Using these essential oil recipes for dogs doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you know some basics it’s a piece of cake.
These 17 essential oil recipes for dogs include calming sprays, flea baths, ear support, itching, lumps, fresh breath, cuts, shampoo, parasites and more.
Since animals are near and dear to my heart, it has long been a passion of mine to spread the knowledge of essential oils as it applies to pet owners. These highly concentrated oils are naturally occurring volatile aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of plants that yield amazing benefits when applied correctly to both humans and pets. We hope you enjoy our 17 essential oil recipes for dogs!
Dog Essential Oil Safety
Just like humans, animals can benefit from essential oils as well. Also like humans, there are some safety rules to follow:
NEVER apply oils in your pets eyes, nose, or on their genitals.
NEVER apply oils to the tips of long eared dogs as the oil can get into their eyes if they shake their head.
IF SKIN IRRITATION OCCURS, add fractionated coconut oil or milk, not water!
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL should be used when diluting as it does not clog pores.
ALWAYS know your source. Use a brand you trust. One you know is certified pure. Most retail brands are adulterated and can cause harm to pets. I have used doTERRA on my cat, dog, chickens and livestock for years. There are very few brands I would trust for my fury friends.
You always want to dilute oils for animals.
Dog under 50 lbs: 1 drop in 2 tsp carrier
Dogs/small livestock over 50 lbs: 2-4 drops in 2 tsp
1. Essential Oil Recipe to Help Dog Allergies
This essential oil blend is perfect for 1-3 sprays along the spine as needed:
Add the following to a 2oz. sprayer bottle:
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
2. DIY Calming Spray for Dogs
Thunderstorms and firework shows are two of the most stressing experiences for many dogs leading to restless nights for pets and sleepless nights for their owners.
Thankfully, there is an essential oil blend that can be used on it’s own or in addition to other relaxing methods.
Simply apply a few drops of Lavender essential oil to the pads of your pet’s feet, remember to use a carrier oil. You can also diffuse a few drops of Lavender or Restful Blend.
3. Essential Oils for Dog Respiratory
Nothing pains pet parents more than seeing their pets in distress. If your dog is having trouble breathing (and has already been seen by the vet), try spraying this blend on the animals bedding once or twice:
Add the following to a 4 oz. sprayer bottle:
-5 drops of Lemon (omit for cats)
-5 drops Eucalyptus
-5 drops Peppermint (omit for cats)
-5 drops of Cardamom
-5 drops of Arborvitae
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
4. Essential Oils for an Aging Dog
Does your pet suffer from mild memory problems associated with aging? Applying Frankincense to the back of their neck along with rubbing dōTERRA’s Grounding Blend on their paw pads will help them feel at peace.
5. Essential Oil Spray for Dog Fleas
Do you have a cat or dog that spends a lot of time outdoors? Help protect them from fleas and ticks with an all-natural essential oil mixture that should be sprayed down their spine or on their collar:
Add the following to a 4 oz. sprayer bottle:
-1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
-1 drop Dish Soap
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
Other oil substitutions include Terrashield, Purify, and Peppermint.
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
6. Essential Oils for Dog Itching
Help them ease up on the scratching with this effective 4 oz spray:
-5 drops Lavender
-5 drops Roman Chamomile (omit for cats)
-5 drops Cardamom
-5 drops Arborvitae
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
You’ll want to spray as needed directly to the irritated area or rash, but please be careful of their eyes, nose, or genitals area.
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
7. Essential Oils for Dog Lumps
Does your pet show signs of lumps and bumpy skin
Add the following to a 4 oz. sprayer bottle:
-10 drops Frankincense
-5 drops Sandalwood
-5 drops Arborvitae
-5 drops Wild Orange (omit for cats)
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
8. Essential Oils to Help Dog Muscle and Joint Discomfort
After a strenuous activity like swimming or hiking, most dogs may benefit from soothed muscles. This spray should get their tail wagging after you massage it into possible achy areas:
4 oz spray bottle
-5 drops Frankincense
-5 drops Myrrh
-5 drops Helichrysm
-5 drops Cypress
-5 drops Marjoram
-5 drops Peppermint (omit for cats)
-1 Tbsp Organic Aloe Vera Juice
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
9. Essential Oils for Dog Motion Sickness
Does Fido get a little car sick? Dilute two drops of Peppermint essential oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil and apply to their stomach. (This approach also works for humans who can apply it to their chest.) This is not recommended for cats.
10. Additional Respiratory Dog Support
Does your dog need additional respiratory support?
-Breath blend
-Lime
-Eucalyptus
– Fractionated Coconut Oil
If applying directly to your pooches paws, apply with Grounding Blend 4-6 times a day as needed.
11. Dog Fresh Breath Spray
There’s just something about dog kisses that warms the heart… unless they smell like the toilet bowl. This essential oil spray isn’t a substitute for behavioral changes but it can certainly help with his/her breath!
Add the following to a 4oz. sprayer bottle:
-10 drops of Protective Blend\
-10 drops Myrrh
-10 drops Peppermint (omit for cats)
-Top off with distilled water or FCO
Simply lift their lips and spray this mixture on each side of their mouth once or twice a day.
Use half the amount of oils if your animal is under 50 lbs.
12. Essential Oils for Dog Flea Bath
Support your pooch with a natural flea bath the second you notice fleas pestering your furry friend.
The Recipe:
Add 2 drops Lemongrass and 2 drops Eucalyptus to pet-friendly shampoo. (Make sure you shampoo neck first as this keeps the fleas from running to Fido’s head!)
13. Essential Oils for Dog Wound Care
Pets who enjoy the outdoors will benefit from this essential oil blend for cuts which should be applied directly to the wound:
4 oz spay bottle
-2 drops Frankincense
-2 drops Myrrh
-2 drops Lavender
-1 Tbsp Colloidal Silver
-Top off with Organic Aloe Vera Juice
14. Essential Oils for Dog Tick Removal
Ticks are attracted to dogs especially in certain seasons and areas. If your pet has a tick, once you remove it, apply a drop of purify directly on the tick bite to cleanse the area and repair it.
15. Essential Oils for Dog Ears
Pets who are regularly bathed or swim often are prone to occasional ear discomfort. If you suspect your dog or cat has any ear discomfort, blend 1 drop of Lavender, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile (omit for cats) with 1 teaspoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil. Dip a cotton swab into the mix and apply the blend to the inner and outer flap of the ear, not directly into the ear shaft.
16. Dog Shampoo with Essential Oils
A fan favorite, pet shampoo is easy and fun to make! All you have to do is combine 1.25 cups of distilled water, 1 tbsp of Castile Soap, and 2 drops each of Lavender, Rosemary and Cedarwood essential oils into a glass bottle and shake.
Voila! Your pup is now ready for a chemical-free bath!
17. Essential Oils for Dog Parasites
A drop of Ginger and a drop of Lemon essential oil in Fido’s water bowl helps kill any internal worms while supporting his/her skin.
And there you have it. 17 essential oil recipes for dogs. Comment below and tell us your essential oil recipes for dogs.
April Brant
Friday 18th of September 2020
Do you have a blend for Demodex mange? I was thinking of trying some tea tree oil in the dog shampoo. My poor fur baby had Parvo even after being vaccinated and now has demodex mange as a secondary infection which the vet said could end up being a recurring problem. I just want to try and help her before it gets bad next time.
Tracy Robinson
Friday 18th of September 2020
You can add a few drops of melalueca, rosemary, and lavender to the shampoo. Between bathing, apply this twice daily (12 hours apart), coat the spine with a carrier oil, then apply 2 drops each of TerraShield, Geranium, Lavender, and Rosemary. Massage it in and apply as needed after and between bathing. Once the Mites are gone, you can regrow any hair lost with Rosemary and Lavender.