Essential oils have been used for centuries in human wellness routines, and their application in holistic pet care (particularly for dogs) has gained traction in recent years. Whilst there are well-documented risks (see my companion post on essential oil dangers here), it’s also worthwhile to acknowledge that, when used responsibly and with proper knowledge, certain essential oils may offer genuine benefits for canine wellbeing.
In this post, I will explore what the science actually says, offer practical advice, highlight real-life case studies, and introduce safe alternatives like Pet Remedy and floral waters.
What Are The Potential Benefits of Essential Oils for Animals?
Calming and Stress Reduction
Some studies suggest that specific essential oils, such as Lavender, may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in dogs. For example, Graham et al. (2005) found that dogs exposed to lavender aromatherapy exhibited significantly less vocalisation and movement during travel, suggesting reduced anxiety.
Animal Aromatherapist, Caroline Ingraham and Nayana Morag have documents hundreds of cases where dogs have self-selected calming oils – including Vetiver, Chamomile, and Frankincense, to help with thunderstorm phobia, separation anxiety, and even post-operative stress (Ingraham, 2016; Morag, 2014).
Real-Life Case Study
Caroline Ingraham’s work in Zoopharmacognosy includes a case where a rescue dog with severe thunderstorm phobia was offered a choice of diluted essential oils. The dog repeatedly selected vetiver and chamomile, and over several sessions, displayed a marked reduction in pacing, panting, and vocalisation (Ingraham, 2016).
Odour Control and Environmental Enrichment
Oils like chamomile and frankincense have been explored for their potential to mask unpleasant odours and enrich the one or salon environment (Buckle, 2015).
A pleasant, calming scent (when carefully chosen and used in low, diluted concentrations) may contribute to a more relaxing environment for both humans and pets. Nayana Morag’s practical work shows that some dogs in shelter environments display increased calmness and sociability when given access to diffused or self-selected essential oils (Morag, 2014).
Topical Use for Skin Health (with Caution)
Some essential oils, such as chamomile and calendula, are included in veterinary-formulated topical products for their purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (Cavanagh and Wilkinson, 2002). However, these should only be used under veterinary supervision and never applied directly onto the animal.
Ingraham (2016) reports cases of dogs with minor skin irritations showing improvement when allowed to self-select topical applications of diluted lavender or calendula oil.
The Importance of Responsible Use
Despite potential benefits, essential oils must be used with the utmost caution.
Always:
- Consult a qualified veterinary professional before introducing any essential oils to your dog’s care plan
- Use only oils known to be safe for dogs, and always dilute accordingly
- Avoid direct application to skin or fur unless under professional guidance
- Never use essential oils around cats, birds or small mammals, as their sensitivity is much higher (Richardson, 2019)
- Allow animals to self-select when possible – observe their behaviour and preference (Ingraham, 2016)
Safer Alternatives
Pet Remedy: A Safer Alternative?
Pet Remedy is a popular commercial product designed to reduce stress in pets using a blend of valerian, vetiver, basil, and sage – not traditional essential oils. It’s marketed as a clinically proven, gentle alternative for calming anxious dogs.
What Does the Research Say?
Although formal peer-reviewed studies on Pet Remedy are limited, a small-scale, double-blind trial by Mills et al. (2012) found that a valerian-based diffuser significantly reduced stress-related behaviours in dogs during firework exposure. Many professionals report positive anecdotal results, and the product’s gentle, non-oil-based formulation is considered lower risk than traditional essential oils.
Floral Waters: A Gentle Alternative
For those seeking a safer, milder option, floral waters (hydrosols) are gaining popularity in holistic pet care as well. These are the aromatic waters left after steam-distilling plants for essential oils and are much less concentrated. Practitioners like Morag (2014) and Ingraham (2016) advocate their use for sensitive dogs, puppies, or those with respiratory issues.
Floral waters can be misted in the environment, added to bedding, or used for gentle skin care. They offer many of the same aromatic benefits as essential oils but with a significantly reduced risk profile. For a deeper die, see my dedicated post on the uses and safety of floral waters in animal care.
Final Thoughts & Responsible Optimism
The holistic approach to pet care isn’t just in the approach and products we use, but in how we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to support the whole dog – ensuring we understand how to use products, and having the individual dogs’ needs at the heart of what we do, is paramount in our roles.
Essential oils, when used mindfully, may offer benefits for some dogs (particularly for stress reduction and environmental enrichment), but they come with significant risks that we should all be fully aware of. For more information on the risks, check out this blog post here.
Consult your vet, start with the lowest effective dose, and monitor your dog closely.
Allowing animals to self-select can be a powerful, welfare-friendly way to harness aromatherapy’s benefits while also considering the individual preferences of every dog.
References
Buckle, J. (2015) Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare. 3rd ed. Elsevier.
Cavanagh, H.M.A. & Wilkinson, J.M. (2002) ‘Biological activities of lavender essential oil’, Phytotherapy Research, 16(4), pp.301-308.
Graham, L., Wells, D.L. & Hepper, P.G. (2005) ‘The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 91(1-2), pp.143-153.
Mills, D.S., et al. (2012) ‘A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation into the effect of a valerian-based product (Pet Remedy) on canine stress during firework exposure’, Proceedings of the BSAVA Congress, pp.482-483.
Richardson, J.A. (2019) ‘Toxicity of Essential Oils to Cats and Dogs’, Veterinary Medicine, 114(3), pp.120-124.
