Are you looking for the best information on using essential oils with pets? Are they safe for cats and dogs? Learn how to get started, which oils to avoid and get our DIY natural flea repellent recipe!
A good majority of people these days are using essential oils in their homes, for one reason or another. There are so many uses for oils, such as aromatherapy, making bath and body products or health benefits that come from using them in a diffuser or using them topically for various purposes.
If you are one of these people, you already know how great they can be in so many ways, but are you using essential oils for pets in your home? This may be something you’ve yet to try, or you may have been wanting to try it out, but unsure where to begin.
This article is meant to help you get started and will cover the basics on the how and they best oils for them, as well as a few warnings, and then you will have a recipe for making your own flea repellent spray.
This post is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your vet before using essential oils with your pet.
How Essential Oils are Used with Pets
As we previously covered, essential oils are used 3 ways: aromatically, topically, and internally. This also goes for using them with pets.
The main difference is in the amount you use more than anything else. Always start with just one or two drops at once. If you need to reapply more a little while later, you can, but best to start out with just one drop.
Dogs can handle the oils a little more than cats and there are several oils you never want to use with cats at all, which we will cover. But otherwise, go with one drop for cats, whereas with a medium or large sized dog, two may be okay.
It is always better to use less oil more frequently than the opposite.
Can you diffuse essential oils around pets?
You can diffuse oils for pets, the same as you would for your family. If you need to calm down an animal, for example, diffuse one of the oils listed below that’s cat safe in the main room they would be in.
Start your oil diffuser out on low and with a small amount of oils. If you need to add a little more, go ahead. But see if it makes a difference with the lowest dose possible first, as it may be all you really need to use.
Make sure the room is well ventilated. When you first use a new oil with an animal, always keep an eye on them so you can be aware of any reactions. If you spot any reaction at all, open up the windows and immediately turn off the diffuser.
Can you use essential oils topically with pets?
As far as using them topically, there are a few things to know right away. One is to use far less as if the animals are babies by heavily diluting the oil drops with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil.
For cats, put the oil on your own hands first, rubbing them together, and then rub them lightly over the top layer of the cat’s fur. You don’t want to get it down to the skin level.
Cats are much more sensitive. You don’t need to totally abstain from using oils with them, but use caution. If you can smell the oil on the cat’s coat, then the cat is getting the benefits.
Can you use essential oils orally with pets?
Never use essential oils orally with cats. It’s far too much for them. You shouldn’t use them orally with dogs or other pets either. Consult your vet for more information.
Here is a list of essential oils never to use near cats:
You never want to use any of the “hot” oils around pets as they can cause irritation. Here are examples of oils to avoid:
- Cassia oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Clove oil
- Oregano oil
- Melaleuca (tea tree) oil
- Peppermint oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Thyme oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Birch oil
- Citrus oils
Here is a list of essential oils for pets and what they are good for:
- Cedarwood oil – Skin issues, calming, urinary and kidney support
- Chamomile oil – Calming, skin issues, stress and anxious feelings, sleep issues
- Cypress oil – Liver health and circulation
- Frankincense oil – Everyday balance, skin issues, joint aches and inflammation
- Geranium oil – Inflammation, cleansing, soothes skin issues
- Helichrysum oil – Liver health, aches and bruises
- Lemongrass oil – Hormonal balance, deters pests, cleansing
- Rosemary oil – Naturally deters pests, eases stress, uplifts mood
You can use these essential oils in your diffuser or by making a natural flea repellent spray.
Natural Flea Repellent Spray Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 drops rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops cypress essential oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 4 drops lemongrass essential oil
- Filtered water or distilled water
Instructions
How to Make the Spray
- Place the essential oils into your spray bottle, then top off the rest of the bottle with purified water, leaving just a bit of room for the spray top to fit down in and not run the water out over the top. Place top on and shake well before use.
How to Use the Spray
- Spray on door jams, and places where your pet spends most of their time, as well as lightly on the pet’s fur. Repeat as needed.
