Essential oils are becoming more and more popular. Everyone is using them, even dog owners. The question is, though, are essential oils safe for dogs to smell? It’s great that these essential oils can be used as a natural aid for mental and physical health issues, but dogs have extremely sensitive noses. On the other hand, essential oils can be used to treat dogs as well as humans. The trick is to use them carefully.
The Risks of Essential Oils With Dogs
It’s important to understand that something isn’t automatically “safe” just because it happens to be “natural.” Essential oils can pose some risks when they are mishandled. Anyone who has tried essential oils for themselves understands the difference a few drops can make.
One of the main things to be careful of with essential oils is how potent dogs’ noses are. Putting a few drops of lavender oil could calm them down, or it could stress them out more. Using essential oils too much can cause all kinds of problems with dogs, including respiratory issues. Some essential oils are outright poisonous to dogs, such as cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, sweet birch, pine, and wintergreen. Double-check that the essential oil is safe for dogs.
Another risk of essential oils is that they can irritate the skin, human and dog skin alike. This proves counterproductive when using essential oils to treat skin conditions. You should avoid using essential oils directly without proper guidance. Look for blends that are designed with dogs in mind.
The chemicals of essential oils are quickly absorbed into the body, whether applied topically or orally. These chemicals pass through the liver, which makes them a problem for young dogs, elderly dogs, and dogs with liver conditions.
Essential oils also present a risk if dogs lick them off of their fur. Leave essential oils out of the reach of kids and pets alike. Get in touch with your veterinarian if you notice your dog ingests essential oils.
Veterinarians warn against relying on natural flea and tick remedies that use essential oils. Dog owners have reported a number of adverse reactions, most of which are caused by misusing the products. There is also little evidence to back up how effective these treatments are. Relying too heavily on them could leave your dog vulnerable to ticks and fleas.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely
So, the answer to the question of “are essential oils safe for dogs to smell?” is yes. Dogs can safely smell most essential oils. With that said, you have to be careful about how you use them with and around dogs. Make sure that your dog can’t ingest the oils, avoid using ones that are poisonous to them, and don’t be afraid to consult your vet. Your vet will know the best oils to use and how to use them properly for the health and wellbeing of your furry friend. As with just about everything else, moderation is key.
