Are you struggling to maintain a fresh and clean-smelling home due to persistent pet odors? Don't worry, you're not alone! Every pet owner comes across this issue at some point, but fortunately, there are simple steps you can take and DIY's you can make, to help eliminate pet odor. In this blog post, I'll share a host of quick, natural, and safe tips to eliminate pets odor from your living space. So, let's dive right in and make your home smell amazing once again!
The basics: understanding pet odor
Before we talk about how to eliminate pet odors, it's essential to know what causes them. Pet odors can originate from various sources, including pet fur, dander, saliva, urine, feces, and even poor hygiene. These odors then become a part of your home, settling into carpets, furniture, and other surfaces, making it challenging to remove them completely. If your dog has an excessive odor, check in with your veterinarian as that's not normal. Skin issues and dental issues may need to be addressed.
Preventing pet odors in carpets and furniture
Being proactive and preventing pet odors from settling into your home is the first step towards maintaining a fresh and clean environment. You'll want to regularly (as in at least once per week):
-wash your pets toys, bowls, collars, and leashes.
-vacuum
-mop
Don't forget about your pets favorite spots, such as stairs or closets.
Use slipcovers on furniture that can be easily removed and washed. Also buy pet beds that have a washable cover. Try adding a pet odor neutralizer to your carpet before vacuuming.
For an easy DIY pet odor eliminator for carpets, use baking soda. I like to add Lemon essential oil. Simply add 15 drops of essential oil to 1 cup of baking soda. Sprinkle on carpet and let sit at least 10 minutes or even overnight for really tough odors. Then vacuum up. Occasional deep cleaning of carpets and steam cleaning furniture can greatly contribute to maintaining a fresh and pleasant home environment.
Regularly bathing your dog is helpful. For times when you can't bathe, use a pet deodorizer. This DIY dry shampoo is helpful. Grab the recipe HERE
You can also make easy DIY pet wipes and wipe your dogs coat and paws when they come in from outside, get the recipe HERE
Ensuring an odor-free litter box for your cat can also help prevent the accumulation of unpleasant smells. Scoop your letterbox daily, completely change out the litter and wash the box weekly, and consider a layer of baking soda underneath the litter. You can also make an essential oil kitty litter deodorizer by adding 5 drops of essential oil to a cup of baking soda and sprinkling in the bottom of the litter box. Use a pure and premium essential oil, I like Lavender.
DIY pet odor removers
There is a wide range of DIY pet odor removers and cleaners, utilizing everyday household items, including baking soda, vinegar, citrus, and hydrogen peroxide. Head to this blog to find out what needs to be on your shopping list for natural home cleaning. The addition of essential oils can help neutralize pet odor and give your home a fresh and clean aroma.
For hard surfaces, a mixture of water, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice can be used to clean and eliminate odors. Citrus can be a natural enzymatic neutralizer.
Enzymatic Surface Cleaner
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
For more tips and recipes to clean your home naturally, click HERE
This is my favorite pet urine remover DIY:
Pet Urine Remover
2 cups water
2 tablespoons of liquid Castile soap
15 drops lemongrass essential oil
15 drops cinnamon essential oil
Freshening the air naturally
DIY air fresheners are easy to make and cost effective. They are also safer than chemical laden air fresheners or plug ins that you can buy. All you really need is baking soda and essential oils. And yes, pure essential oils diluted as an air freshener can be safe for your dog and cats! To grab a quick and easy recipe for a DIY air freshener using baking soda, click HERE
To eliminate pet odors in the air naturally, try using essential oils in a diffuser, such as lavender or lemon. These natural fragrances can be beneficial in neutralizing unpleasant smells and promoting a clean environment.
Investing in an essential oil diffuser is an easy and cost effective way to neutralize odors. Using an ultrasonic diffuser dilutes the essential oil, keeping it safe for your dog. To read more about safely diffusing essential oils with your dogs, click HERE.
Diffusing 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil and 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil in a diffuser can be a powerful urine odor eliminator.
Additional tips for eliminating pet odors
Beyond the standard cleaning methods and DIY solutions, there are a few extra tips to consider. For instance, using an air purifier to filter out pet dander and other airborne particles can significantly reduce pet odors. If the weather permits, open up windows regularly and air out the house. Opening windows to improve airflow and allow fresh air to circulate in your home regularly is a must.
Additionally, placing DIY air fresheners in common odor hotspots such as the vicinity of litter boxes or near pet beds can work wonders. You can easily make safe air fresheners with baking soda. Adding essential oils gives more odor control and a pleasant aroma to your home. For some quick and easy DIY air freshener recipes and tips, click HERE.
Pet odors may seem like a permanent problem, but with the right measures, you can keep your home smelling clean and fresh. By understanding what causes pet odors, proactively preventing their accumulation, and using natural and safe DIY remedies, you can maintain an odor-free and inviting home. Remember, the key is consistency in your cleaning routine, and with these tips and tricks, both you and your beloved furry friends can enjoy a comfortable and odor-free living space.
For more essential oil recipes, tips, and tricks...join 'The Weekly Oiler' HERE keepin' the "oily lifestyle' simple and easy for you, your horses, and dogs...
Essential oils offer an all-natural and cost efficient way to support your horse's health and wellbeing. Why spend a fortune on expensive chemical products for horse care, when you can make your own safe and natural alternatives? Here are two of my favorite recipes using essential oils: a hoof spray to ward off ‘gunk’; and mane detangler that not only helps release knots without damaging hair but also can support hair growth and provide a calming aroma! Try these two popular recipes today; you’ll love them! Download the recipes HERE!
Hoof Spray
I was definitely tired of turning the barn aisle green and having to wear gloves to apply a product to my horses hooves. This essential oil hoof spray recipe helps keep your horses hooves 'gunk' free, without needing gloves or turning your hands different colors.
You will need:
A spray bottle-glass and stainless steel are ideal as essential oils degrade plastic. You can use plastic as that is a much safer option than glass at a barn, just be sure to use a high quality PET or HDPE chemically resistant plastic for durability and longevity of the bottle.
Essential oil- I definitely have my favorites for this recipe which are Tea Tree Oil, Clove Oil, and Oregano. Other essential oils I have used successfully are Lemongrass, Rosemary, Thyme and Eucalyptus. If you only have one of the essential oils listed, use that one and see how it gos. Essential oils can be very adaptogenic and plants use their essential oils to maintain their viability, so use what you have and see what happens.
Vodka or apple cider vinegar- I prefer vodka because it has no aroma. It helps to disperse the essential oil into the water and then evaporates quickly leaving the essential oil residue behind. I've seen many recipes using only apple cider vinegar with successful reports but in times when I have used apple cider vinegar instead of vodka, I haven't been able to discern a true difference and since apple cider vinegar has an aroma, I prefer vodka. Use one or the other, no need to use both.
Water- I always prefer using purified or distilled water in my recipes as the impurities have been removed. However, you can use tap water, especially for a recipe that will be used up quickly. With the addition of the essential oils and vodka, I dont think you have to worry so much about longevity of the mixture.
Fill your spray bottle up halfway with water and halfway with vodka, leave room at the top to add the essential oils. I like to use a 16 oz. spray bottle, so I add 1 cup vodka and 1 cup water. Then add your essential oils. I add 60 drops of essential oil per 2 cups. So for a 16 oz. spray bottle, I add:
30 drops Tea Tree
20 Drops Oregano
10 drops Clove
Shake well and spray this mixture on the white line, frog, bars, and sole of your horses hooves after picking out. I use daily if my horses hooves seem 'gunky'. If I'm using it as a preventative, I'll maybe spray two or three times a week.
Mane Detangler
This is very easy to make and the essential oils I like to use give off a very calming aroma, making this a perfect addition to help your horse relax as well as keep the mane tangle free.
8 oz. spray bottle
2 TBS All Natural Conditioner (I like to use Young Living's Copaiba & Vanilla Conditioner) You can also sub out a carrier oil for this like fractionated coconut oil, olive oil or sweet almond oil.
6 oz. water
20 drops each Rosemary, Lavender, and Cedarwood
(or 30 drops each Frankincense and Cedarwood)
Add the conditioner to the spray bottle, then add your essential oils and swirl to mix. Then add the water and after adding the spray top, really shake it well until the conditioner is fully blended with the essential oils and water. Spray on the mane and hand comb out or use a hair pick (this helps eliminate breaking hair or pulling it out). Shake well each time you spray and spray as often as needed if you are getting tangles out. If you are using as a preventative, I usually will comb through my horses mane a couple times a week. You can even use this as a coat conditioner. I live in a hot and very dry climate, so I like to apply it during brushing, as it helps keep the dust down.
By using essential oils with your horse, you have the opportunity to create a healthier and more wholesome environment for both you and your horse. Not only will essential oils help support health and wellness, but they’re also an effective substitute for toxins that are commonly found in barns. For a fantastic source of natural products, give making your own barn products a try. With a few basic ingredients, it’s more cost-efficient than purchasing from the market - plus it can be great fun! With this knowledge, I encourage you to take initiative by creating your own hoof spray and mane detangler. Don't forget to download the recipes HERE!
And if you need more assistance to get started using essential oils with your horse, don't forget to grab my free guide to getting started using essential oils with your horse by clicking HERE– it has all the info you need to get started!
If you don't have essential oils yet and want to grab some for the above recipes, click HERE, it’ll take ya to a bundle I created listing all of the above essential oils, from the world leader in essential oils-Young Living™. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know you're getting pure and premium products for you and your horses health! Simply pick which ones you’d like, add to the cart, and check out! Easy peasy and thanks for supporting my small business! (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you.)
Tea Tree oil is a highly versatile, purifying powerhouse! Well-known for its powerful cleansing properties, it's a popular choice for skin support- plus its potent odor neutralizing capabilities make it perfect as part of your DIY cleaning routine. One of the most important ways we can help keep our homes safe for our pets is by using toxin free cleaners and air fresheners. With such broad uses and so many different applications, Tea Tree stands out among the essential oils studied. Read on to find out if you should use Tea Tree oil on your dog, how to safely dilute it, and the positive effects this natural remedy can have on your dogs health.
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea Tree oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. It has long been used by Indigenous Australians as a natural remedy, but more recently it has become popular for use in human and pet products due to its wide range of benefits.
Tea Tree oil is gaining recognition and has been studied as an antiviral agent, with this study on PubMed.gov finding its application promising and highly encouraging in recurrent herpes infection. Not only studied against viruses - this essential oil also showed promising results for infections in this study, when used to treat prostatic abscesses in dogs! Also studied for localized dermatitis, analysis by investigating veterinarians found that 82% of the canine participants had good or very good responses after using a 10% tea tree cream for localized dermatitis. A multi-purpose powerhouse indeed!
Is Tea Tree Essential Oil Safe For Dogs?
The most important factors when using essential oils with dogs is quality of the essential oil, appropriate amount, and dilution! When you are using a high quality, pure, and premium essential oil, and you dilute it properly, it can be safe for your dogs. While there have been reported cases of melaleuca oil toxicosis, this review published on pubmed.gov, found that the oil was "used to treat dermatologic conditions at inappropriate high doses" this review also revealed that treatment with supportive care was sufficient to achieve full recovery.
When used appropriately, pure Tea Tree oil can be safe and beneficial for dogs. Tea Tree oil is also approved by the FDA as a food additive.
There are many products specifically labeled for use with pets that contain Tea Tree oil. Two of my faves are from Young Living™ Essential Oils, a blend called PuriClean™, designed to cleanse and refresh skin, and Animal Scents™ ointment, a protective and soothing salve that can be used to moisturize and soften skin.
Why Should You Dilute Tea Tree Oil For Dogs?
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts and a little goes a long way. Diluting Tea Tree oil allows us to use the smallest amount needed and easily cover larger surface areas rather than trying to rub a drop in. Essential oils are also highly volatile and evaporate quickly, diluting them extends the life and duration of the essential oil. Every animal is different and may react to the same essential oil in a different way, diluting the essential oil helps us minimize any potential for a skin reaction or sensitization, and helps us use essential oils safely. When diluted properly, Tea Tree oil can help support the skin and coat.
How To Dilute Tea Tree Oil Safely For Dogs
Diluting Tea Tree oil is as simple as mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil. You can use other carrier oils and oftentimes, I use fractionated coconut oil (coconut oil processed to stay liquid). Most people tend to already have olive oil and coconut oil in their pantry so an extra purchase isn't required. For more info on carrier oils, click HERE. In general, safe tea tree oil dilution ratios for use with dogs are:
0.5-1% for small dogs
2-3% for medium dogs
5-10% for large dogs
These ratios are guidelines only and keep in mind, that your dogs age, sensitivities, and overall health play an important role. You may need to dilute more, especially if your dog is new to essential oils or has a health condition. For my handy chart of essential oil dilution for dogs, click HERE.
Making a roller bottle is an easy way to dilute Tea Tree. Simply purchase some 10 ml roller bottles (Amazon is a good place to find inexpensive ones), add the desired amount of Tea Tree based on how much you are diluting it. Then simply top off the roller bottle with a carrier oil.
Here are a few recipes I like to use for my dogs skin. Note these recipes are at a 5% dilution.
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Tea Tree
3 drops Frankincense
3 drops Myrrh
4 drops Tea Tree
You can also dilute Tea Tree oil with water and make a spray or rinse. In general 5 drops per ounce of water for small dogs and up to 10 drops for larger dogs, can work well. Its always best to ere on the side of caution by starting slow, using less, and observing. In general, essential oils are best used in small amounts more frequently rather than a large amount once or twice.
Essential oils don't mix well with water so you will want to use an emulsifier to help the Tea Tree mix into the water. Vodka or witch hazel works well as an emulsifier when making a spray. Witch hazel also works well in a rinse. You can also use a carrier oil as an emulsifier, however some carrier oils will clog up the nozzle on your spray bottle. Keep in mind that emulsifiers help mix the essential oil in water but you still need to shake well before each use.
When using a spray, avoid your dogs eyes and head and sensitive areas. If you want to apply to the head for a specific reason, its best to apply to your hands and gently rub in, being mindful of where you're rubbing.
Here's one of my favorite sprays for skin:
Purchase a 2 oz. glass spray bottle and add 5 drops tea tree, 5 drops frankincense, and 1 oz. vodka. Then fill it the remainder of the way up with distilled or purified water. If you only have regular tap water, use that, but distilled/purified works better as the impurities have been removed.
Here's a spray I use to keep my dogs comfortable outdoors:
3 drops Citronella
3 drops Tea Tree
4 drops Palo Santo
Add to a 2 oz. spray bottle, add 1 tablespoon vodka, fill with distilled water, and shake well before you spray.
The Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil In Your Home
One of my favorite benefits of Tea Tree oil is its cleansing properties and I love to use it in home cleaning recipes. Using toxin free cleaners and air fresheners is the first place to start in making your home safe for your pets. To make an easy natural cleaner, all you need is half vinegar and half water. Adding Tea Tree oil gives a refreshing aroma and odor control as well as the added cleansing properties of Tea Tree.
You can also invest in an essential oil diffuser and simply diffuse Tea Tree any time your house is smelling like 'dog'. Start with a minimum number of drops based on your diffuser and remember to never lock your dog or any household member in a closed room while diffusing. Leave an open door so your dog can leave if desired, and keep in mind that some dogs will prefer to stay with 'mom' even when uncomfortable, so watch for any abnormal signs from your dog.
If you don't have a diffuser, you can add a few drops onto cotton balls or wooden clothes pins and stash in strategic areas.
Here are a few diffuser blends I love to use for odor that contain Tea Tree:
3 drops Lemon
3 drops Tea tree
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Tea Tree
2 drops Eucalyptus
3 drops Tea Tree
3 drops Kunzea
All in all, Tea Tree is an amazing oil with a lot of different benefits for you and your furry friend. It’s important to remember to always dilute the oil before applying topically to your dog. Using a high-quality pure essential oil from a trusted company is key to safely getting the most out of using this versatile oil! I personally love and trust Young Living–the world leader in essential oils. With their Seed To Seal guarantee, you know you're getting pure and premium products for you and your dogs health! Grab your bottle HERE (This is an affiliate link and I earn a small commission from your order at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business! I'm so excited to help you get started, that I'll connect with you once you order and send you something special)
Have you used Tea Tree before? How did it work for you? Let me know in the comments below!"
If you're ready to dive in and start using essential oils for yourself and with your dogs, check out my mini course "Oily Dog Intro" where we dive into the what, where, how, and why, of getting started using essential oils with your dog...safely and easily! Check it out HERE!
If you’re an equestrian looking to explore natural, holistic remedies for your horse, then you’ve likely heard of frankincense essential oil. But what is it? How is it obtained? What are its benefits and how do you use it with horses? These are all important questions that can be answered in this blog post. Read on to learn more about frankincense essential oil and why it may be beneficial for your horse.
What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries due to its wellness properties. It comes from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, found in Africa and India. The resin is steam distilled to create the essential oil, which is then often used in aromatherapy. The scent of frankincense essential oil is warm, woody, balsamic, and slightly spicy.
History of Frankincense
Frankincense has a long history dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used frankincense as an ingredient in perfumes, incenses, and medicines. It was also used by ancient Greeks and Romans as a remedy for indigestion and respiratory ailments. Today, frankincense essential oil is still widely used in aromatherapy due to its calming effects on the mind and body.
Is Frankincense Safe For Horses?
Frankincense oil is a remarkably gentle yet effective essential oil with minimal safety concerns. It's easy to use, even for newcomers - and can be blended with a carrier oil for increased safety of topical use. Frankincense is also on the FDA's GRAS list (generally regarded as safe) and is also listed as a food additive and flavoring agent. It is generally agreed upon by those in the aromatherapy field that frankincense is safe for pets when pure and used properly.
Benefits of Frankincense
Frankincense doesn't just smell amazing; it has been studied for its many health benefits! An article published on PubMed.gov contributed to our understanding of this ancient resin's immune system powers, demonstrating that the oil "exhibited a strong immunostimulant activity". According to this review, published on PubMed.gov, contemporary studies have also shown frankincense can reduce pain and inflammation as well as aid in fighting bacteria - making it great choice for massage oils and joint rubs. Even more impressive? This review reports "we have accumulated research evidence from the beneficial effect of Frankincense consumption in memory improvement".
One of my favorite benefits of using frankincense with horses is its calming effect on the nervous system. It can help reduce tension levels both physically and mentally while providing a sense of relaxation.
Frankincense can also promote healthy skin and in people has been studied and recognized to reduce uneven skin tone. I like to add it to many natural DIY products I make for my barn like mane detanglers and hoof oils.
This unique substance is definitely worth exploring further if you're looking for natural alternatives to promote overall wellbeing!
How To Use Frankincense With Horses
The benefits of Frankincense can be utilized by simply inhaling the aroma, applying a small amount topically, or even using as a supplement.
To use aromatically:
- Wear as a perfume and become a walking diffuser
- Allow your horse to smell from the bottle
- Apply a drop to your palm, rub your hands together, and then offer your hands to your horse to smell
- Apply several drops to a cotton ball and stash in the trailer or tack room
- If you have electricity at your barn, you can use an ultrasonic diffuser (out of reach of the horses-tho!)
To use topically:
- You can apply a drop to your hands and then rub on desired area of your horse. The poll or chest are good places to start.
- Make a roller ball by adding 20 drops to a 10 ml roller bottle and adding a carrier oil-For a step by step guide to making a roller, click HERE
- Make a spritzer by adding to a glass or high quality plastic (HDPE or PET) spray bottle and filling up with water-For a step by step guide to making a spritzer, click HERE
- Apply a drop directly and rub in, frankincense is considered a mild essential oil and in most cases ok for undiluted application. if you or your horse are new to essential oils, or have sensitivities, it's recommended that you dilute for topical application. If you are applying to a large area, you'll want to consider dilution as well.
- Use in DIY grooming sprays, hoof oils, and massage oils or liniments
As a supplement:
- Only use essential oils labeled for ingestion like Young Livings Vitality™ line
- Add a drop to a treat
- Add a few drops to a mash
- Add a few drops to grain
- Dilute and rub on gums
- Add to a syringe, add some apple sauce and give as a paste (you can also use coconut oil or olive oil instead)
For horse owners looking to integrate natural, holistic remedies into their wellbeing routine - consider trying Frankincense! This powerful plant-based option can provide a range of benefits for your horse and help keep them happy & relaxed. Inspire some quality time with your four legged companion today by diffusing the calming aroma of this unique essential oil throughout the stable or barn!
If ya need more help getting started using essential oils with your horses and dogs, download my free PDF guides.... click HERE FOR HORSES and HERE FOR DOGS)
Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about the heath of your horse. Essential oils are not meant to replace veterinary care. They are a wonderful tool to add to the equestrian tool box to keep your horse above the wellness line, enhance your relationship with your horse, and replace toxic chemicals at the barn.
Let’s take a closer look at laminitis symptoms, causes and treatments as well as what essential oils can be used to support a horse who has laminitis.
