You may have heard many different stories about essential oils and dogs: that they can pose a great danger, that they can poison the dog, and so on.

I’m not saying that’s false. But, the usual thing in these cases is that the owner has forced the oils onto his dog. And, often they did not dilute the oils!

Essential oils are quite safe to use, especially if you let your dog guide you and tell you what he wants or needs. But, as usual, you need some general info and to follow some basic rules.

Basic rules for use on dogs

1. Essential oils are not natural!

Never forget that essential oils are removed by humans from the plant, so the safety measures that are in place throughout the plant have been removed. If a wild animal ate the plant containing the essential oil, it would stop eating long before it had enough essential oil in its body to cause toxicity.

2. Always dilute the oil

Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil, and you should rarely put the oils on your dog’s body. Never offer essential oils directly from the bottle, as the aroma can be overwhelming, always offer the bottle with the lid closed and if your dog is interested, dilute, dilute, dilute.

3. Always ask your dog for permission

Let your dog smell the oil, with the lid closed, whenever you plan to use oils on your dog. Never put oil on your dog, and never use essential oil diffusers near your dog. If you do, you risk an adverse reaction like the stories you hear about in the news.

• Always dilute your essential oils in a high quality carrier oil.

• If your dog shows signs of a reaction, stop using the oil immediately and contact a professional.

• Always store your oils in a cool, dark place and make sure the lids are tightly closed.

• Never leave your essential oils within reach of your dog.

• Never use essential oils on pregnant or lactating female dogs.