We love our pets like family—and just like us, they can benefit from nature’s healing touch. But when it comes to essential oils, safety is key. While some oils can offer soothing support for anxiety, skin conditions, or pests, others can be harmful if used incorrectly.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the safe and smart use of essential oils for pets, with gentle blends and helpful tips to support their health and happiness—naturally.
🐶 Why Use Essential Oils for Pets?
When properly diluted and thoughtfully chosen, essential oils can:
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Calm anxiety and nervousness (especially during storms or fireworks)
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Soothe minor skin irritations or itching
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Repel fleas and ticks naturally
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Support joint comfort and mobility in older animals
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Deodorize bedding and eliminate “dog smell” (without overpowering synthetic scents)
But always remember: what works for us may not be safe for them. Pets are much more sensitive to smell and certain plant compounds.
🐕🦺 Pet-Safe Essential Oils (When Properly Diluted)
These essential oils are generally safe for dogs (and in some cases, cats*) when used in low concentrations:
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Lavender – calming, anti-itch, gentle for skin
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Frankincense – grounding, immune-supportive
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Chamomile – anti-inflammatory, soothes anxiety and skin
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Cedarwood – natural flea repellant, grounding scent
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Ginger – supports digestion and joints
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Spearmint – freshens breath, helps with nausea (in dogs)
⚠️ Cats are more sensitive than dogs to essential oils because of how they metabolise certain compounds. Never apply oils directly to cats without veterinary guidance, and always avoid "hot" oils like tea tree, citrus, clove, peppermint, and eucalyptus with felines.
🧴 How to Use Essential Oils Around Pets Safely
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Dilution is critical – Always dilute essential oils heavily when using around pets. For topical application on dogs:
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Use 1 drop essential oil per 1 tablespoon carrier oil (like coconut, almond, or jojoba).
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Avoid face, eyes, nose, and genitals.
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Use a diffuser—safely
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Diffuse in a well-ventilated area where your pet can leave the room.
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Limit diffusing to 15–30 minutes at a time.
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Never trap a pet in a room with a diffuser running.
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Spritz bedding and fur (dogs only)
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Mix 1 drop of oil with 100ml of water and a dash of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar.
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Shake well before each use. Lightly mist bedding or the outer coat (avoid the face).
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Add to grooming products
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You can enhance unscented shampoos with 1 drop of lavender or cedarwood per wash (for dogs).
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🛑 Oils to Avoid for Pets
These essential oils are toxic or irritating to animals and should be avoided:
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Tea Tree (Melaleuca) – highly toxic to both dogs and cats
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Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot, etc.)
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Eucalyptus
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Peppermint
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Clove
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Cinnamon
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Wintergreen
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Pine
If your pet shows any signs of distress—drooling, panting, vomiting, lethargy, trembling—stop use immediately and consult your vet.
🐾 Gentle Calming Blend for Dogs
DIY Calming Mist:
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1 drop Lavender essential oil
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1 drop Roman Chamomile
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1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar or Witch Hazel
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100ml distilled water
Shake well. Lightly mist your dog’s bedding or kennel before rest time or travel. This can also be used as a collar spray—just avoid the face.
🌿 Respect Their Instincts
Animals are intuitive. If your pet avoids a certain scent or room when oils are diffusing, listen to them. Always introduce oils slowly and one at a time, watching for signs of discomfort.
In Summary
Essential oils can be a wonderful, holistic tool in your pet care toolkit—when used thoughtfully. With gentle dilution, vet-approved choices, and a little patience, you can offer your furry companions the benefits of nature’s medicine cabinet.
Want to explore pet-safe essential oils and blends made with love and care? Browse our curated collection here.
SHOP PET-SAFE ESSENTIAL OILS →