Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Dogs – Safety Guide
Most essential oils need careful handling around dogs.
Some are safe when diluted properly.
Knowing which essential oils are safe for dogs is vital.
Given that some can harm your pet.
You want to help your dog feel calm or soothe their irritated skin.
But using the wrong oil or concentration can cause serious problems.
This guide covers which oils are nontoxic for dogs and how to use them safely.
Or get the extended easy e-book version with full guidelines and extra recipes.
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All references are carefully selected to provide the best and most wholesome results.
You’ll learn:
- Safe essential oils for dogs (with specific dilution ratios).
- Dangerous oils to avoid.
- Four practical, nontoxic recipes.
- Clear safety guidelines.
- When to avoid essential oils entirely/
- PDF with recipes and extended guidelines.
Let’s start with the basics.
Which Essential Oils Are Safe for Pets
I can’t stress the importance of clean, high-quality oils enough – many think they buy essential oils but end up with a synthetic remake from a lab.
This is ill-advised, and the only way you can be sure you’re getting the right quality is to either follow these guidelines or talk to a professional aromatherapist.
Don’t assume that your local health food store would know much about essential oils and their chemical components, as well as how they work on dogs.
Follow the guidelines here and attain the PDF if needed.
Here are the oils that are generally safe for dogs when diluted:
Calms anxious dogs. Use 1 drop per tablespoon of carrier oil.
Soothes skin irritation. Mix 1 drop with 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil.
Supports immune health. Dilute to 0.5% concentration (1 drop per 2 tablespoons carrier oil).
Repels fleas naturally. Use 2 drops per ounce of coconut oil.
Aids digestion when diffused. Keep concentration under 0.5%.
Helps with nausea. Diffuse only, never apply topically.
Always use therapeutic-grade oils.
Start with less than the recommended amount.
Watch your dog’s behavior closely.
Dangerous Oils for Dogs
Never use these around pets:
- Tea tree oil (can cause tremors and weakness)
- Peppermint (too strong for dogs)
- Wintergreen (contains toxic methyl salicylate)
- Pine oils (damage the liver and kidneys)
- Citrus oils in high concentrations
- Ylang ylang (causes difficulty breathing)
- Pennyroyal (highly toxic to all pets)
- Clove (irritates mucous membranes)
Even diffusing these oils can harm your dog.
Keep them stored away from pets.
Safe Dilution Ratios for Dogs
Dogs have sensitive noses and skin.
Proper dilution prevents reactions.
Basic ratio: 1 drop essential oil to 50 drops carrier oil (1% dilution)
For small dogs:
Reduce to 0.25% (1 drop per 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
For large dogs:
Maximum 1.5% (3 drops per 4 tablespoons carrier oil)
For puppies:
Avoid essential oils entirely until 10 weeks old
Good carrier oils include coconut oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil.
Jojoba oil works well for skin applications.
Nontoxic Aromatherapy Recipes for Pets
Calming Spray for Anxious Dogs
Mix in a spray bottle. Mist your dog’s bed, not directly on fur.
Use before thunderstorms or fireworks.
Flea Repellent Oil Blend
Rub a small amount on the dog’s collar.
Reapply weekly. Store in a cool, dark place.
Soothing Paw Balm
- 3 tablespoons shea butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 drop chamomile oil
Melt the butter together.
Add the chamomile when cooled. Apply to dry paw pads.
Works particularly well in winter.
Deodorizing Room Diffuser
Use in a diffuser for up to 30 minutes.
Keep the door open so your dog can leave the room.
Stop diffusing if your dog seems uncomfortable.
Safety Guidelines for Essential Oils and Pets
Diffuser use: Run for 15-30 minutes only.
Keep the room ventilated. Place the diffuser where your dog can’t knock it over.
Topical application: Test on a small area of skin first.
Wait 24 hours for reactions. Apply to areas your dog can’t easily lick.
Watch for symptoms: Drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or lethargy means stop use immediately.
Call your vet if symptoms persist.
Storage: Keep all essential oils out of reach. Dogs may ingest bottles.
Store your bottles in high, secure cabinets.
Quality matters: Use only therapeutic-grade oils from reputable companies.
Synthetic fragrances can be more harmful.
When to Avoid Essential Oils
Don’t use essential oils if your dog:
- Is pregnant or nursing
- Has liver or kidney disease
- Takes medication (oils can interact)
- Has seizures or epilepsy
- Is under 10 weeks old
- Has asthma or breathing problems
And never apply undiluted oils to your pet. Always dilute first.
Some breeds are more sensitive than others.
Brachycephalic dogs (pugs, bulldogs) have more difficulty with diffused oils.
Safe Application Methods for Dogs
Indirect diffusion: Safest method. Use an ultrasonic diffuser in a well-ventilated space.
Keep the sessions short.
Diluted topical: Mix with a carrier oil first.
Apply to areas that a dog can’t lick. Focus on the collar area or the back of the neck.
Environmental spray: Mist bedding and surfaces, not the dog directly.
Let areas dry before allowing access.
Passive diffusion: Put a few drops on a cloth near (not in) your dog’s bed.
This gives them control over exposure.
Never use essential oils in food or water.
Don’t force your dog to stay in a room with diffused oils.
Signs Your Dog Is Reacting Badly
Stop using essential oils immediately if you notice:
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty walking or weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Red or irritated skin
- Unusual lethargy
Contact your veterinarian right away.
Bring the oil bottle with you.
Conclusion
Essential oils can be safe for dogs when used properly and with nontoxic options.
Lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and cedarwood work well for most pets.
But always dilute heavily. Start with minimal amounts.
Watch your dog’s reaction closely.
Your dog can’t tell you if something bothers them.
Pay attention to their behavior. If they leave the room while you’re diffusing oils, that’s a clear signal.
When in doubt, skip the oils. Your dog’s safety matters more than the benefits of aromatherapy.
Published Research Studies
- 2006 Travel Anxiety Study – Published research showing lavender aroma has a calming effect on dogs suffering from travel-related anxiety American Kennel Club24Petwatch
- Dog Shelter Studies – Multiple shelter studies found:
- Dog collars impregnated with lavender showed calming results American Kennel Club
- Dogs spent more time resting and less time walking around and barking when exposed to lavender American Kennel Club
- Lavender helped slow heart rates which calmed dogs down American Kennel Club
- 2009 Heart Rate Study – When lavender oil was topically applied to dogs’ inner ears, it correlated with a lower average heart rate Bhattvetspecialty
Reported Benefits from Research:
- Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties for skin irritation
- Natural insect repellent (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes)
- Anxiety and stress reduction
- Antimicrobial and antiseptic properties
- Pain relief for joints and muscles
