Summer and winter weather can both pose a challenge to our canine companions, especially when it comes to their delicate paw pads. In the summer, hot pavement and sand can cause paw issues and irritations, while in the winter, the cold temperatures, snow, ice, and even the salt and chemicals used to melt them can cause dryness and cracks. This is where paw balm comes in. As pet owners, it's our job to ensure the natural health and well-being of our dogs, and creating a homemade paw balm can be a great way to do just that. In fact, even Martha Stewart has shared a recipe for a dog paw balm! In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of making your own paw balm with essential oils, and provide you with a few easy-to-follow recipes to help you take your dog care to the next level, no matter the season.
So What Exactly Is A Paw Balm And Why You Should Use Dog Paw Balm
A paw balm is a moisturizing ointment that protects and soothes the paw pads, providing a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions in summer or winter, rough terrain, and other irritants. Paw balms condition and moisturize and can also help to speed up healing of cracked or injured paws. While you can easily find paw balms in pet stores, making your own can be a fun, cost-effective, and more natural option. So, In this blog post, I'm going to guide you through the process of making a homemade paw balm. You don't need essential oils in your paw balm and the basic ingredients are approved by the American Kennel Club for safety. But, I'm an 'oily gal' and so are my dogs and horses....and I pretty much add essential oils to everything-haha! Essential oils can be safe to use with dogs, and to read more about that, click HERE. If you're not comfortable using essential oils with your dog, leave them out! If you want to learn what you need to know to safely use essential oils with your dogs, grab my free guide HERE.
Why Make Your Own Dog Paw Balm?
While store-bought dog paw balms are convenient, they often contain a long list of ingredients that may not be necessary or even harmful to your dog. Some commercial paw balms may also contain artificial fragrances, preservatives, and chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin and cause health problems. By making your own homemade paw balm, you can control the ingredients and ensure that your dog gets only the best, natural and safe ingredients. Plus, it's a fun activity especially when it comes to choosing the essential oils to use.
Why Add Essential Oils to Your Dog Paw Balm?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have been used for centuries for their wellness properties. Adding essential oils to your dog paw balm can provide additional benefits, such as soothing dry and cracked paws, promoting healing, and maintaining healthy skin. You can also use essential oils that have a relaxing aroma to help calm your dog and reduce tension.
Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?
It's important to note that not all essential oils are created equal, nor safe for dogs, and some can be toxic or cause skin irritation. Always use a pure and premium essential oil and read your labels. I like and use Young Living™ Essential Oils, 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 and safety. They also have an AnimalScents™ line created especially for pets, check out those products HERE! In fact they offer a fabulous product call Animal Scents® Ointment. If you're not into DIY, simply grab a jar of this as it works perfectly as a paw balm, and it's toxin free! Here are some of the essential oils that I like to use in my paw balms:
Lavender oil: a tranquil and calming aroma, with many skin care benefits.
Frankincense oil: a woodsy and grounding aroma that can help promote healthy looking skin and help with skin tone.
Tea tree oil: yes-you can use tea tree oil with your dog (read more here), skin cleansing properties that also help to deter pesky annoyances! Also very helpful with odors.
Cedarwood oil: a very mild and balancing aroma that helps to repel annoyances and promote healthy skin and hair.
Peppermint oil: cooling and soothing properties, great for supporting skin when itchy.
Roman chamomile oil: calming and wellness properties, great for sensitive skin and seasonal discomforts.
How to Make Your Own Dog Paw Salve with Essential Oils
Now that you know the benefits of making your own dog paw salve with essential oils, let's dive into the process of making it. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
To make a simple dog paw ointment, you will need the following ingredients. These ingredients are easily found in most natural health food stores:
1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
1/4 cup of organic shea butter
1/4 cup of organic beeswax pellets
10-15 drops of essential oil (choose from the list above)
metal tin, glass jar, or lip balm tubes
Step 2: Melt the Ingredients
In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax pellets until everything is fully liquid.
Step 3: Add the Essential Oils
Once the ingredients have melted, remove the bowl from the heat, as it starts to cool, add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the essential oil is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pour the Mixture into a Container
Carefully pour the mixture into a container of your choice, such as a small jar or tin. Wide mouth jars or tins work best as you'll be dipping your fingers in. Get creative and recycle what you have. Jelly jars and baby food jars work well. You could also search for some inexpensive metal tins or glass mason jars on Amazon. I recently made this and poured it into lip balm tubes I grabbed on Amazon. It made it really easy to apply to my dogs paws like chapstick-lol. I also had several left over to give away as gifts.
Step 5: Let the Salve Cool and Solidify
Allow the salve to cool and solidify completely, which may take a few hours. You can speed up the process by placing the container in the fridge.
Step 6: Apply the Paw Balm
Using the paw balm is easy, simply grab a swipe with your finger and then apply a small amount to your dog's paws and massage it gently into the paw pads. The salve will provide a protective barrier against harsh conditions, moisturize and soothe dry and cracked paws, and promote healing.
A Few Paw Balm Recipes to Try
If you're feeling adventurous and want to experiment with different essential oils and ingredients, here are a few recipes to try. You can swap out cocoa butter for the shea butter, but your balm will have a nuttier aroma and tend to be a bit harder. You can also swap out olive oil for the coconut oil and your balm will be a bit softer. For a paw cream simply omit the beeswax in the recipe and only use the coconut oil and shea butter. The beeswax is what gives the paw balm is harder consistency like a lip balm. If you like the beeswax but want a slightly softer consistency, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil. If you're planning on using the lip balm tubes, keep the beeswax as you'll need that lip balm consistency the beeswax provides.
- Lavender Paw Balm
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of organic shea butter
- 1/4 cup of organic beeswax pellets
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Follow the same instructions as the basic paw salve recipe above.
- Tea Tree and Cedarwood Paw Balm
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of organic shea butter
- 1/4 cup of organic beeswax pellets
- 5 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil
Follow the same instructions as the basic paw salve recipe above.
- Vetiver and Frankincense Paw Balm
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of organic shea butter
- 1/4 cup of organic beeswax pellets
- 5 drops of vetiver essential oil
- 5 drops of frankincense essential oil
Follow the same instructions as the basic paw salve recipe above.
To make a DIY dog paw balm without beeswax, try this recipe:
- 1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of organic shea butter
- 1/4 cup of organic cocoa butter
- 5 drops of vetiver essential oil
- 5 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
Making your own dog paw salve with essential oils is fun and with a little bit of practice, you'll be able to whip up these recipes in no time. You'll have a natural product that benefits your dogs health and well-being, and you could even use it as a homemade gift for your dog mom BFF. By using natural, safe ingredients and avoiding harmful chemicals and additives, you can provide your dog with the best possible care.
Remember to always use pure and premium essential oils and feel free to omit the essential oils if you're not comfortable using them. Homemade paw balms are a natural and safe alternative to store bought paw creams and paw ointments. In fact, try rubbing some into your hands after you apply it to your dogs paws, you might just be amazed!
Cedarwood essential oil has been used for centuries for various purposes, including aromatherapy, skincare, and pest control. But did you know that it can be safe for dogs and have several health benefits? In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of cedarwood essential oil for dogs and how you can use it with your pets.
What is Cedarwood Essential Oil?
Cedarwood essential oil is a natural oil derived from the wood of cedar trees. There are several different types of cedar trees and one of the most commonly used cedar trees for essential oil is the Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica). Atlas cedarwood is believed to be a close relative of the Biblical Cedars Of Lebanon.
Cedarwood essential oil is extracted through a process called steam distillation, which involves heating the wood chips or shavings in water to release the volatile compounds. The steam containing the essential oil is then cooled and collected, and the oil is separated from the water.
Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woody, and slightly sweet aroma that is both grounding and calming. Compared to other essential oils, cedarwood has a more earthy and masculine scent than floral or citrus oils like lavender oil or lemon. It's often used in aromatherapy blends for its grounding and balancing effects on the mind and body. Overall, cedarwood essential oil has a unique and distinctive scent that is loved by many for its warm and comforting qualities.
Cedarwood essential oil has a rich history of use dating back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used cedarwood oil in the embalming process and believed it had purifying and preserving properties. In ancient Greece, cedarwood oil was used for its calming and grounding effects on the mind and body. Native Americans used cedarwood oil in their spiritual practices and believed it had healing powers. Cedarwood oil was also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its alleged anti-inflammatory properties. Cedar wood oil has also been studied for insect control; specifically fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Today, cedarwood oil has even been studied for hair loss.
Is cedarwood essential oil safe for dogs?
Yes, cedarwood essential oil is safe for dogs when used correctly. Many dog products on the market for sale today contain cedarwood oil. However, it's essential to use high-quality essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrances that can harm your dog. Always use a pure and premium cedarwood oil and dilute the essential oil before use. You can safely use essential oils with dogs (even tea tree :0) and to learn how to safely get started, grab my guide HERE.
What are the benefits of cedarwood essential oil for dogs?
- Can help relieve tension and worry
Cedarwood essential oil has a calming effect that can help soothe your dog's emotions. If your dog gets worried during thunderstorms, car rides, or when left alone, diffusing cedarwood essential oil in the room and car can help them feel more relaxed.
- Repels outdoor annoyances
Cedarwood essential oil can help protect your dog from annoyances when outside. You can add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to your dog's shampoo or dilute it with water and spray it on their fur. For a step by step guide to making a spray, click HERE. You can also make a dry dog shampoo powder and apply it to your dogs coat before going outside. To learn how to do that, click HERE.
- Promotes healthy skin
Cedarwood essential oil has skin cleansing and naturally deodorizing properties that can help maintain healthy skin and coat. You can add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to a carrier oil (to learn more about carrier oils, click HERE.) like coconut oil and massage it into your dog's skin.
- May support the respiratory system
Cedarwood essential oil has properties that can help support breathing. You can diffuse cedarwood essential oil in the room or add a few drops to a carrier oil and massage it into your dog's chest. For easy application, you can make a roller bottle. For a step by step guide to making a roller bottle, click HERE.
How to use cedarwood essential oil with your dog?
Aromatically (Diffusion)
To easily diffuse essential oils with your dog, you can:
-Be a walking diffuser by wearing the essential oil yourself as a perfume or in diffuser jewelry.
-Use an electric diffuser, such as an ultrasonic diffuser, by simply adding a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to the diffuser and letting it run in the room where your dog spends most of their time. Always give your dog the option to leave the room and monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort. To learn more about how you can safely use an essential oil diffuser with your dog, click HERE.
-Add a few drops onto a cotton ball or wood clothespin and place in strategic areas around your home.
-If you want to have some fun, you can even make a reed diffuser with cedarwood oil and place it in a strategic area to benefit your dog. Reed diffusers are super easy to make and the aroma output can be much less than other diffusers. This works well if you have a particularly sensitive dog or don't want a strong aroma. Click HERE to view a super quick video I made on Pinterest showing you what you need and how to quickly make one. Reed diffusers are great swaps for candles since you will still have a pleasing decoration and light aroma.
Topical application
Add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil and massage it into your dog's skin. Every dog is different and size, age, and health can factor in to how you dilute cedarwood oil. For my easy dilution guidelines chart, click HERE.
In conclusion, cedarwood essential oil can be safe and can have numerous benefits for dogs. It can help relieve tension, promote healthy skin, help the respiratory system, and help your dog enjoy the outdoors. However, it's essential to use high-quality essential oils and dilute them before use.
I like and use Young Living™ Essential Oils, 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 pets health and safety. To grab a bottle of cedarwood oil, click 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)
*Essential oils are never a substitute for regular veterinary care and are never intended to treat or cure any illness*
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!
Lemon essential oil has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people have begun to recognize its many uses for wellness and household applications. Have you been hearing about how lemon essential oil can benefit you? Not only does lemon essential oil smell fresh and uplifting, it can also support our bodies in staying above the wellness line. Lemon essential oil works well to cleanse air and eliminate odors, its aroma can also help reduce tension, and when taken internally lemon may provide immune and circulatory support. But is lemon oil safe for your dog? Read on to learn everything you need to know about using lemon essential oil with dogs.
Lemon essential oil has a rich and ancient history and is usually made from the cold-pressed peel of the lemon citrus fruit. Limonene is a main constituent and is what gives lemons their unmistakable scent. A study found on PubMed.gov suggests that lemon essential oil can be effective in combatting various bacteria and microbes. Lemon has also been studied for cognitive function and improvement as well as mood enhancement and for skin benefits.
Lemon essential oil can be safe to use with dogs if you are using a high quality, pure, and unadulterated lemon essential oil. You also need to dilute the lemon essential oil. Diluting and using lemon essential oil is easy. My 2 favorite ways to do this are by making a spritzer or by using lemon in a diffuser. An essential oil diffuser is an electronic device that disperses essential oils into the air.
I like to use ultrasonic diffusers which use a metal or ceramic plate that vibrates and disperses the essential oil in water, making a fine mist. This keeps the oil at a low and safe concentration and allows you to breathe in deeply and enjoy the scent and properties of the essential oils. Ultrasonic diffusers don't use heat which can lessen the benefits of an essential oil.
You can check out one of my favorite ultrasonic diffusers HERE!
If your dog has a medical condition, or is unhealthy, you should speak to your holistic veterinarian before using lemon essential oil or any essential oil with them. Again, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that any product you use contains pure essential oils and not adulterated additives or other chemicals. Also it's important to dig deep when googling 'oil poisoning' or 'are essential oils bad for dogs' and not let that scare you from using essential oils. Oftentimes, the whole story is lacking important facts such as quality of oil, amount, and the way it was used. Essential oils can be safe to use with dogs if they are pure and diluted!
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and you don't actually need to apply essential oils topically to enjoy the many benefits from using them. You can simply let your dog smell from the bottle, use an essential oil diffuser, or simply make and wear a perfume of essential oils.
Since lemon is works so well for odor, I like to make a spray solution by adding 12 drops of lemon essential oil into a 2 ounce spray bottle and then filling the bottle up halfway with vodka and halfway with distilled water. Then spritz it around your dogs bedding for a refreshing natural fragrance (for a step by step guide to making a spritzer, click here). You can also add a few drops of lemon onto a cotton ball and stash in strategic places.
For odor control with a diffuser, simply add the amount of drops your diffuser calls for or try these essential oil blends with lemon:
For some calm plus focus
2 drops lemon
2 drops lavender
To cleanse and purify
2 drops lemon
2 drops eucalyptus
For happy time
2 drops lemon
2 drops orange
For odor
2 drops lemon
2 drops cinnamon
Remember to always give your dog an out when using a diffuser. Leave the door open and allow your dog to come and go. Keep in mind that our dogs may choose to be with us even if they are uncomfortable, so watch your dogs for any signs like watery eyes, itchiness, stupor, or general uncomfortableness. Also, some dogs may be sensitive to certain smells so always start slowly with a minimal number of drops and monitor their reactions closely as you continue using the diffuser around them.
Lemon also makes a great addition to natural cleaning products. You can make an effective cleaner that is much safer than other chemical cleaners on the market, simply by mixing half vinegar, half water and adding about 10 drops of Lemon essential oil per cup.
Your dog will benefit from lemon essential oil without topical application. If you choose to apply lemon directly to your dogs skin or fur, you'll want to first dilute it in a carrier oil like coconut oil, or olive oil (for more info on carrier oils, click HERE). This ensures that the concentration of oils is low enough so as not to irritate their skin. Lemon is a citrus oil and can cause photosensitivity with application. This simply means it can cause an exaggerated response to sunlight, resulting in sunburn and skin irritation. If you do choose to apply lemon oil topically, apply at night or to areas that won't receive direct sunlight for 12-24 hours.
There are many benefits associated with using lemon essential oil for our canine companions! Lemon essential oil works so well for cleaning and odor control and the aroma is uplifting and focusing. By using a high quality, pure, and premium essential oil and by diluting it, we can safely use lemon with our dogs. Using essential oils that contain additives is dangerous for us and our canine companions and can be toxic.
I use Young Living™ Essential Oils-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 pets health!
Essential oils can be a safe option for our pets health. To eliminate overwhelm and fear and learn more about how to use essential oils with your dog, download my free guide "Getting Started Using Essential Oils With Your Dog" HERE
*Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and the information in this blog is not meant to provide medical advice nor be a substitute for veterinary care.*
Frankincense is a natural product that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. But is it safe for dogs? In this post, let's take a look at the safety of frankincense oil for dogs, plus some tips on how to use it safely.
What Is Frankincense?
Frankincense is an aromatic resin that comes from the Boswellia tree. Frankincense essential oil is then extracted by steam distillation of the resin. Frankincense is noted as an incredibly beneficial natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes. Some of the touted benefits of frankincense oil include support for the immune system, cognitive health and respiratory health. It has also been used in religious ceremonies and as a natural fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. There is also research on its effects on certain types of cancers. According to this study on PubMed.gov, "Frankincense, pine needle and geranium essential oils have been reported to play critical biological activities in cancer". This review published on PubMed.gov, states "Contemporary studies have shown that resin indeed has an analgesic, tranquilising and anti-bacterial effects." I have even seen frankincense on the ingredient list in natural pet flea products.
Is It Safe for Dogs?
Many natural pet care advocates believe that frankincense can be safely used to support a wide range of health concerns, as long as it is used in proper amounts and a pure, high-quality essential oil is used. Most experts agree that using frankincense essential oil is generally safe for dogs when a 100% pure and unadulterated essential oil is used and properly diluted.
I believe the two most important factors in safely using any essential oil with your pets is quality and dilution. I use Young Living™ Essential Oils-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 pets health!
If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition, you should speak to your holistic veterinarian before using frankincense oil or any essential oil on them. Again, it is of the utmost importance to make sure that any product you use contains pure essential oils and not adulterated additives or other chemicals. Also it's important to dig deep when googling 'oil poisoning' or 'are essential oils bad for dogs' and not let that scare you from using essential oils. Oftentimes, the whole story is lacking important facts such as quality of oil, amount, and the way it was used.
Tips for Using Frankincense Oil Safely with Your Dog
If you do choose to use frankincense oil with your dog, it is important to follow a few safety tips to ensure a positive outcome.
Start low and go slow. The easiest way to start using essential oils with your dog is by wearing them as a perfume and becoming a walking diffuser.
To do this, simply apply a drop of frankincense essential oil to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, make a scent tent over your nose, inhale deeply, then apply the residue to the back of your neck or pulse points. Observe how your dog reacts to you! You are also half the equation with your dog and when you remain calm and balanced, that helps your dog remain calm and balanced!
Start using essential oils now, before you want to use them for a specific concern. Wearing them during play time or cuddle time helps your dog associate positive feelings with essential oils which adds to their benefits.
Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell. Their noses are about 100,000 times more sensitive than that of a human, allowing them to detect odors that humans would miss. This is made possible by millions of olfactory receptors in their noses, which allow them to pick up even the faintest scents. Dogs also have specialized parts of the brain that are dedicated to processing these scented signals, and they can detect even subtle changes in odor that humans would miss. This is why it's often all that is needed to simply let your dog enjoy the aroma of an essential oil.
Once your dog is used to your new perfume, try running an essential oil diffuser. This is another favorite way to use essential oils! I like to use ultrasonic diffusers which use a metal or ceramic plate that vibrates and disperses the essential oil in a fine mist, keeping the oil at a low and safe concentration and allowing you to breathe in deeply and enjoy the scent and properties of the essential oils. Ultrasonic diffusers don't use heat which can lessen the benefits of an essential oil.
You can check out one of my favorite ultrasonic diffusers HERE!
When using a diffuser, be sure to start with a minimum number of drops like 2-4 and work up to more if needed or preferred. Always give your dog an out by leaving the door open. Keep in mind oftentimes our dogs prefer to stay with us even when uncomfortable, so watch for signs like restlessness, stupor, watery eyes, or itching.
Essential oils are made up of extremely small molecules, which means that they can easily penetrate the membranes in your nose and enter your bloodstream. The effects can be felt almost immediately after inhaling an essential oil. As you continue to breathe in this scent, it is absorbed by the olfactory bulb in your brain, which triggers certain chemical and electrical responses that can help to improve your mood and overall well-being. Our dogs can benefit in the same ways from inhaling an oil. Inhaling essential oils is one of the quickest ways to deliver the benefits that they have to offer. This method is perfect for you and your dog to enjoy natural ways to support health.
Frankincense pairs well with lavender oil, cedarwood, and vetiver, which are generally regarded as safe essential oils.
You can diffuse frankincense on its own or try one of these essential oil blends:
Be Calm
2 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Be Balanced
2 Drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Harmony
2 Drops Vetiver Essential Oil
2 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Topical application
When using frankincense essential oil topically with a dog, it is important to dilute the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil. I prefer fractionated coconut oil, which is simply coconut oil processed to remain liquid and have no aroma. It's less greasy and absorbs well. This will help prevent skin irritation and allows for smaller amounts of essential oils to be used. Fore more info on carrier oils, click HERE
For my recommended dilution guide for essential oils and dogs, click HERE!
Frankincense can be helpful in supporting skin and overall wellness in your dog. It is much better to use a very small amount more frequently than a large amount infrequently.
Once you dilute the frankincense oil, you can apply with your fingertips and gently massage the area of concern. This oil blend works to help soothe skin:
Skin Love
Add 3 drops Frankincense and 3 drops of Myrrh essential oil to a 10 ml roller bottle. Then fill the remainder of the bottle up with a carrier oil. Gently invert back and forth to mix, and apply to areas of concern as needed.
If you are looking for a natural way to support your dog's health and well-being, using dog friendly essential oils like frankincense can have its benefits. When using frankincense topically or inhaling it, it is important to be 'oil safe' and use a 100% pure and unadulterated oil with proper dilution methods. With proper use, frankincense can be an effective and safe way to support your dog's health and well-being. To grab a bottle of Frankincense essential oil, click HERE!
It is also best to consult with a holistic veterinarian before using essential oils, as each dog will respond differently and a holistic veterinarian will look at the whole picture as essential oils can be effective, but they are often only a piece of the puzzle.
Essential oils can be a safe option for pet health. To eliminate overwhelm and fear and learn more about how to use essential oils with your dog, download my free guide "Getting Started Using Essential Oils With Your Dog" HERE
*Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and the information in this blog is not meant to provide medical advice nor be a substitute for veterinary care.*
