Essential Oils for Dogs & Pets

Having recently traded at a Tibetan Terrier festival, we thought we would share some research we have done on the use of essential oils for dogs & pets.

These essential oils can be used by placing a few drops amongst bedding (avoiding where your pet usually puts his head), a drop on a hankie tied to the back of his collar (the fumes from the oil may sting the eyes if at the front of his collar), or burned in an oil burner in his environment. They can be combined, and can also be diluted at a ratio of 1 drop essential oil per 5ml carrier oil - suggested oil being fractionated coconut oil (if you want liquid form, great for spraying into coat) or virgin coconut oil. The fractionated coconut oil is also great for conditioning the coat, especially in long haired breeds such as the Tibetan Terrier, and for grooming matts out. If the atmosphere is warm then vrgin coconut oil can be used for added properties, but if it is cool or the oil is hard then it can become sticky and not work well with the coat.

Bergamot - Antifungal, soothing. 

Excellent for ear infections caused by yeast or bacterial overgrowth. 

Caution: Can cause photosensitization. Buy Bergamot FCF or avoid the sun after use.


Carrot Seed - Anti-inflammatory, tonic, moderately antibacterial. 

Good for dry, flaky, sensitive skin which is prone to infection. 

Can rejuvenate and stimulate tissue regeneration, thus effective for scar healing.


Cedarwood - Antiseptic, tonifying, circulation-stimulating. 

Good for skin and coat conditioning and dermatitis of all types. Flea-repelling.


Roman Chamomile - Antispasmodic, analgesic, nerve-calming. 

 Good for soothing the central nervous system. 

Effective for relief of muscle pains, cramps, teething pain. 


Clary Sage - Nerve-calming, gentle when used in small amounts

and properly diluted. 

Sedates the central nervous system.


Eucalyptus  - Antiviral, anti-inflammatory, an expectorant. 

Good for relief of chest congestion. Effective in repelling flea.


Geranium - Gentle and safe, antifungal. 

Good for skin irritations, fungal ear infections. 

Effective in repelling ticks.


Ginger - Non-toxic, non-irritating and safe to use in small

amounts, properly diluted. 

Good for motion sickness, aids digestion. 

Effective for pain relief caused by arthritis, dysplasia, strains and sprains.


Helichrysum - Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, regenerative effects;

extremely therapeutic. 

Excellent for skin conditions and irritations (e.g. eczema). 

Effective for healing of scars and bruises. 

Effective for pain relief.


Lavender - Very safe and gentle, antibacterial, anti-itch, nerve-

calming. 

Good for many common animal ailments, e.g. skin irritations, first aid. 

Sweet Strong antibacterial, calming, a muscle relaxant. 


Marjoram - Good for bacterial skin infections, wound care, 

insect repelling.


Niaouli - Antihistaminic, powerful antibacterial properties, yet 

less likely to cause irritation than Tea Tree. 

Good for ear infections and skin problems caused by allergies. 


Peppermint - Antispamodic, stimulates circulation, insect-

repelling. 

Good for arthritis, dysplasia, sprains and strains. 

Works well with ginger to treat motion sickness. 


Sweet Orange - Calming, deodorizing, flea-repelling.


PLEASE NOTE: Tea tree oil is not mentioned due to it being controversial in its use on pets, especially dogs. Most of the advice against using tea tree oil is from the pharmaceutically trained vets. I have used tea tree oil as an antiseptic, neat with a couple of drops onto my dogs' skin and fur and in their bath and shampoo with no adverse effects, however you need to make your own decision on this after doing your own research. Tea tree is a melaleuca, naouli is considered a safer melaleuca to tea tree for pet use and has similar properties.