Essential Oils for Dogs With Anxiety

Essential oils have grown in popularity in the natural healthcare world, so it’s no wonder they made their way into our pet’s health care routine. With the many benefits that essential oils can have on our overall health, many began to wonder just how helpful essential oils for dogs with anxiety can be.

In this article, we’ll discuss the essential oils that are known to relieve anxiety in dogs and the important safety tips that go along with the use of these oils in pets.

Now that essential oils have grown in popularity, their benefits are beginning to be explored in the world of animal health. Though thesebeneficial oils are known to improve the lives of humans and dogs alike when used properly, there are some safety tips that you should keep in mind when using essential oils for your dog.

1. If you are ever uncertain about the safety of a specific essential oil for use on your pup, ALWAYS ask your veterinarian before administering the oil or defusing it in your home. When in doubt, never use oil unless you are certain that it is safe for your dog.
2. Never use an essential oil unless you are positive it is from a reputable brand. Some cheaper oils and oil alternatives have been known to contain harmful ingredients, so you should always do your research before purchasing oils for use in your pet’s health routine.
3. Dilution is your friend when using essential oils for dogs. Essential oils can be extremely concentrated and it is RARE that a recipe will ever ask you to directly apply the oils or diffuse the oil without diluting it. Dogs are more sensitive to smells and topical treatments than we are, so it’s important to remember to always dilute these substances before using them on or around our pets. Also, keep in mind that a little goes a long way with the use of these beneficial oils.
4. Make sure your dog does not ingest any essential oils. Essential oils should only be used in pet care when they are applied to the skin or diffused in your home. Essential oils for dogs can often result in some health conditions such as hyper-salivation or nausea when ingested. If a recipe is instructing you to add an oil to your dogs food or to apply it in their mouth, make sure to contact your vet first and ask for their opinion.

Once you consider using oils for your dog’s anxiety, it’s important to educate yourself on the essentialoils that can cause your dog harm. The oils listed below are known to be toxic to our canine companions:

• Cinnamon
• Wintergreen
• Pennyroyal
• Sweet birch
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Tea tree (melaleuca)
• Ylang ylang

When browsing the internet for oil recipes for your dog’s anxiety, you may find recipes that call for the addition of some of the essential oils that are listed above. There are many essential oil recommendations that are written by pet owners with no veterinary experience and that’s why it is so important for you to have a full understanding of the potential dangers in the essential oils listed above.

You are always welcome to do your own research if you have doubts, just keep in mind that each of these essential oils above has been linked to complications in dogs such as severe agitation, neurological behaviors, seizures, respiratory distress, and more.

When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian if you are ever unsure about the potential toxicity of a certain oil. They can always help to steer you in the right direction.

When you are an owner to a stressed or anxious dog, you will want to find an option that can help bring them the comfort they crave. Though there are medications available for dogs with anxiety, sometimes it’s best to try a more natural approach first.

The essential oils below have been known to relieve minor anxiety and stress in dogs withseparation anxiety, dogs with storm anxieties, and dogs who are experiencing any other stressful incident. When diffusing these oils throughout your home, you will be amazed by the calming effects these essential oils can offer.

• Green mandarin: This essential oil is known to soothe minor stress and create a calming effect in dogs with anxiety.

• Rose: Though rose is often used for relief of minor skin irritation, it is also known for its ability to brighten moods and create a calming effect.

• Valerian: The calming tones of this oil are known for creating a soothing effect and helping to relieve mild separation anxiety in dogs.

• Clary sage: This essential oil is known to create gentle sedation and stimulate a soothing effect in anxious dogs.

• Sweet orange: Sweet orange is known for its ability to uplift us and bring cheerfulness, and it does the same for our canine friends. Due to its ability to bring happiness, it’s used in dogs who experience separation anxiety or sadness.

• Vetiver: Vetiver is known for its ability to ground its users, meaning it can provide a soothing and calming effect for dogs with anxiety.
• Myrrh: This is another oil that is mainly used for its calming effect on irritated skin, but it can also provide soothing relief for dogs who experience separation anxiety.

As we have learned essential oils can have a great benefit your dogs health, that being said, sometimes too much of a good thing can cause a bad reaction. Using carrier oils along with the other oils can help to dilute the strong properties essential oils are known to have. This means mixing the essential oils with carrier oils such as olive oil or even coconut oil, can help to ease the the smell and the strength of the essential oil. As long as cautionary measures are taken, using essential oils for dogs with anxiety can be a great remedy.

Essential oils offer a natural solution to the common anxieties that our dogs may experience. Make sure to educate yourself on the proper use of each oil you would like to add to your dog’s routine, and your pup will be on the way to a calm and stress-free life.

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