Dog Aromatherapy

What is Dog Aromatherapy?

Essential oils are either breathed in or applied directly to the skin. They contain plant hormones and chemicals that act as messengers in the body to influence the immune, endocrine, reproductive, digestive and respiratory systems. They have also been shown to have antibacterial effects.

Dog aromatherapy can help with:

• Boosting your dog’s immune system
• Combating viruses
• Fighting off bacteria
• Preventing the growth of yeasts and molds
• Repelling insects

Who Uses Dog Aromatherapy and Why Is It Used?

• Bad breath
• Flatulence
• Itchy ear infections
• Motion sickness
• Rashes
• Skin inflammations

Seek a proper diagnosis from your holistic veterinarian before addressing these issues with aromatherapy.

Besides its proven benefits for the treatment of common physical irritations, dog aromatherapy can also help with certain minor psychological problems.

Specific essential oils have been shown to relax the mind and body. This could work well for a hyper-active dog or a dog that has trouble sleeping.

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Are Essential Oils Completely Safe?

There have been many reports of animals being poisoned because of the owners’ inappropriate use of essential oils.

If you are interested in trying dog aromatherapy, please read the following precautions, and as always, check with your veterinarian before beginning.

• Never give essential oils by mouth or in food
• Never use oils in or on cats (they tend to be overly sensitive to them)
• Avoid using directly on the skin, unless advised to do so by your veterinarian
• Essential oils must always be diluted prior to use
• Always try a very small amount first to test for sensitivity
• Do not apply oils to pregnant animals
• Only use essential oils that state their origin on the bottle
• Avoid using oil blends

The following section contains recommended uses and dosages for essential oils. The following information comes from Francois Rapp, an internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist:

Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their lifetime and can be improved through the use of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy dog blends will:

• Soothe and heal skin problems
• Relieve Itching
• Remove and prevent fleas and ticks
• Relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis
• Revive energy
• Control pet odor

Dog Aromatherapy Blends for Common Problems

• Skin problems
• Itching
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Energy Boost
• Odor

• 5 drops Lavender
• 6 drops Geranium

Blend to Relieve Itching
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.

• 5 drops Geranium
• 3 drops Roman Chamomile
• 4 drops Lavender

Blend to Combat Fleas
Fleas are dog care’s nemesis. They can hide in your pets' fur and in your carpets, window coverings and other areas inside and outside of your home.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:

   • 7.5 ml Mint essential oil
   • 22.5 ml rubbing alcohol (note: alcohol may sting if your dog's skin is red and inflamed)

Fleas absolutely hate mint! Spray the affected areas of your home, including your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

Click here for more tips on effective natural flea control for pets.

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Blend to Combat Ticks
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn or squash the ones you find to prevent them from coming back, but DO NOT burn them while still on your dog!

Prepare the following tick-prevention blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. 

• 10 drops Tea Tree  
• 10 drops Lavender

Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!

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Blend to Ease Rheumatism
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may recommend specific dog care medications or natural therapies. You can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

• 8 drops Birch
• 8 drops Juniper
• 7 drops Rosemary

Blend to Ease Arthritis
As recommended by some veterinarians and many free dog health advice websites, soften your dog's bed (a heated doggie water bed is the absolute best!) to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside.

A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater or apply a moist heating pad. Massage the painful area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.

Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.

• 12 drops Birch
• 8 drops Juniper
• 7 drops Rosemary

Blend to Boost Energy
Prepare the following dog aromatherapy blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.

• 6 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Rosemary
• 2 drops Peppermint

Blend to Control Pet Odor
Before administering this blend, have your holistic veterinarian diagnose the cause of the odor and recommend a treatment.  Then try this natural and aromatic spray to control the problem over the short-term.

• 10 drops Geranium
• 6 drops Lemon
• 10 drops Lavender 

Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.

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