Essential Oils and Pets: A Quick How-To
You love to share essential oils with your family, so it makes sense that you want to share them with your pets as well! Before you begin using essential oils for pets, you need to know the answers to some important questions: Can you use essential oils on dogs, cats, and other pets the same way you use them on yourself? How much should you use? What is the best way to administer oils for topical and internal use?
Check out our quick and easy how-to guide for tips and info that will answer your questions about essential oils for dogs, cats, and other animals!*
It is important to note that animals cannot tell us if something is working or not, so it is our duty to exercise due caution and approach using oils on animals safely and responsibly.
Please note that these are general recommendations for use. If your veterinarian suggests other usage, defer to your veterinarian. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a veterinarian prior to use.
Basic Guidelines
There are some general tips and suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind as you share essential oils with your furry friends.
- Do not use essential oils on and around cats or dogs under 8 weeks old because they are developing at fast rates; it is easy to mess up the proper dilution for each breed.
- Animals are generally more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. It’s best to heavily dilute essential oils and use them in moderation.
- Every animal is different, so carefully observe how your animal responds to essential oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.
- Be especially careful to not get essential oils in an animal’s eyes.
- If diffusing, always allow cats access to areas where they can avoid the diffused oil.
- With all animals, avoid using high-phenol oils—such as Oregano, Wintergreen, Clove, Mountain Savory, and Thyme. This is especially important with cats.
- Use special caution with cats and essential oils. Avoid applying citrus oils topically, diffusing the scent around cats, and having your cat ingest them.