Whether you’re an avid do-it-yourself-er or a dedicated dog owner, there is something appealing about making your own pet products. The handmade marketplace is awesome and a favorite place to find natural pet products. If you’re getting into washing products or other things which are applied to a dog’s body, then it is imperative you do proper research. There are dangerous ‘natural’ ingredients out there which dogs should never be exposed to. For those interested in making your own products, please do your research! Become familiar with the special requirements of your canine friends, their sensitivities, tolerances, pH range, and olfactory considerations.
This is a huge topic, but to get you started the following list includes some highly recommended essential oils for use in your natural dog products. These are deemed safe for topical use as they do not induce neurological effects nor are they known to be convulsants. Please keep in mind these are recommended for external use ONLY and should always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as olive, jojoba, or coconut oil. Do not exceed a 2% essential oil concentration in any pet product. At the end of this article are some excellent links and resources for continued pet safety.
Petitgrain – This essential oil is extracted from orange peels with a resulting earthy citrus appeal, and provides a host of benefits which are used in the natural medicine field. Its primary recognition is an anti-septic (1) and is regarded as a very safe essential oil in diluted topical application.
Patchouli – An earthy, popular fragrance which either you love or you don’t, Patchouli essential oil has broad applications. Uses include anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, insect repellent, and soothing various skin conditions.
Cedarwood – An earthy, woodsy, and warm essential oil which carries a long list of benefits including anti-inflammatory, soothing skin irritations, anti-fungal, and insect repellant. (2) . Cedarwood essential oil makes a wonderful anchor for blending other, less potent fragrances to encourage their staying power.
Geranium – Nontoxic, nonirritant and non-sensitizing. Great for skin conditions. Also a natural option for insect repellant and soothing bug bites.
Ginger – A warm, sweet, and spicy essential oil with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. (3) Ginger herb is most commonly used in culinary applications, however as a diluted topical oil it can be beneficial in soothing sore muscles and joints. Its earthy aroma is a lovely addition to soap recipes and hydrosols.
Sweet Marjoram – Warm, woody and camphoraceous essential oil with antiseptic, antibacterial, and analgesic applications in natural medicine.
Lavender – The most popular essential oil with versatile applications and used throughout the personal care industry. Our canine friends benefit from the gentle properties and some anxious dogs may even calm down from the aroma.
Helichrysum – Quite pricey from essential oil distributors, but is hands down an awesome oil with tested benefits and no known neurological side effects. Helichrysum has been used in Mediterranean medicine as a natural antibiotic, antifungal, and antimicrobial. (4) For topical use it has been used for inflammation and soothing of minor injuries.
Sources:
There are a lot of resources out there, and my strongest advice is tread carefully. Essential oils can be dangerous and have adverse effects when used irresponsibly. Know your application, conduct thorough research, and be safe!
This particular book is invaluable in learning about the potential effects of certain oils. Word of advice: look for a used copy.
Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014
Because I am a soap maker and that is how I use most essential oil applications, this interview article is invaluable.