anxiety · chamomile · essential oils · fleas · lavender · pests · ticks ·

Are Essential Oils Bad For Dogs?

It seems like you can’t turn around without seeing something containing essential oils.  They’re in bath products, skincare, haircare, and now, they’re even making an appearance in products for your dog. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean people have done their research, and you may be wondering if essential oils fall into that category.


As a pet owner, you may have heard some horror stories about pets being exposed to essential oils. There are definitely essential oils that your dog should not be exposed to. Does that mean you should keep your dog away from all of them? 


We’re here to answer your questions. We’ll teach you if essential oils are bad for dogs, how they should be used, and if there are any benefits to using essential oils for your dog. Keep reading to find out more! 


What Are Essential Oils?

First, you should know what essential oils are if you aren’t certain. Natural essential oils are plant extracts. Depending on the plant, the oil can be obtained from the stem, leaves, bark, or even, the roots of the plant. The plant parts are cold-pressed or steam-distilled.

lavender essential oil safe for dogs?

An oil that is therapeutic grade is free of pesticides and other pollutants. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are lower quality and are synthesized using petroleum byproducts and other chemicals. These are usually used in toothpaste, cleaners, and fragrances. The scents from synthetic oils last longer, but they are filled with chemicals that have been shown to be toxic. 


Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs?

Essential oils are safe for dogs if you do your homework. Even so, be extra cautious if your dog has feline siblings. Some oils that are safe for dogs are not safe for cats. 


There are some essential oils that are not safe for your dog. They should not be applied topically or inhaled. They can be absorbed by the skin and respiratory tract and can cause rashes, irritation, nausea, and vomiting if your dog is exposed to them.  If an oil is not diluted enough, it can cause irritation. If you are bringing essential oils around your dog, make sure it’s a blend specifically made for pets and has been safely diluted. 


Make sure you familiarize yourself with the oils that are safe for your dog before you diffuse oils in your house or use products containing essential oils on or around your dog. 

Dog Safe Essential Oils

This list contains only dog-safe oils. These are not necessarily safe for cats. 


  • Lavender- This popular oil can help promote a relaxing and calm environment.

  • Jasmine- Besides smelling amazing, jasmine oil can also be used to calm an anxious dog. 

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  • Neroli- This oil can be used for anxious and depressed dogs and has a calming effect that can aid sleep. 

  • German Chamomile- Like its cousin Roman Chamomile, this can be used to soothe a nervous dog. 

  • Patchouli- Patchouli can act as an antifungal and an insecticide. It is particularly effective at repelling ticks. 

  • Palmarosa- This oil is also cat safe and can be used to help treat dermatitis on your pets. 

  • Petitgrain- Distilled from the bitter orange, this oil can be used to treat nervous stress. And it’s also good for treating oily skin. 

  • Cyprus- Cyprus oil can help repel insects and maintain a shiny coat. 

  • Copaiba- This oil can be used to treat dry skin and is also helpful for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. 

    • You can find more dog-safe essential oils here. 



    Unsafe Essential Oils That You Want To Keep Away From Your Dog

    These oils should not be diffused near your dog or used topically or orally.

  • Camphor
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  • Pine 
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  • Rosalina
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  • Rosemary
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  • Sage
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  • Spruce 
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  • Anise
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  • Juniper
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  • Yarrow
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  • Pennyroyal
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  • Cassia
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  • Cinnamon
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  • Clove 
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  • Oregano
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  • Pine
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  • Sweet Birch
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  • Tea Tree/ Melaleuca
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  • Thyme
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  • Wintergreen
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  • Eucalyptus

    • Using Essential Oils Safely Around Your Dog

    But wait! Don’t just go running out and diffusing every essential oil on the safe list around your dog. First, you need to see how well your dog tolerates the oil. Introduce each oil to them very slowly, and never run your diffuser for more than an hour. 


    Every dog is different, and even though an essential oil may say it’s safe, if your dog seems to be in distress, stop using it immediately. 


    Essential oils are extremely concentrated. There are a lot of plants that go into making one tiny bottle of oil. Since the oil is so concentrated, you need to know how to dilute the oil properly and which concentrations are safe for each oil.


    Even safe oils can cause irritation if the concentration is not correct. If you do not know how to dilute essential oils, speak to your veterinarian about the proper concentrations.  Using undiluted essential oils can burn the skin. Better yet, find oils that have already been diluted to be pet safe. 


    For your dog’s safety keep the use of essential oils to aromatherapy or for topical application. Do not add essential oils to your pet’s food. This can cause irritation in the digestive tract, leading to sores in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. 


    What Are The Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Your Dog?

    Essential oils can have some great benefits if used properly. There are hundreds of essential oils, and all of them have different beneficial properties. Some of them even have multiple properties that make them appealing to those trying an all-natural approach. 


    Essential oils used for dogs are often used for the purposes of:

  • Repelling insects
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  • Easing anxiety
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  • Treating skin problems
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  • Helping relieve aches and pains
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  • Killing bacteria
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  • Improving skin and coat 

    • Using Essential Oil Products On Your Dog

    Instead of learning how to dilute the oil and memorizing concentrations, you can buy products where this work has already been done for you! Besides pet-friendly essential oil blends, you can buy dog bath products infused with essential oils. 

    Fido Fizzies Dog Safe Essential Oil Blend

    Fido Fizzies dog bath bombs combine essential oils into unique blends to meet the needs of dogs. From repelling insects to just smelling their best, each bath bomb is specifically formulated to help your dog live their best life! And you can rest assured knowing that research has gone into every product to make sure they’re dog safe. Fido Fizzies dog bath bombs and other products are a good introduction to the world of essential oils. Whether you are a fan of natural products or if you just prefer to groom your dog at home or both, you’ll want to check out the shop!

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