How To Use Essential Oils As A Pet Remedy

The use of essential oils for people has been practiced for generations. Today we have easier ways to utilize the use of essential oils with diffusers, incense sticks, portable diffusers, and essential oil jewelry.  

What are essential oils?

Essential oils extracted by natural plants. However, do not underestimate the strength of these oils. It takes approximately 242,000 rose petals to make just 5mL of rose oil. This is why we proceed with caution until we know how we will respond to an essential oil. 

It is recommended that we only use two drops of any essential oil in a diffuser. If we are going to apply it topically, we mix it with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. These recommendations are for people. This allows you to identify any essential oils that may have an adverse effect.     

In most cases, people can use essential oils without issue. The benefits outweigh the risk. The oils are all natural, effective, and work almost immediately.

Are there risks?

There is always a risk when you use any product for the first time. All-natural means there are no man-made chemicals or toxins in the product. All-natural does not mean “safe in every way”.  Animals have senses that are very different from ours. For example, a dog has a smelling ability that is 20 times more powerful than ours. The use of some oils may be overwhelming to a pet’s nose. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains it this way; “If you’ve ever used essential oils yourself, then you know how much of a difference a few drops can make.”

Simply test the oils slowly, as you do for yourself or your human family. Begin with diluted oils. Use carrier oil to dilute the oils you want to apply topically. 

What about cats?

Many essential oils are toxic to cats. Cats do not have the enzyme needed in their liver to process the essential oils. Click here for a list of oils you should not use if you have cats. Some essential oils are safe for cats, but they are still risky. Do not use essential oils on or near cats. Check with your vet before you use essential oils on cats, puppies, or elderly dogs.

Diffusers for everyone

The easiest way to distribute essential oils to all of your family is with a cold water diffuser. Begin with only 2 drops of oil. If you want to calm your pet, you will probably reach for lavender oil. Lavender is one of the most popular oils because it is calming and helps people and animals to rest. 

Begin with two drops in your diffuser. Turn it on in the room your pet is occupying. Let it run for 20 minutes. Then stop the diffuser. Check your pet to be sure they are not in distress. Check their nose for symptoms of irritation. If that went well, repeat this with an hour between each treatment.

This will give you a good idea if the dog can (and usually does) have good results with lavender. Do not put a couple of drops on their blanket. Remember pure essential oils are very potent to a dog’s nose. You can put a couple of drops in a spray bottle of water and just mist the area. 

Pet Remedies 

Now that you have taken precautions and you know how your pet will react to essential oils, let us give you some great remedies to try as recommended by Furry Friends Gear.

Calming Spray

300 ml of water

5-10 drops of lavender essential oil

5-10 drops of chamomile essential oil

Spray bottle

Mix all the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake. Using your hand or a towel, cover your pets face. Lightly mist when the animal needs to be calmed. 

Flea Collar

One standard collar

2 tbsp Sweet Almond Oil

2 drops (total) of flea repellent essential oil such as:

*Cedarwood

*Rosemary

*Cinnamon

Mix all ingredients. Apply liberally on the collar. Allow the collar to dry before placing it on your dog.

Fur and Room Deodorizer

You will need:

*Spray bottle

*8 ounces Distilled or purified water

*6 drops Peppermint Oil

*10 drops of Lavender Oil

*6 drops Sweet Orange

*3 drops Eucalyptus Oil

Simply place all the ingredients into the spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Cover the face of your pet before you mist them. Mist the room, carpet, or bedding to freshen the area. Mist lightly.

Essential oils are easy to use, all-natural, and effective. There are many ways essential oils benefit us. If used properly, they are beneficial to your fur-babies too. Start slow and keep records of your progress. That information will be useful to you as long as you have and love your pet.