Aromatherapy for Your Dog

When trying to think of what aromatherapy for dogs looks like, one might imagine a spoiled dog lounging in a bath tub with lit candles, incense all around and cucumber slices on their eyes, but think again...

It may sound silly that there is such a thing as this kind of therapy for dogs, but it is just as beneficial for them as it is for humans.

Since dogs have a keen sense of smell, it works well for them.

You have fragrances or scents that make you feel relaxed, happy, attentive or energized right? Well, the same is true for your dog.

For instance, have you ever picked lavender, smelled it and felt calm and relaxed just by its beautiful fragrance? If so, it is no wonder because the oil from lavender can be used for those two reasons; in addition, it can be used as an antiseptic and for itchy skin relief.

What is aromatherapy for dogs?

The meaning and purpose is the same for dogs as it is for humans.

Canine aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses the healing and aromatic properties of liquid plant matter for the goal of improving your dog’s mood and health. The liquid plant matter, or essential oils (EO), are evaporable to a gas form in comfortable temperatures of about 72 degrees or warmer.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated. Dilute them with ½ oz of carrier oil. Blending the EO with a carrier oil helps with absorption. A carrier oil can be avocado oil, olive oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil, etc.

Essential oils, more so than not, are harmful for cats. Please consult with your holistic veterinarian before using aromatherapy for your cat.

How to Apply Essential Oils on your Dog

Once you have mixed your pup his or her essential oil blend, you maybe wondering how or where to apply it. There are a few application techniques: massage, inhalation and oral.

Massage is the technique people like to use the most. This is my dog’s favorite! It is not a surprise since dogs love to be touched!

Apply 2-3 drops on a part of your dog’s body that he or she cannot lick. As you massage, the essential oil blend is absorbed into the skin reaching the bloodstream quickly.

Inhalation is when your dog inhales the fumes of evaporated oils from a diffuser. Start and leave the diffuser in the same room or favorite lounging area with your dog for about half-an-hour in the morning and once in the evening for a week. You should see results.

Oral application is the least used. It should only be done by your holistic vet or under their supervision.

You should try aromatherapy on your dog if he or she…

has separation anxiety

has itchy, dry skin

acts depressed

shows aggression

is hyper active

Below is a chart of essential oils for dogs. Listed are several conditions, what EO can help and where you can apply them.

Condition	Helpful Essential Oil	Where to Apply
Arthritis	Ginger, Juniper, Peppermint, Rosemary	Massage arthritic areas
Separation Anxiety	Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Valerian, Ylang Ylang	Spray onto your dog
Aggression	Sandalwood, Ylang, Ylang	Diffuser or Massage
Insect Repellent	Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Pine, Lemon	Add to dog shampoo, place drops on neck or inside ear flap, or sprayed
Itchy, Dry Skin	Carrot Seed, Lavender, Niaouli, Tea Tree	Massage
Coat Conditioning	Cedarwood	Add to food or brush it into their coat
Skin Issues	Cedarwood, Helichrysum, Lavender, Niaouli	Massage
Energize	Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary	Rub into their spine

Click here to read about the toxicity of essential oils.

How do I know the essential oils I buy are pure?

Unfortunately, you don’t. It is important for you to learn and know as much as possible - including how they smell. You have to trust the source from which you get your essential oils from.

Do not depend on your grocery store to sell pure aromatherapy health products. You want pure, unadulterated oils and you will not find them at the grocery stores.

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