You love to share essential oils with your family, so it makes sense that you want to share them with your pets as well! Before you begin using essential oils for pets, you need to know the answers to some important questions. Can you use essential oils on dogs, cats, and other pets the same way you use them on yourself? How much should you use? What is the best way to administer oils for topical and internal use?
Check out our quick and easy how-to guide and get tips and info that will answer your questions about essential oils for dogs, cats, and other animals!*
Basic Guidelines
There are some general tips and suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind as you share essential oils with your furry friends.
- Do not use essential oils on and around cats under 10 weeks old, and avoid using oils on and around puppies.
- Animals are generally more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. It’s best to heavily dilute essential oils and use them in moderation.
- Every animal is different, so carefully observe how your animal responds to essential oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.
- Be especially careful to not get essential oils in an animal’s eyes.
- If diffusing, always allow cats access to areas where they can avoid the diffused oil.
- With all animals, avoid using high-phenol oils—such as Oregano, Wintergreen, Clove, Mountain Savory, and Thyme. This is especially important with cats.
- Use special caution with cats and essential oils. Avoid applying citrus oils topically, diffusing the scent around cats, and having your cat ingest them.
Essential Oil Acclimation
Your pets may need some time to adjust to the new scents and sensations of essential oils. Use these tips to introduce your pets to essential oils in an easy and comfortable way.
- Wear essential oils throughout the day, so your pets will be exposed to the aroma as you hold them, play, or cuddle on the couch.
- Diffuse essential oils in spaces where your pets like to relax. Keep in mind that dogs tend to stay in a room with their owner even if something is bothering them. Closely watch for signs of irritation—such as whining, sniffing, nervousness, and excessive scratching—while diffusing around them.
- Apply an essential oil to your hands and let your pets smell them, so they can explore the scent on their own terms.
- If your pets are jittery or resistant to essential oils, try applying an oil to yourself and staying near the pets for several minutes, so they can get used to the aroma.
Dilution for Topical Application
Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application.
- For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6
Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. We suggest a 4:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil. - If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil.
- For very large animals—including horses and cattle—start with a 1:1 dilution and, if desired, move to the directions indicated on the bottle.
Topical Use
Once your pets are used to essential oils, they’ll better handle topical application. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with using essential oils on your pets.
We recommend applying to the paws for dogs and cats and to the spine and flanks for animals with hooves.- For easy and comfortable application, rub oils between your own hands and then apply by stroking the animal.
- For easier application in large or hard-to-reach areas, combine essential oils with V-6 or with water in a spray bottle.
- Use Animal Scents® Ointment to seal and protect any areas where essential oils have been applied.
Internal Use
Animals can ingest essential oils, but you need to follow some general rules before you serve up an oil-infused meal for your pets.
- We recommend consulting with a veterinarian prior to administering oils internally to your pets. You should not attempt to mix oils with food unless directed by a veterinarian.
- If you choose to mix essential oils with your pets’ food, keep in mind that the smell may make the food undesirable to the pets; this is especially true for cats.
- If you apply oils to your pets’ paws, they will likely lick and consume some of this essential oil as they groom and play. Make sure you dilute heavily, so the amount your pet licks is minimal.
- Never force your pets to consume essential oils or food mixed with essential oils.
Supplemental Products
Young Living also offers a full line of animal-specific products, including essential oil blends made just for animals, cat treats, dental pet chews, and Animal Scents® Shampoo. Click here to find something your pets will love!
Looking for even more ways to show your furry friends some love? Check out our animals and oils infographic and our DIY paw balm for more pro tips!
What’s your pet’s favorite essential oil? Share your pet care tips in the comments!
*If your pet or animal has a known health issue, please consult your veterinarian before administering essential oils.
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