Essential Oils Safe for Dogs: 20+ Oils Explained & Bad/Toxic Oils (2024)

Whether it’s for relaxing aromatherapy or a natural way to repel bugs, millions of people use essential oils daily. And like many other things you have around your house, you might be wondering if you can use them for the same purposes on your dog, too. Because here's the truth, some essential oils are safe for dogs, and others are bad (or potentially toxic) for them.

In this article, we will cover which ones are bad, which ones are dog-safe, and other important information about the use of essential oils with your dog.

So before you plug in those diffusers or uncap those rollers, let’s dive deeper into essential oils for dogs.

⚠️ Safety Disclaimer for Essential Oils & Dogs ⚠️

This article should be seen as a guide; please consult your vet with specific questions or concerns.

Essential oils should be used sparingly, with caution, and should not be ingested by dogs. Dilution is key to safe essential oil use. If you're unsure, do NOT use essential oils around your dog!

WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS ARE BAD FOR DOGS?

Download the PDF .

Some oils are very bad or even toxic to dogs and cause a sleuth of adverse effects including breathing problems, muscle tremors/weakness, fatigue, rash, redness and burns, vomiting, and even collapse.

Note: if your dog shows any of these signs at any time, stop what you’re doing and contact your veterinarian immediately!

Some common essential oils that are harmful or bad for dogs include:

Anise
Cinnamon
Citrus
Clove
Garlic
Juniper
Pine
Thyme
Yarrow
Tea Tree

Keep in mind this isn’t an exhaustive list, so be sure to do your research before you use a new essential oil. Your best bet is to call your vet and ask them the risks and benefits before you use any oils.

🐶 When you want to improve your dog's skin and coat and leave them smelling fresh and clean, you need Sudsy. An all-natural dog shampoo bar with safe & effective essential oils! Get it here! 🧼

WHICH ESSENTIAL OILS ARE SAFE FOR DOGS? 12 DOG-SAFE ESSENTIAL OILS

The good news is that some essential oils are safe for your dog! Plus, these oils can actually have some great benefits for your pup.

Again, this isn’t an exhaustive list, so be sure to do your research before you use new essential oils and consult your vet!

Here are some common dog-safe essential oils:

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL FOR DOGS

is typically considered safe for dogs but should not be ingested and should also be diluted.

Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils, lavender offers a calming effect and promotes relaxation! It can be a very pleasant scent to use in your home.

CORNMINT

is also safe to use around dogs. It is great for skin and muscles, and cornmint helps with pain relief and inflammation!

CEDAR/CEDARWOOD OIL FOR DOGS

Cedarwood has powerful properties and is considered safe for dogs.

helps repels pests like fleas and ticks, promotes healthy skin, and has a relaxing effect!

BERGAMOT OIL IS SAFE FOR DOGS

is a dog-safe essential oil.

Bergamot is calming and uplifting while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties for the skin!

🐶 When you want to improve your dog's skin and coat and leave them smelling fresh and clean, you need Sudsy. An all-natural dog shampoo bar with safe & effective essential oils! Get it here! 🧼

LEMONGRASS OIL & DOGS

Aside from smelling citrusy and pleasant, lemongrass repels fleas and ticks while promoting healthy skin.

is typically safe for dogs!

ROSEMARY OIL

, in moderation (just like all essential oils), is commonly safe for pups.

It's a well-rounded oil! Rosemary essential oil stimulates healthy hair growth, repels bugs, and helps increase circulation which is important for healthy skin and coat!

GERANIUM

Geranium is another dog-safe essential oil.

CITRONELLA

Yes, is safe for dogs.

It is one of the most effective oils for repelling fleas, ticks, and other bugs!

FRANKINCENSE

is safe for use around dogs.

A less potent oil, Frankincense can be used for many things. For dogs, it’s most commonly used for its antibacterial property during grooming!

CHAMOMILE

is considered a dog-safe essential oil.

It can ease stress and settle upset stomachs!

GINGER IS SAFE

is also safe for your pup.

It can settle upset stomachs and ease minor breathing issues!

MYRRH

is another dog-safe essential oil.

With its antiseptic and astringent properties, Myrrh can be used to soothe and heal skin irritations!

Again, your best bet is to check with your vet before using any essential oils on your dog. They’ll give you tips for the best and safest way to use them, which brings us to our next section...

🐶 Check out Sudsy, an all-natural dog shampoo bar with safe & effective essential oils! Get it here! 🧼

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR YOUR DOG

There are ways to use essential oils safely for your dog. Just a few things to keep in mind:

Understand purity/dilution -- While you definitely want to have the purest form of essential oil to use on your dog, more is not always better. In fact, many oils can be harmful if applied directly, so diluting them is essential. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be using oils that are more potent than 3-6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
Think about the other members of your household -- Dogs may not be your only animal friends at home. Some oils that are safe for dogs are not safe for other pets, like cats. Be mindful of which oils you use and how you use them to make sure it’s safe for everyone at home.
Use topically -- The safest way to use essential oils for dogs is by infusion or topical application. You can either put the diluted oil on your hands and pet your dog, rub the oil onto the skin, or mix it into their bath products.

We wanted to give dog parents a way to give their dogs the benefits of essential oil that was easy and enjoyable, so we created the Sudsy shampoo bar for dogs.

Sudsy contains the following essential oils: lavender, cornmint, cedarwood atlas, bergamot, lemongrass, rosemary, eucalyptus, and geranium. It also has ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and coconut oil to bring the following benefits to bathtime:

Kills bacteria and heals sores or hot spots
Helps repel bugs
Promotes healthy skin/coat to reduce shedding
Leaves your pup smelling super fresh!

Having your dog’s shampoo in bar form also makes bathtime quicker and less messy, while eliminating the need for a wasteful plastic bottle -- the best of both worlds!

You can read more about the Sudsy shampoo bar for dogs here.

🐶 When you want to improve your dog's skin and coat and leave them smelling fresh and clean, you need Sudsy. An all-natural dog shampoo bar with safe & effective essential oils! Get it here! 🧼

BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DOGS

While 'best' is often subjective, there are 3 essential oils that are the most popular and effective for dog use. Again, as a disclaimer, oils should be diluted and never ingested by dogs.

Here are 3 of the best essential oils for dogs:

Cedarwood
Lavender
Lemongrass

A quick recap of each one below. 👇

Cedarwood is helpful in repelling fleas & ticks and helps promote healthy skin. .

Lavender offers a calming effect on dogs and promotes relaxation. .

Lemongrass is popular for dogs because it also helps repel pests and bugs and promotes healthy skin. .

ESSENTIAL OILS SAFE FOR DOGS + BAD ONES RECAP

Essential oils should be used with caution, even with "dog-safe" options! It is best to consult your vet when you have specific questions about essential oils.

As a quick recap, here are essential oils that are bad for dogs 👎

Anise
Cinnamon
Citrus
Clove
Garlic
Juniper
Pine
Thyme
Yarrow
Tea Tree

And, of course, here are essential oils that are safe for dogs 👍

Lavender
Cornmint
Cedar/Cedarwood
Bergamot
Lemongrass
Rosemary
Geranium
Citronella
Frankincense
Chamomile
Ginger
Myrrh

Here are our favorite 3 oils for using around pups (click the link to shop each one).

Are there any other essential oils that your dog loves? We want to hear all about it in the comments below!

And seriously, do NOT miss out on trying Sudsy. It's quickly become so many pup parents' new favorite shampoo options for their dogs! Shop Sudsy here.

🐶 Check out Sudsy, an all-natural dog shampoo bar with safe & effective essential oils! Get it here! 🧼

Essential Oils Safe for Dogs: 20+ Oils Explained & Bad/Toxic Oils (2024)

FAQs

What scents and essential oils are toxic to dogs? ›

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

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What essential oils Cannot be used around dogs? ›

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.

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What essential oils in a diffuser are safe for dogs? ›

Pet-Safe Essential Oils

Lavender.
Chamomile.
Myrrh.
Ginger.
Rosemary.
Bergamot.
Frankincense.

Jul 31, 2023

Tell Me More ›

Is frankincense safe for dogs? ›

Frankincense is safe for use around dogs. A less potent oil, Frankincense can be used for many things. For dogs, it's most commonly used for its antibacterial property during grooming!

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Can diffusing essential oils be harmful to dogs? ›

Skin Irritation – Direct contact with undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation in dogs, leading to discomfort and potential health concerns. Ingestion Risks – Some dogs might be curious and attempt to ingest essential oils or the diffuser itself, which can lead to poisoning or choking hazards.

Tell Me More ›

Can dogs be in a room with essential oils? ›

Some essential oils can be toxic or unpleasant to pets, especially cats and small animals. Always use pet-safe oils like lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood. Dilute the oils and use the diffuser in well-ventilated areas.

What scents are bad for dogs? ›

Make sure to avoid the following essential oils entirely, both in topical pet care products and around your household, as they are incredibly irritating for dogs: Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Peppermint, Tea tree, Anise, Thyme, Garlic, Pennyroyal, Pine, Clove, Sweet Birch, Juniper, Yarrow.

Learn More Now ›

Are Doterra oils safe to diffuse around dogs? ›

Diffusing is the safest way to expose pets to new essential oils or blends. Place one to two drops of the chosen essential oil in a water-based diffuser, placed in an open room. Ensure your pet is at least five feet away from the diffuser and free to leave the room.

What happens if dogs smell peppermint oil? ›

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drooling, lethargy, and skin irritation. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological problems. Respiratory Issues: The strong smell of peppermint oil can irritate a dog's sensitive respiratory system, making it difficult for them to breathe.

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Is lavender safe to diffuse around dogs? ›

Lavender can be toxic to dogs in all forms, including the plant and its essential oils. Whether you keep a plant inside or out or choose to diffuse lavender essential oil, you could be putting your dog in harm's way.

Learn More ›

Is lemongrass safe to diffuse around dogs? ›

As long as it is properly diluted and used in a way where your pet cannot ingest it, as a general rule, lemongrass essential oil is safe. For context, this means you can diffuse it in a well-ventilated room, not that you should be applying it to your four-legged friend or to yourself if your dog commonly licks you.

What oils are good for dogs? ›

Sunflower Oil – Low in saturated fat and high in Vitamin E and Omega-6. Sunflower oil is pretty common in dog food, and present in Scratch. Flaxseed Oil – Has both Omega-3 & 6. Coconut Oil – Easy to metabolize, with lots of healthy saturated fats.

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Is myrrh toxic to dogs? ›

African myrrh, known botanically as Commiphora africana, harbors chemical compounds that can be harmful to dogs. Unlike its relative, the benign myrrh used in essential oils, African myrrh contains elements that, when ingested, can lead to gastrointestinal and dermatological issues in canines.

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Is Helichrysum safe for dogs? ›

Helichrysum: Used for bleeding issues in dogs who have clotting problems and for those with issues of the circulatory system to prevent bleeding. It's used to treat some cardiac, nervous system, and skin conditions too.

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Is eucalyptus safe for dogs? ›

Eucalyptus essential oil is toxic to dogs when ingested, so should not be used internally in any way. If your dog does accidentally ingest eucalyptus oil, see your vet immediately or contact the animal poison centre. Some signs of essential oil toxicity in dogs include: Vomiting.

Is lavender oil toxic to dogs? ›

Lavender also contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which can be toxic to dogs. Since there's only a small amount of linalool in lavender oil, your dog should be fine around it. Only if your dog ingests large quantities of lavender should you be concerned.

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Is peppermint oil toxic to dogs? ›

Peppermint oil is toxic to dogs and can cause mild to severe symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and even lethargy. Peppermint oil poisoning can be fatal, especially if it's not treated as soon as possible. If you believe your dog has consumed peppermint oil, take them to the vet as soon as possible.

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