Doggo-Aromo: Canine Aromatherapy

It's National Puppy Day!! And to celebrate, I thought I'd touch on a subject that seems to be popping up a little more frequently: Are Essential Oils Safe to be Used Around Dogs? 

In short, YES! Fluff-Butt McFluffikins is not going to play dead for 'realzies' with a drop of lavender running through your home. Essential oils have actually been shown to be beneficial for Canines and Equines. However, as with many things, the key is small doses and having factual information. 

It's important to note, dogs and horses are able to metabolize most inhaled and topically applied essential oils. Cats, lizards, birds, fish & rodents cannot. Their body makeup is entirely different, which is why aromatherapy is not recommended for these little critters. However, that doesn't mean you have to eliminate all essential oils from your home. It simply means that you need to take some steps to ensure proper safety when using them. Here's some key points. 

1. Ensure the pet is able to leave the room: or travel to a different part of the house, where it will not be bothered by the aroma. Most cats will leave a room when the oils are too strong. For animals that remain in a tank or that are in a confined area, omit using a diffuser in their designated room, and always wash your hands prior to handling. 
2. Watch how much you're diffusing: 3-5 drops in a diffuser, in a room that's 300 sq. feet is more than enough. For smaller dogs, dogs prone to seizures or cats, stick with 3 drops max in a small space.  
3. Don't diffuse 24/7: Less is more with essential oils. Putting your diffuser on for a 4-6 hour run time throughout the day is more than enough for you to enjoy a nice smelling home and benefit from aromatherapy. It's better for you, and Fluff-Butt! 
4. Store your oils in a cupboard: Ingesting pure essential oils can lead to an emergency vet bill and, in unfortunate cases, death. Ensure that your animal does not lick your skin within 2 hours of applying natural products to yourself, containing essential oils.  
5. Always check with your vet prior to applying essential oils topically to your canine or equine: When applying essential oils to your dog or horse, ensure adequate dilution (0.25-0.5%: 5-10 drops of essential oil in 100ml of coconut or carrier oil base), prior to application. Never apply to an area the animal can lick. *Best spot is behind the neck.* Never apply essential oils to cats, lizards, birds, fish or rodents, and stick with a certified cleaner for their cages and litter boxes. 
6. Know the oils to avoid: These oils are not suitable for animal aromatherapy, and should be used with care when diffusing in your home;  

Anise, Birch, Bitter Almond, Boldo, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chenopodium, Clove, Garlic, Goosefoot, Horseradish, Hyssop, Juniper, Mugwort, Mustard, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Thyme, Rue, Santalina, Sassafras, Savory, Tansy, Terebinth, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood and Yarrow. - K. Leigh Bell, 2002 

As long as you're modest and respectful with your oils and follow safety precautions, aromatherapy can benefit you and your little dog too! If you're looking to learn more about animals and aromatherapy, we highly recommend "Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals" by Kristen Leigh Bell, Master Animal Aromatherapist of 32 years. This book has been our guide for many years and is highly more credible than a blog.. *WInk*Wink* 

We love our waggy-tail slaps and cold wet nose kisses, and we know you do to! If ever you have any doubt, please, always reach out to a vet before using any product on your fur-babies. It's always better to be safe than sorry. 

I hope this has helped clear the air for any of our fur-parents! Happy International Puppy Day, Bubblers! Give your furry fluff-butts a pat from us! 

Until next time, stay Bubbly <3 

- Judith  

CoOwner/Creator/Dog-Mom: Bubbles&Balms