What Essential Oils Are Safe For Pets?
Are essential oils safe to use around pets? When used safely, essential oils offer many great benefits for pets. But you have to choose the right oils. Why? Because the wrong oils can be downright toxic for pets!
In this article, we are going to share some essential oils that are considered pet-safe. However, you still need to follow the safety guidelines listed below:
- Seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian and a Certified Animal Aromatherapist.
- Never allow your pet to consume essential oils.
- Be careful if applying the oils topically. You will need a carrier oil. Do your research to determine which carrier oil to use and how much to dilute the essential oil.
- Just because a certain plant is considered safe for pets doesn’t mean your furball can handle it. Watch closely for signs of a negative reaction whenever introducing a new oil.
Best Essential Oils for Dogs
We’ve split up this article into two sections. The first focuses on essential oils that are great for dog care, while the second shares some feline-friendly oils.
Keep reading this section to discover which oils are good for your canine.
Lavender Oil
Known for its calming effect, lavender oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for humans. It turns out, this plant might help your pet to relax and reduce your dog’s anxiety.
You can use this oil on a regular basis if your dog tends to struggle with anxiety. You can also use it for certain situations that would stress out any dog, such as a trip to the vet or moving your dog to a new home.
Lavender oil might also be useful for treating skin problems caused by allergies, as well as burns and wounds.
And as an added bonus, lavender’s pleasing fragrance will make your home smell wonderful. This should get you excited if you don’t care for doggy odors.
Frankincense Oil
This oil may have the capacity to fight against cancer in humans and dogs, making frankincense oil a powerful natural remedy for this deadly disease.
It is antimicrobial, which means it can also keep your dog healthy by giving your pup’s immune system a helpful boost.
Chamomile Oil
If your dog is suffering from irritated skin, a burn, a wound, ulcers, or eczema, you should consider using chamomile oil to treat your furry friend. And just like lavender, it can ease your dog’s anxiety and stress.
Cedarwood Oil
This essential oil can be utilized as a natural flea repellent, which is a major plus if you dread the thought of using chemicals to prevent fleas. It is antifungal, antibacterial, and has a pleasant scent that produces a calm environment.
Best Essential Oils for Cats
Dogs aren’t the only animals who benefit from essential oils. Cats can too! If used safely, cats can greatly benefit from essential oils. You can use essential oils in and around your home, so you and your furry feline are both able to benefit from the natural healing and relaxation benefits of essential oils. If you are ready to find out which essential oils are safe for cat care and your kitty, keep reading because we are sharing some of the best essential oils to use for your cat.
Frankincense Oil
As already mentioned in the previous section, frankincense oil can help fight against cancer. This oil can also increase the brain’s supply of blood.
However, frankincense oil has the potential to increase blood pressure. If your cat tends to have high blood pressure, this oil might not be safe for your four-legged friend.
Helichrysum Oil
This oil is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal, and because of helichrysum’s antioxidant content, it may reduce inflammation. It’s also good for your cat’s skin, nervous system, and heart health.
Furthermore, helichrysum oil can even slow down bleeding, making it an excellent oil to have on hand in case of emergencies.
Fennel Oil
If you love the smell of licorice, you will love this essential oil! But its health benefits are even better than its scent.
Fennel oil can help cats who are suffering from health issues involving the pituitary, thyroid, and pineal glands. And by breaking up toxins that have accumulated in your cat’s tissues, this oil can also aid in detoxification.
Based on their numerous benefits, essential oils make a great addition to your pet’s natural healthcare routine. Just be sure to choose pet-safe oils and apply them correctly.
Many articles I have read and my vet have told me peppermint oil is toxic for dogs yet you have it listed as good ?
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your comment, I have come across some articles that say it is positive particularly for flea treatment, but also see some negative ones as well, some are more recent. I have removed the that section, but I always recommend checking with your pet’s vet before proceeding with any type of medical or holistic treatment. Have a Pawesome Day!
-The Savvy Sitter
Are the following oils safe to use with a carrier oil on a dog suffering from pancreatitis?
Cardamom, basil, frankincense, fennel, helichrysum, marjoram, rosemary, geranium, and do Terra DDR Prime
They would be mixed together and diluted with fractionated coconut oil and dabbed on the nape of her neck so she can not lick it.
Hi Grace,
It is always best to check with your Vet First before doing any oils, but traditionally the nape of the neck is a good location as most flea medication is placed there out of the pets reach.
Pets won’t be affected if the oils are pure. Although certain natural oils can also create problems if the pets can’t get away from the oil, as they are locked in a room while the oil is diffused, it’s usually the additives that cause problems.
Hello,
My kitty has a persistent fungus on the base of her paw. She’s been on medication (antibiotic, steroids & cream) but it keeps recurring once the meds end. I’ve put her on a rabbit only diet but am considering applying an essential oil to her paw. I was wondering if helichrysum or frankincense might be good as a topical agent to help kill this fungus.
Best,
Britt