6 Best Essential Oils for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

The Best Essential Oils for Dogs in 2024

If you‘re looking for a natural way to help keep your dog calm, happy and healthy, essential oils can be a great option to explore. Many pet owners are discovering the benefits of aromatherapy for dogs, using pure essential oils to help soothe anxiety, relieve skin irritation, repel pests and more.

But it‘s crucial to use essential oils safely and responsibly with our canine companions. Some oils can actually be toxic to dogs if used improperly. This guide will cover what you need to know about using essential oils with dogs, including the best oils to choose, proper safety precautions, and our top product picks for 2024.

What Are Essential Oils and How Can They Benefit Dogs?

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile plant extracts. They‘re made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance. It can take a huge amount of plant material to produce a single bottle of essential oil.

These oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy, a type of holistic treatment that harnesses the power of scent to balance the mind and body. The inhaled aroma from essential oils is believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin for whole-body benefits.

So how can essential oils help dogs? Here are some of the potential benefits:

• Reducing anxiety and promoting calm, such as during car rides, vet visits, or when left alone
• Soothing skin irritations and itchiness
• Repelling fleas, ticks and other pests naturally
• Easing upset tummies and motion sickness
• Providing relief from sore muscles and joints
• Giving coats a healthy shine
• Freshening doggy odors
• Cleaning the air of allergens and impurities

Of course, every dog is different and may react to essential oils differently. It‘s always best to check with your veterinarian first before using oils on your pup, especially if they have any health issues or are taking medications.

Essential Oil Safety Precautions for Dogs

Here are the key safety guidelines to keep in mind when using essential oils with dogs:

• Never apply essential oils directly to your dog‘s skin or coat without proper dilution. These oils are highly concentrated and can cause irritation.
• Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, olive or sweet almond before applying topically. A good rule of thumb is 3-5 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
• Introduce essential oils gradually and watch for any negative reactions like sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes/nose, pacing, or panting. Stop use immediately if you notice these signs.
• Don‘t use essential oils on puppies younger than 8 weeks old or pregnant/nursing dogs.
• Keep essential oils away from sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals.
• Never allow your dog to ingest essential oils, as they can be toxic if swallowed. Keep bottles tightly closed and out of reach.
• Use only high-quality, pure essential oils from trusted sources. Avoid fragrance oils or perfume oils which can contain harsh chemicals and additives.

The Best Essential Oils for Dogs

These essential oils are generally considered safe to use on dogs when properly diluted:

• Lavender: Known for its calming and soothing properties, lavender oil can help relax anxious dogs and promote restful sleep. It‘s also antibacterial and can soothe irritated skin.
• Chamomile: This mild, pleasant oil can help calm the nerves and soothe skin irritations. It‘s a good choice for dogs who are easily excitable.
• Sweet Orange: Citrusy and uplifting, sweet orange oil can cheer up gloomy dogs and reduce stress. It also has antimicrobial properties.
• Cedarwood: This woodsy oil is great for repelling fleas, ticks, and other insects. It can also help soothe itchy, irritated skin.
• Lemongrass: Lemongrass has a refreshing scent that can repel fleas and ticks while easing stress. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve sore muscles and joints.
• Cardamom: Warm and spicy, cardamom oil has a comforting scent that can settle upset tummies and ease nausea from motion sickness.
• Geranium: This floral oil can help balance the emotions and relieve stress. It‘s also great for promoting healthy skin and coats.

Essential Oils to Avoid Using on Dogs

However, some popular essential oils are actually toxic to dogs and should not be used, even in a diluted form. These include:

• Tea tree (melaleuca)
• Pennyroyal
• Pine
• Wintergreen
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Clove
• Eucalyptus
• Ylang ylang
• Sweet birch
• Peppermint

These oils contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs if inhaled or ingested, such as phenols, ketones, and monoterpenes. They can cause symptoms ranging from upset stomach and drooling to difficulty breathing, wobbliness, and even seizures or liver failure. Never use these oils in any form on your dog.

How to Use Essential Oils With Dogs

Now that you know which essential oils are safe for dogs and which to avoid, here are some methods you can try:

• Topical application: Dilute a few drops of oil in a carrier like coconut oil (3-5 drops per teaspoon) and apply to areas like the back of the neck, ear flaps, belly, or paws. Avoid broken skin or sensitive areas.
• Aromatherapy mist: Add 10-15 drops of oil to 1 cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spritz on your dog‘s coat, bedding, car interior, etc. to freshen and calm.
• Diffusion: Use a pet-safe essential oil diffuser to disperse the scent throughout your home. This is a good way to calm anxious dogs or purify indoor air.
• Passive diffusion: Put a few drops of oil on a bandana or cotton ball and tie loosely around your dog‘s neck. The oil will gradually diffuse as they wear it. You can also put a drop on their collar or car harness.
• Bathtime boost: Add a few drops of diluted oil to your dog‘s shampoo or conditioner for a calming spa treatment. Rinse thoroughly.

Never allow your dog to ingest essential oils, and keep bottles well out of reach. When in doubt, ask your vet for guidance in using oils safely and effectively for your dog‘s needs.

Top Essential Oil Products for Dogs in 2024

If you‘re ready to try aromatherapy with your dog, look for high-quality oil blends made specifically for pets. Here are our top 5 picks for the best essential oils for dogs in 2024:

1. Lavender Chamomile Calm Pup Spray by Bodhi Dog
   This all-natural calming mist features pure lavender and chamomile essential oils in a non-toxic, eco-friendly formula. Use it to soothe anxiety, relax rowdy pups before bedtime, or freshen up musty dog beds. Diluted and ready to use. 4 oz spray bottle.

Pros: Gentle, non-irritating formula. Pleasant scent. Easy to use spray application. Can be used on dogs and in their environment.
Cons: Some dogs may not like the feeling of being sprayed.

2. Geranium Cedarwood Flea & Tick Repellent Oil by Kin+Kind
   Protect your dog from biting bugs naturally with this DEET-free oil blend. Geranium and cedarwood oils work together to repel fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and other insects. Dilute and apply to the coat before heading outdoors. 1 oz dropper bottle.

Pros: Natural alternative to harsh chemical repellents. Nice woodsy aroma. Easy to apply with dropper. A little goes a long way.
Cons: Needs to be diluted before use. May need frequent reapplication.

3. "Relax Doggy" Calming Essential Oil Blend by Plant Therapy
   This synergistic blend of lavender, sweet marjoram, vetiver, petitgrain, and other soothing oils is pre-diluted in fractionated coconut oil for safety. Gently massage a few drops into your dog‘s coat to ease anxiety and promote relaxation. Can also be used in a diffuser. 10ml roller bottle.

Pros: No need to dilute. Easy roller ball application. 100% pure therapeutic grade oils. Can be used topically or aromatically.
Cons: Scent may be too strong for some dogs/owners.

4. "Fresh & Clean" Deodorizing Essential Oil Shampoo by Aroma Paws
   Give your dog a spa-like bathtime experience with this luxurious moisturizing shampoo. Contains lemongrass, orange, and peppermint essential oils to eliminate odors and leave the coat smelling fresh and clean. Sulfate and paraben-free. 16 oz bottle.

Pros: Natural deodorizing formula. Invigorating citrusy scent. Conditions coat and soothes skin. Concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Cons: Not tear-free, so be careful around the eyes.

5. "Digest Ease" Tummy Soothing Essential Oil by Healthy Paws
   Settle your pup‘s upset stomach on long car rides or ease an angry gut with this blend of cardamom, ginger, fennel, and spearmint oils in a carrier of coconut oil. Gently massage 1-2 drops on the belly in a circular motion. 10ml dropper bottle.

Pros: Helps relieve nausea, gas, and indigestion naturally. Warming and soothing aroma. Easy to take on the go.
Cons: Needs to be kept refrigerated after opening for maximum freshness.

Conclusion

When used properly and safely, essential oils can be a wonderful natural way to support your dog‘s health and well-being. From promoting calm and relaxation to soothing skin and repelling pests, these potent plant extracts offer a range of benefits.

The most important thing is to choose high-quality oils that have been diluted properly for use on dogs. Stick to dog-safe oils like lavender, chamomile, geranium, and lemongrass, and avoid potentially toxic ones like tea tree and peppermint. When in doubt, always ask your vet for personalized advice based on your dog‘s health needs.

With the essential oil blends recommended here, you can help your furry friend feel their best, naturally. As with anything new, introduce essential oils gradually to your dog and watch for any adverse reactions. Used responsibly, aromatherapy can be a great way to bond with your dog while promoting their health from head to tail.