How To Safely Use Essential Oils – For Dogs

Aromatherapy works really well for dogs, just like they do with humans. Essential oils have been used for health and well being for centuries.

Important: Essential oils need to be used in specific ways. For instance, some can be applied topically but not ingested, while others can be diffused in the air but cannot be applied nor ingested.

Research shows that essential oils can be safe and effective for dogs, but only when diluted heavily, used in the appropriate way, and in the correct amount.

Infused carrier oils can be turned into salves for the treatment of wounds, skin cracks, abrasions, burns etc. This can be done by:

1. Warming the oil over a gentle heat and add 30 – 60 grams of beeswax to each cup of oil.
2. Continue warming the oil until the beeswax melts.
3. Place a small amount of the salve in the freezer until it’s cool, then check the consistency.
4. If it’s too hard, add more oil to your mix
5. If it’s too soft, add more beeswax.
6. Aim for a salve that is thick but not solid. Soft salves are easy to apply without applying pressure to injuries.
7. When the salve is perfect, pour it into small jars and label.
8. If desired, add several drops of essential oil just before/after pouring into jars. Please see Complete List Of Essential Oils That Are Safe To Use On Dogs And The Health Benefits to make sure you are using the right essential oil(s) – this is important as, for example, if your dog is suffering from a skin problem you do not want to use an essential oil that can aggravate it further.

See below to see which carrier oils you can safely use on your dog:

Never use essential oil in pure, full strength form to apply topically. Here are some safe carrier oils that you can dilute the essential oils with:

1. Olive Oil
2. Coconut oil
3. Sweet almond oil
4. Jojoba oil
5. Sunflower oil
6. Aloe vera
7. Evening primrose oil
8. Avocado oil
9. Safflower oil
10. Hazelnut oil
11. Emu oil
12. Flax seed oil

Olive Oil

Olive oil is safe for your dog’s skin and has many benefits for dogs with dry or itchy skin. It can help protect against dryness by physically blocking water loss from the skin. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E. Unlike most vegetable oils, olive oil does not require refrigeration or the addition of antioxidants to stop it from spoiling. It is a good massage oil for rheumatic joints, and to soothe and heal wounds.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and contain saturated fats, making them more compatible with skin than most vegetable seed oils.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a great carrier oil which contains protein, glucosides, minerals, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E. It is recommended for skin conditions such as dermatitis, dryness, inflammation, muscle soreness, and itching. In addition, it helps heal burns. Many people like to use sweet almond oil as a massage oil because it lubricates and protects the skin.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil contains protein, minerals, and myristic acid.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids and containing vitamins A, B, D, and E plus minerals, lecithin, and inulin. It is greatly used to help treat skin diseases.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera jelly is not a carrier oil, but it is suitable for diluting essential oils. It is cooling, soothing and moisturising.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid as well as vitamins and minerals. It treats dry skin conditions and speeds the healing of wounds.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil contains protein, vitamins, lecithin, and fatty acids. It is recommended for all skin types, especially dry, dehydrated skin.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is high in linoleic acid, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s useful for all skin types and helps relieve the inflammation of painful sprains, bruises, and painful joints.

Hazelnut Oil

Hazelnut oil contains protein, vitamins, minerals, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. Slightly astringent, it strengthens capillaries, stimulates circulation, and is quickly absorbed.

Emu Oil

Emu oil is an excellent treatment for muscle pain, sore joints, arthritis, dry skin, hair loss, skin fungus, and other conditions; and is quickly absorbed.

Flax Seed Oil

Flax seed oil is high in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, and minerals. It benefits the skin, speeds wound-healing, prevents scarring, and treats dry skin conditions.

Do not use Macadamia Nut Oil. It been associated with vomiting, ataxia or weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression in dogs. Dogs are the only species in which signs have been reported. 

When applying essential oils to your dog, make sure you avoid applying the oil to areas with sensitive skin (such as in or around the ears, anywhere on the face, and the genital area).

It is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian to get advice on using essential oils, Some essential oils may not be suitable for your dog, paying particular attention to your dog’s age, size and health history.

Check out which essential oils are safe to use for your dog:

Ultimate List Of Essential Oils That Are Safe To Use On Your Dog & The Health Benefits 

How To Cut A Puppy’s Nail

For a puppy, having their nails cut can make them (and a lot of adult dogs) very anxious, especially if they sense their owner is feeling anxious. Many dog owners are worried they will cut the nail down too far, resulting in bleeding. It is best to cut your dogs nails regularly from being very young so it’s something they are always used to. Following these tips can help both you and and your puppy/dog and results in less accidents:

• Place the puppy’s paw in your hand and hold each toe with you index finger and you thumb.

• Do not squeeze the toe but hold it firmly.

• If the puppy tries to pull his paw away (older puppies) from you, or struggles to get free, give him the ‘No, stay’ command.

• Hold the nail clipper with the other hand. This position gives you more precision and prevents you clipping too short.

• While holding the puppy’s toe (slightly spread all toes by placing your thumb on top of the foot and finger underneath), snip the nails one at a time with short, decisive strokes. Clip right where the nail starts to curve.

• The ‘quick’ usually hasn’t grown past the curve. If it has the nail will bleed when cut. The quick (the vein that runs halfway through the nail) is quite easy to spot in nails that are white or transparent. You do not want to cut into the pink part of the nail as this is full of nerve endings and blood.

• It the puppy’s nails are not clear (they may be brown, grey or black in colour) the quick may be more difficult to spot. You will need to be extra careful and may have to clip on the tips of the nails more often if this is the case.

• If you do happen to nick the quick, don’t panic! It looks worse than it is. The puppy will squeal because it will hurt but it is not an emergency. Use styptic powder or styptic pencil which will stop the bleeding quickly. Give the puppy lots of cuddles and reassurance. You might want to leave the rest of the nails until the next day as they will be extra jumpy for a little while and you don’t want to risk hurting him twice.

• Talk to the puppy gently as you work on his feet so he feels comfortable. When it is done, give him lots of praise, a treat and a short 1-to-1 play time.

• Most puppies and dogs don’t like having the paws touched so it’s important to get them comfortable to this. If you make a habit if holding his paws gently, one at a time, when you are playing or having cuddles with him then he will be used to having his paws handled and won’t find it such a strange experience.

• Getting the puppies used to their feet being touched and nails being clipped from an early age will get them used to being groomed.

• Get someone to help you until you are confident enough to do it alone. Keeping those little paws still is easier with an extra pair of hands.

• Don’t forget to check for dew claws and clip those too.

• You can file any rough areas (of the cut surface) with a dog nail file/emery board to make the nail smoother. You will need to get the puppy used to how it feels gradually (just like the actual cutting of the nails). Some people only use electrical nail grinders to shorten their dog’s nails but that will require getting your dogs used to the sound and the feel of the vibrations of the grinder too. These grinders are to powerful for puppies delicate nails though.

• Most importantly, don’t rush! Take your time and let both your puppy and you get used to the process.