Essential Oils for Pet Owners and Groomers

Using aromatherapy to tackle dog health problems is starting to gain recognition as a safe and effective alternative treatment.

Aromatherapy is more than just making your dog smell good!  100% pure therapeutic essential oils and hydrosols have medicinal properties and, if used appropriately, can be effective in treating an array of dog health problems – from skin irritations to motion sickness to certain behavioral problems such as hyperactivity. We can also blend different oils to create synergy.

Several situations are known to be unpleasant for dogs, and going to the groomer can be one of them. This can be due to being manipulated while restrained, having certain sensitive body areas touched, being shampooed, brushed, and having their nails trimmed, etc.

Signs of fear in dogs while at the groomer include:

• Agitation
• Panting
• Salivating excessively
• Trembling
• Whining
• Urinating/soiling
• Attempting to escape
• Attempting to bite due to fear*

Fortunately, there are  several options to help your dog cope with going to the groomer.

Some groomers use diffusers in their facilities and therapeutic grade oils in a spray form on the blankets and tables they use for grooming.

A day before going to the groomer, put the pet diffuser with lavender oil or one of the recommended oils below on your dog diluted. This will give your dog 24 hours of calming effect before the visit. You can also spray your own essential oil spray on a bandana to place around your dog’s neck. 

Dog Aromatherapy Safety

Just as certain scents will make you feel calmer, or more alert, less moody, or more energized — the same is true for your dog.

Dog owners everywhere are rushing to try a particular Essential Oil scent (or combination of scents) to see if it has any effect on their dog’s moods or behaviors.

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic. — VCA Animal Hospitals

Reasons To Try Pet Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been used to help dogs in the following ways:

• to tame aggression
• to lessen the effects of arthritis
• to ease pain from cancer
• to decrease coughs, congestion & respiratory problems
• to help with digestion problems
• to stop diarrhea
• to treat dry skin & itching
• to repel fleas & other insects
• to help with gingivitis & bad breath
• to help your pet deal with grief
• to temper hyperactivity
• to treat insect bites & stings
• to help with nervousness & anxiety
• to end nausea
• to treat Ringworm
• to end motion & travel sickness
• to stop vomiting

Essential oils are very safe and much less toxic than the chemical filled shampoos and flea collars out on the market. As long as you don’t use too much and stay away from oils like wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and mustard (Brassica nigra), you will be fine. — Natural Dog Health Remedies

• Leave your dog in the room with the diffuser for about 30 minutes, and your dog will breathe in the Essential Oils as they evaporate into the air.
• Do this twice a day for best effects.
• The results will be very subtle.

How To Apply Essential Oils By Massage

Before applying to your dog’s skin, always dilute the Essential Oil in a base oil first. You’ll want to combine 2-3 drops of the Essential Oil (or combination of Essential Oils) of your choice with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Then, massage gently into a hairless (or least hairy) area of the skin — such as the armpit, groin or inner thigh — for 3 to 4 minutes.

• When applying Essential Oils directly on your dog, only apply to areas from the neck down to the tail.
• NEVER apply anywhere near the eyes, nose, or face.
• And never ever should Essential Oils be given internally to your dog.
• Likewise, if at all possible, you want to avoid placing the oil in a spot that your dog could lick.
• Do not use Essential Oils on pregnant or seizure-prone dogs without checking with your vet first.

Good carrier oils to consider when massaging Essential Oils onto your pet:  Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil

TIP: Grapeseed oil and Avocado oil tend to penetrate the skin the quickest.

The Best Essential Oils To Use With Dogs

TO REPEL INSECTS:
Eucalyptus
Cedarwood
Citronella + Lemongrass

TO EASE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH ARTHRITIS:
Juniper
Thyme
Rosemary
Sandlewood
Rosemary + Lavender

TO LESSEN AGGRESSION:
Sandalwood

FOR CALMING & RELAXING HYPERACTIVITY:
Bergamot
Frankincense
Lavender
Jasmine
Lemon
Neroli
Marjoram

TO TREAT A COUGH:
Eucalyptus
Myrrh
Thyme

TO HELP IN TIMES OF GRIEF:
Basil
Bergamot
Orange

FOR NAUSEA, TRAVEL & MOTION SICKNESS:
Chamomile

TO RELIEVE DRY, ITCHY SKIN:
Myrrh + Patchouli

FOR CUTS, SCRAPES & BRUISES:
Myrrh + Patchouli

FOR SORE MUSCLES:
Lavender + Marjoram

TO STOP VOMITING:
Lavender
Tarragon

Get your oils here!

Young Living’s Essential Oil diffuser give you the benefit of diffusing essential oils throughout your home, office or kennel. Diffusing is a simple and effective way to use essential oils. The diffuser disperses the oils without heating them so they retain their therapeutic benefits. When inhaled, the oils are easily absorbed through the lungs. Depending on the oil used, diffusing can cleanse the air of odor, remove airborne toxins, calm overactive or stressed pets, and support respiration.

(Purchasing the Premium Kit gives you the membership with a diffuser and 11 oils plus the 24% discount for other oils.  If you are interested in the 40% discount for Professional Membership for your business, please email or leave me a comment below.)

DISCLAIMER: The only oils I use and refer to (and use personally)in ALL my posts, tips and articles is Young Living Essential Oils. I DO NOT use any others and would not state what I do in our posts and articles about any other brands. Buyer Beware because not essential oils are the same and pure! 

If you need help ordering or becoming a member, email me & I’ll be glad to help you.