caution with hot oils. These can burn when applied to skin if they are not properly diluted. This applies to humans and our furry friends. These oils include:
Oregano
Cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
Rosemary
Thyme
A few final safety tips for using Essential Oils on Dogs
Here are some additional safety tips for all pets:
Dilute for topical use.
Know your pet’s health status.• Do NOT use oils on or near eyes, ears, nose, or genitals of your pet
Use a water diffuser for aromatic use and allow your pet to roam freely with an open door to the room
Caution should be used around animals that are pregnant, nursing, young, or on certain medications.
Do not use oils topically on your pet if using a topical medication or dermal patch – this includes topical flea/ tick preventatives.
Do not give any of the products containing xylitol (toothpaste, beadlets, etc.) to your pet.
Only use doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. Fragrance Oils are toxic and dangerous.
Observe your pet’s behavior after using essential oils on and around them.
Watch for signs of essential oil poisoning or toxic effects and call the pet poison helpline if necessary.
In the event of an adverse reaction, dilute with a carrier oil – skin irritation is the most common, and most reactions resolve within 24–48 hours after oil exposure.
Discontinue use of an oil if your pet shows signs of distress, drooling, squinting, rubbing their face, vocalization, shaking, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Wrap Up of Safe Essential Oils for Dogs
I hope this list of the Top 10 Safe Essential Oils for your dog was helpful and that you now feel you have the knowledge to SAFELY and CONFIDENTLY use Essential Oils in your home and with your dogs!
*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Related Article – Essential Oils Safe For Cats
Essential Oils , DIY Recipes, and blends that are safe for cats, plus which oils to avoid.
Dawn Goehring is the founder of Desert Naturals where she writes educational articles on essential oils, DIY’s on natural beauty products, homemade cleaners, and provides related essential oil accessories like planners, trackers, tshirts, and custom designed essential oil storage. She has been featured in articles on Porch.com, Redfin.com, MommyOnPurpose and more.
Dawn has earned an aromatherapist degree and has earned a doTERRA essential oil specialist certification which is a fancy way of saying she has learned a lot about the chemistry of essential oils and how they work in the body.
Is past tense safe to use on dogs? diluted of course. holding onto the past and holding onto trauma… which oil would we use for dogs to release that? I’ve been diffusing peace, console and forgive, on different nights… thank you!
You say breath is safe for dogs but it has tea tree in it! Then you say yea tree is toxic for dog! So how can breathe safe to be used on dogs? Is it because it’s so small of an amount I just trying to understand
Hi Denise. Great question. You wouldn’t want to use straight tea tree on your dog or in large amounts. However, Tea tree in a small amount and heavily diluted would be OK (and could be beneficial for some skin conditions) and in the breathe blend it’s safe because it’s such a small amount mixed in with the other oils. Many people use it in a diffuser at night to help prevent their dog from snoring and this is very safe.
We have 3 fur babies, and only one gets lesions on his tummy. They start out as whiteheads and then turn into lesions. The vet has given him allergy shots, a steroid spray and a prescription of Apoquel. None of it works. Help!!
Trisha, I’m sorry to hear your baby gets lesions. Lavender essential oil is great for skin. You could try some Lavender topically (be sure to dilute) and even combine it with some Frankincense for extra support. You might also consider changing up the food – perhaps it’s a food allergy?
Hi VINEVIDA, Yes, Lavender calms dogs so much! I had a very anxious cocker spaniel that was making it so none of us could enjoy camping trips. I put a drop or 2 on her collar every few hours and it made such a huge difference. Calmed her down so she could relax. There’s an entire section on Lavender in this blog post you might find helpful. 🙂
Is past tense safe to use on dogs? diluted of course. holding onto the past and holding onto trauma… which oil would we use for dogs to release that? I’ve been diffusing peace, console and forgive, on different nights… thank you!
You say breath is safe for dogs but it has tea tree in it! Then you say yea tree is toxic for dog! So how can breathe safe to be used on dogs? Is it because it’s so small of an amount I just trying to understand
Hi Denise. Great question. You wouldn’t want to use straight tea tree on your dog or in large amounts. However, Tea tree in a small amount and heavily diluted would be OK (and could be beneficial for some skin conditions) and in the breathe blend it’s safe because it’s such a small amount mixed in with the other oils. Many people use it in a diffuser at night to help prevent their dog from snoring and this is very safe.
We have 3 fur babies, and only one gets lesions on his tummy. They start out as whiteheads and then turn into lesions. The vet has given him allergy shots, a steroid spray and a prescription of Apoquel. None of it works. Help!!
Trisha, I’m sorry to hear your baby gets lesions. Lavender essential oil is great for skin. You could try some Lavender topically (be sure to dilute) and even combine it with some Frankincense for extra support. You might also consider changing up the food – perhaps it’s a food allergy?
Haha, have you ever used Lavender oil for dogs? Does it seem to be calming to their brains just like human brains?
Hi VINEVIDA, Yes, Lavender calms dogs so much! I had a very anxious cocker spaniel that was making it so none of us could enjoy camping trips. I put a drop or 2 on her collar every few hours and it made such a huge difference. Calmed her down so she could relax. There’s an entire section on Lavender in this blog post you might find helpful. 🙂