Essential oils should be handled in the same manner as other products that can pose potential dangers if misused. They should be stored in an area that is cool, dark, and out of the reach of pets, and they should be used in accordance with their instructions, paying close attention to the safety instructions.
Diffuser
How to use
Use a water-based vaporizer
Use 1-2 drops of essential oil and diffuse intermittently: diffusing for 10 minutes then off for 30 minutes
Place the diffuser out of reach of your dog, such as on a high shelf or on the kitchen bench
When introducing an essential oil to your dog through diffusion, begin by diffusing a small amount of one oil at a time for a short amount of time and check your dog for any reactions
Diffuse on the side of the room that is opposite to where your dog spends its time or in another room altogether
Benefits
Does not require skin contact or long-term exposure to essential oils
Can help to remove harmful airborne bacteria and offensive odours
Safety
Always use low doses for your dog
Avoid using essential oils with strong, cooling, hot, or spicy aromas such as Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Oregano.
Ensure the room is well-ventilated and you dog can easily get away from the smell if they feel uncomfortable
Avoid diffusing essential oils in small, confined rooms with your dog
Use the diffuser for short intermittent periods only, do not run non-stop
Immediately turn off a diffuser and seek veterinarian attention at the first sign of an undesired side effect, such as breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, seizures, or drowsiness
Room Spray
How to use
Spray very diluted essential oil solution
Spray around an open, well-ventilated room
Benefits
May help to create a calming aroma and environment
May energise your dog depending on the essential oil used
Eliminates unwanted doggy odours
Safety
Avoids prolonged exposure to oils
Avoid spraying on your dog’s bedding, their toys, and objects that your dog may put in their mouth
Topical application
How to use
Always dilute with a safe carrier oil such as jojaba, coconut, sunflower or sweet almond
If using as a body mist only spray 3 times lightly
Benefits
May provide extended period of comfort depending on the benefits of the essential oil used
Safety
Use only essential oils and carrier oils that are approved by your veterinarian for your dog
Avoid stroking your dog near areas of fur or skin where you have applied the essential oil
Avoid applying essential oils to areas the dog can lick such as paws
Do not allow your dog to walk across household surfaces that have been cleaned with essential oils, as they may lick their paws and ingest the essential oil
We strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian before considering using any essential oil listed in the above table. What is safe for one pet might not be safe for another pet.
As your dog’s health and safety is your goal, do not forget these golden rules:
Always greatly dilute essential oils when using them near your dog
Keep essential oils away from your dog’s face, nose and eyes
Do not use essential oils on or around puppies under 10 weeks of age
Avoid phenol-rich oils such as oregano, cinnamon, basil, thyme, clove bud, wintergreen and sage around puppies and miniature breeds of dogs
When trying an application of any essential oil with your dog for the first time always ‘start low and go slow’. That is start with a very low dose of the essential oil in a carrier oil, diffuser or diluted for cleaning and use slowly, checking for any reactions.
Enjoy the benefits of using essential oils for yourself and your family including your dog!
