Pet-Safe Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs

Pet-Safe Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs

We love our cats and dogs, and they should be treated like members of the family. Pets are something special, and the way we treat them should reflect that. Seriously, humans don’t deserve these sweet and loveable creatures! Sometimes, they deserve a little something extra for being so good (Pupachino from Starbucks, anyone?). There are so many ways to show your pets how much you love them. 

Just like humans, cats and dogs can use a little self-care from time to time. Have you ever used essential oils before? If not, this is a train you need to jump on. People swear by them for relieving headaches, easing stress and anxiety, and relaxing before bed. One of the main reasons people like using essential oils is because they are a natural remedy for a variety of issues. 

Another great thing about essential oils is that there are plenty of studies and facts that show they truly are effective for our health and wellness. In other words, they aren’t just another fad or health gimmick. Now, back to our furry friends. Did you know that you can actually use essential oils to help cats and dogs? 

Our pets can have all the same emotions and feelings as we can. This means they can also get anxious, sad, nervous, excited, happy, and any other emotion humans feel. The difference is it’s harder to tell when they are going through some of these emotions. Let’s take a look at how essential oils can benefit our beloved pets

What Essential Oils Are Safe for Cats and Dogs?

The important thing to know regarding essential oils and your pets is that not all essential oils are safe for cats and dogs. So before you grab your favorite calming oil when your dog is upset, make sure you do your research before letting them have a whiff! In fact, there are quite a few essential oils that can be toxic for your pets. Don’t let this deter you from using essential oils, though! 

There are so many that are perfectly safe to use and can have tremendous benefits for your dog or cat. You just have to be sure about the essential oils you are using before you apply any to your pet’s skin or let them smell it. One other thing to note is that not all essential oils are safe for both cats and dogs. Some are safe for dogs and not for cats, and vice versa. But don’t worry, we’ve got the scoop on which essential oils are safe for dogs and cats! 

Essential Oils Safe for Dogs​

Below, we compiled a list of essential oils that are safe to apply to your dog’s skin or let them smell:

  • Cedarwood oil: works great as a natural insect repellent 
  • Chamomile oil: soothing and calming, helps with gastrointestinal issues
  • Citrus oils: helps with sadness and lethargy, deodorant, mosquito repellant  
  • Eucalyptus oil: clears sinuses, helps with breathing 
  • Fennel oil: improves liver function, helps with bloating
  • Frankincense oil: may help with bladder issues
  • Lavender oil: helps promote relaxation and sleepiness
  • Lemongrass oil: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal 
  • Peppermint/spearmint oil: helps relieve gastrointestinal issues 
  • Rose oil: eases pain, lessens anxiety 

Essential Oils Not Safe for Dogs​

Here, you will find a list of the essential oils that are not safe for your dogs in any way: 

  • Cassia oil
  • “Hot” oils (such as cinnamon or chili) 
  • Pennyroyal oil
  • Pine oil
  • Sweet Birch oil
  • Tea tree oil
  • Thyme oil
  • Wintergreen oil

Essential Oils Safe for Cats​

Below, we compiled a list of essential oils that are safe to apply to your dog’s skin or let them smell:

  • Chamomile oil: soothing and calming, helps with gastrointestinal issues
  • Lavender oil: helps promote relaxation and sleepiness
  • Jasmine oil: antidepressant 
  • Rose oil: eases pain, lessens anxiety 

Essential Oils Not Safe for Cats​

Here, you will find a list of the essential oils that are not safe for your cats in any way (note: it is a much longer list than for dogs):

  • Basil oil
  • Bitter Almond oil
  • Citrus oils
  • Dill oil
  • “Hot” oils (such as cinnamon or chili)
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Myrrh oil
  • Nutmeg oil
  • Pine oils
  • Oregano oil
  • Rosemary oil
  • Thyme oil
  • Ylang Ylang oil

How to Use Essential Oils for Cats and Dogs

Before we talk about how to use the oils, there’s something important to consider: whether or not you have both a cat and a dog in your home. Since some of the oils that are safe for dogs are not also safe for cats, you need to be careful with which ones you use. Your best bet is to only use the essential oils that are safe for cats and dogs. This means stick to lavender oil, chamomile oil, and rose oil. 

That way, there won’t be any cross-contamination between your pets. They likely come in contact with one another multiple times a day, and the dog could have a reaction with an oil that works for the cat (and vice versa).

You want to keep your pets as safe and healthy as possible, so stick to what will work for both of them and not just one of them. On the other hand, if you just have one animal, there will be less for you to worry about. 

The Methods​

There are three different ways you can use essential oils for your cat or dog, depending on what works for them. The first method is to let them smell it. You can simply open up the essential oil of your choice and hold it under your pet’s nose. We recommend not putting it directly under their nose at first; instead, hold it away and let them sniff from a distance before you move it closer. 

Alternatively, a great way to introduce them to essential oils is by using an oil diffuser. This is a less-concentrated way to smell essential oils. It will also scatter the oils into the air, which lasts longer than just giving the oil one sniff. Oil diffusers are inexpensive and can make super cute accessories for your home. Plus, you can use the diffuser as well. It’s not just for your pet to enjoy!

The last method is to apply the oil directly to your pet’s fur or skin. This method is fine, but you do have to be careful when applying the oil. Your pet’s tolerance is probably completely different than yours. Start by diluting the oil before you apply it.

You can put one drop of essential oil into a few drops of neutral oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil). Mix that up and let it combine and dilute before applying a small amount to your pet. A good spot is either on the top of their head or on the back of their neck (places they can’t lick). Start with a small amount and see how they tolerate it. 

If your pet seems aggravated, disoriented, or gets a rash from the oil, wash it off immediately. Make sure you keep an eye on them because you never know what a pet might be allergic to or react to. Of course, a reaction is unlikely since essential oils are natural, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!  

Essential Information

By now, you know that there are certain essential oils that are safe for cats and dogs and some that are not. You also know that the oils that are safe for cats are not necessarily safe for dogs and vice versa. It’s crucial that you do your research to understand what is safe for your pet. Our list in this article is a great starting point! If you are still feeling unsure, don’t forget you can always talk to your vet and see what they think. 

Essential oils offer so many benefits for both humans and animals. If your pet is stressed, tense, or anxious, it might be worth trying to use some essential oils to help them. Even just smelling the oils can be therapeutic for your cat or dog! 

So, are you ready to try out essential oils for you or your pet? You want to make sure you get oils that are natural and high-quality. Check out our essential oil selection at Bubbly Belle! We have a ton of oils to choose from that are sure to make you and your furry friend happy! 


Sources: 

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs and Cats? | 24 Pet Watch

11 Reasons to Use Lemongrass Essential Oil (healthline.com) | Healthline

Rose Oil: What are the Benefits and Uses of This Essential Oil? | Healthline  

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