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Essential Oils & Pets
Essential oils are plant-based compounds that have amazing health benefits for humans…and even for pets!
Many holistic veterinarians incorporate essential oils into their practices. And many pet owners are willing to try using natural solutions on their pets for conditions like anxiety and flea prevention.
It’s important to remember that animals have sensitive senses of smell, so in most cases it is best to use oils that are diluted and always provide an escape route from the aroma.
Here are a few general tips on using essential oils with pets:
- Never apply to your pet’s eyes, nose or genitals
- Never apply oils to the tips of long eared dogs (they can shake and it can get into their eyes)
- If skin irritation occurs, add fractionated coconut oil to dilute the oil
Essential Oils that Are NOT Safe for Dogs:
Dogs are more sensitive to essential oils than humans, so it’s a gradual process. When you first introduce your dog to essential oil it’s important to dilute the oil to test your dog’s tolerance to the oil.
- Wintergreen
- Melaleuca (Tea tree)
- Birch
- Thyme
- Clove
- Oregano
As always, be aware of your pet’s behavior and look for odd behavior after applying.
Essential Oils that Are NOT Safe for Cats:
So which oils do you stay away from? According to Janet Roark, DVM, “most medical grade oils are so pure that you can use them topically on cats sporadically in a highly diluted form (as if for infants). It’s not a good idea to use them topically or internally on your cat every single day (with the exception of helichrysum, myrrh, lavender and Frankincense).”
Here are the essential oils cat owners should avoid:
- All citrus oils
- Melaleuca (Tea tree)
- Thyme
- Clove
- Oregano
- Wintergreen
- Vetiver
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- White fir
- Cypress
- Roman chamomile
Seasonal Threat Blend
Mix the following in a 2oz spray bottle and sprays along the pet’s spine or chest as needed:
- 10 drops lavender
- 10 drops lemon (not for cats)
- 5 drops peppermint (not for cats)
- 5 drops frankincense
- Top off with fractionated coconut oil
Click here to get your pet’s season threat bundle and doTERRA wholesale account.
Stressful Situation Blend
Mix in a spray bottle and apply to your pet’s bedding:
- 20 drops lavender
- 10 drops cedarwood
- 5 drops vetiver
- 5 drops frankincense
- Top off with fractionated coconut oil
Click here to get your pet’s stressful situation bundle and doTERRA wholesale account.
You can also simply apply a few drops lavender to the pads of your pet’s feet or diffuse 1 drop of lavender.
Immune Support Blend
Apply a few drops eucalyptus to your pet’s chest or stomach.
Breathe Easy Blend
Combine the following in a 2oz spray bottle:
- 5 drops lemon (not for cats)
- 5 drops eucalyptus
- 5 drops peppermint (not for cats)
- 5 drops cardamom
- 5 drops arborvitae
- Top off with fractionated coconut oil
Click here to get your pet’s breathe easy blend and doTERRA wholesale membership.
Itch Be-Gone Blend
Combine the following in a spray bottle:
- 5 drops lavender
- 5 drops roman chamomile (not for cats)
- 5 drops cardamom
- 5 drops arborvitae
- Top off with fractionated coconut oil
Click here to get your pet’s itch be-gone blend and doTERRA wholesale membership.
Natural Flea Deterrent
Add the following to pet’s shampoo:
- 2 drops lemongrass
- 2 drops eucalyptus
Click here to get your pet’s natural flea deterrent and doTERRA wholesale membership.
Below, watch my essential oils and pets webinar for more non-toxic solutions for pets…even horses!
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.
