I get lots of questions about using essential oils with pets, so today I have put some thoughts together for you on this topic. Are dōTERRA essential oils safe to use with pets? Absolutely! But, there are as always, facts that you should know and "common sense" precautions you should take to ensure that you are using them safely.
Most people who have pets have cats or dogs, or both, so this article focuses on those species. You can also use essential oils on horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, cows, and even birds. But, each species has its own particular biology and so recommendations vary. If you need advice for an animal that is not a cat or dog, I suggest that you purchase a good textbook that specializes in that species, or connect with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about essential oils (for example, I like to follow Dr. Janet Roark on social media because she is a veterinarian who uses dōTERRA oils).
One of the main issues to consider when using essential oils with your pets is size: they are typically much, much smaller than an adult human -- and many are even smaller than a human baby! Size matters a lot with essential oils, because they are very concentrated. Dilution is a MUST when using essential oils topically with dogs and cats. For small dogs and cats, dilute double what you would for a human baby.
Another consideration is that pets have very sensitive skin... being covered with hair, their skin is typically much more sensitive than human skin.
A third essential consideration (pun intended!) is that each species has unique biology. Humans typically love chocolate and it causes them no harm. Dogs, on the other hand, can die from ingesting chocolate. In the same way, you should avoid certain essential oils with dogs and cats.
Cats lack certain liver enzymes that make it more difficult for them to process essential oils with a high phenol content. The most common oil mentioned to avoid with cats is Tea Tree. It's not toxic unless administered in an extremely high and inappropriate dose, but there are milder alternatives that would make a better choice (Lavender, for example).
Dogs are highly sensitive to asprin and asprin precursors and derivatives -- therefore, you should avoid using Wintergreen, Birch, Deep Blue and Past Tense on dogs. Don't even diffuse these oils and blends around dogs.
I also recommend avoiding "hot" essential oils such as Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Clove, Cinnamon, Cassia, Ginger and the like, with animals, simply because of the skin sensitivity issue. It is better to choose milder essential oils that are unlikely to cause anything but pleasant sensations on the skin.
What Can Essential Oils Do For Pets?
First Aid
- Bug Bites
- Cuts & Scrapes
- Fungal Issues
- Rashes
- Upset Stomach
- Pulled muscles
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| Stress Relief
- Separation Anxiety
- Thunderstorms
- Car Rides
- Nervous Tension
- Performance Jitters
- Bathing/Grooming
- Stressful Changes
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| Pain Relief
Back Pain Joint Pain Muscle Pain Injuries
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Best Essential Oils for Pets
Cedarwood (excellent for skin issues, calming)
Copaiba (anti-inflammatory, immune system support, nervine)
Frankincense (anti- inflammatory, oxygenating, analgesic)
Helichrysum (anti- inflammatory, regenerative, prevents bruising & clotting, chelator)
Lavender (antiseptic, calming, anti-histamine, great all-purpose essential oil)
AromaTouch (blend that is excellent for pain since Deep Blue is not recommended)
Balance (blend that is great for calming as well as muscle tension and pain relief)
Serenity (exceptionally calming)
TerraShield (fantastic insect repellent)
ZenGest (excellent for tummy issues)
Ways to Use Essential Oils With Pets
Diffuse aromatically (always leave a door open so the animal can leave if they wish)
Apply to your own hands and stroke the pet (technically, this distributes the oil on the fur or hair of the pet)
Dilute and apply topically to the area of concern (e.g. for tummy issues, dilute ZenGest and apply a bit around the navel)
Apply to a cotton ball and set inside the ear for ear issues
Add to Epsom Salts and then add to bath water (this is a great way to help calm during bath time)
For oils that are safe to ingest, allow the pet to lick diluted oil off your hand (best for digestive issues, and only if the animal chooses)
One last way to use essential oils with pets: as insect repellents! Check out this blog post for some great repellent tips and recipes.