If you are on the path of using essential oils in your own health journey, you’ve probably wondered how you can share their amazing benefits with your animals. Which oils are safe to use? How much can I apply? Should I diffuse or apply topically?
If you’ve ever had questions like these, we’re here to help! Check out this quick-and-easy how-to guide for using essential oils with animals.* Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Most animals are more sensitive than humans to essential oils.
Start by diluting heavily and use in moderation.
Every animal is different, so carefully observe how each animal responds to the oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.
Take special care to not get essential oils in an animal’s eyes.
Avoid using high-phenol oils such as Oregano and Thyme with any animals, especially cats.
Use special caution when using essential oils with cats. Cats are also generally averse to citrus essential oils.
Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use.
For smaller animals like cats and small dogs, use 3–5 drops. Be sure to dilute 80–90 percent prior to application (for example, for every 1 drop of oil, use 4–5 drops of a diluting agent, such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex).
For larger animals, like large dogs, start with 3–5 drops. Unless otherwise indicated on the product label, dilution is unnecessary.
For very large animals, like horses and cattle, start with 10 drops. Unless otherwise indicated on the product label, dilution is unnecessary.
Apply oils to yourself or diffuse to introduce animals to essential oils and help them get comfortable.
Wear oils around your animals, diffuse in their space, or apply to your hands and let the animal smell them.
If your animal is jittery or resistant to essential oils, try applying an oil to yourself and staying near the animal for several minutes so it can get used to the aroma.
Once they’re used to essential oils, animals can respond well to topical application.
For cats and dogs, paws are a great place to apply essential oils.
For hoofed animals, we recommend application on the spine or flanks.
Try rubbing oils onto your own hands and then stroking the animal’s fur.
For large or hard-to-reach areas, combine essential oils with V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or water in a spray bottle for easier application.
Animal Scents™ Ointment can be used to seal and protect areas where essential oils have been applied topically.
Young Living offers a full line of animal-specific products.
Animal Scents Shampoo
Animal Scents Ointment
Animals Scents oils (available in a collection and individually)
Cape Fear Cane Corso is now offering these products. As well as Single Essential Oils for your own personal use.
Do you have a dog that needs oils? You can purchase Young Living oils either at full retail price or save through an easy, affordable membership. Click here to purchase and learn more. We will be adding Pet recipes using essential oil for everything from flea and tick prevention to stress relief to our blog.
*If your pet or animal has a known health issue, please consult your veterinarian before administering essential oils.
