Are Essential Oils Safe for my Pet? Part 2: Usage

Are Essential Oils Safe for my Pet?

Part 2: Usage

By Dr. Christa Young, DVM - Bellalago Veterinary Hospital

[This is the second part of a multi-part series about essential oils.  You can read Part 1: Basics here.]

Part of the confusion that has generated the recent commotion of social media about essential oils is that people misuse them.  As with anything, there are right ways to use essential oils and wrong ways.  

It is important that you consult with your veterinarian before beginning essential oil use.

How do I apply or use Essential Oils in my Pet?

• Diffusion – ultrasonic water diffuser in an open room with pet 5 feet awayYou are only using 1 to 4 drops in the diffuser!
  • Generally, only diffusing for 20 minutes at a time
  • Smell the vapor yourself first to make sure it is not too intense
• Drinking water – essential oils added to water dishes and bowls
  • Consider whether your pet bathes or soaks in its water bowl
  • Can NOT use plastic dishes or containers
  • VERY dilute proportions, we are talking 1 drop oil in 1 liter (4 & ¼ cups) water
• Petting – just like it sounds, you are putting oils on your hands and petting your pet
  • Put the oils on your hands and rub them together a few times to disperse the oil
  • Smaller or sensitive animals: much of the oil is absorbed on your hands before petting
  • Larger animals: your hands may feel oily due to the larger amounts often recommended
  • Well-tolerated by almost every animal
• Misting – a form of diffusion where the oils are added to a glass spray bottle
  • Very small amounts of essential oil added to water in a bottle
  • Spritz the room your pet is in, or for birds you can use as a bathing mist
  • Avoid the eyes and mouth, please
• Raindrop Technique – developed by Gary Young of Young Living Essential Oils
  • A series of different oils in a specific order are dropped onto your dog’s back and stroked in
  • Small dogs receive only a couple drops of each oil, while large dogs receive 6 to 8 drops of each oil
  • Do NOT use this technique in cats without direct guidance from a holistic/integrative medicine veterinarian as it can be overwhelming for cats and dangerous if adjustments are not made!
• Oral – essential oil drops added to food or diluted and dropped into mouth
  • Only a few oils and a specific type within those oils can be given this way
  • Use this method under the direct supervision of a holistic/integrative medicine veterinarian.
• Sniff-it pouches and Litter box additives
  • Little fabric sachets or strips can have diluted essential oils dropped on them and these are then placed in cages, crates, or on collars
  • A few drops of essential oil are added to 1 cup baking soda and mixed well. 1 Tablespoon of the baking soda-oil mixture is mixed into the litter box litter with each cleaning session.

We recommend using essential oils with your pet only if you're doing so with the guidance of a veterinarian!  Stay tuned for the next installment in which we go in to more depth regarding the possible dangers of essential oils.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.  

Our next installment of the series is forthcoming!  Stay tuned!