Essential Oils to Help Your Dog’s Allergies

Just like people, our furry friends can also suffer from allergies, and just like we treat ours, we can treat theirs. Essential oils are a natural way to heal your dog’s allergies and it’s essentialto understand what they are, how to give them, the advantages, and the dangers.

How Do You Know Your Dog Has Allergies?

If you notice your dog constantly scratching, causing irritated and infected skin, licking or biting at its paws, experiencing breathing issues, or other related ailments, it could be suffering from allergies.

Dog allergies can stem from food, the environment, and flea allergy dermatitis. Dr. Jennifer Coates, veterinary advisor for Ask petMD says, “A dog’s fur covering can make itching worse. Irritants can become trapped in and under all that hair.”

There’s no reason to live uncomfortably, whether you’re human or canine. If you can find a remedy that comes from nature, free of contaminants and additives from a company that’s trustworthy, experienced, and transparent, why wouldn’t you take advantage?

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell and flavor, or “essence,” of their source. Aside from aromatherapy, they can treat certain health conditions.Anecdotal evidence and the few studies available would indicate they are remarkably effective and safe when carefully blended by someone with good training in their use.

It’s vital to know what you’re doing and since you’re most likely not an essential oil expert, partner with your veterinarian to guide you along the way. It’s fascinating to learn about these oils, how they’re extracted, as well as their capabilities.

The natural chemical composition of an oil can have an emotional as well as a medicinal impact, therefore both humans and pets often choose this method instead of traditional medicine.

Essential oils are extremely potent and by diluting them, it’s healthier for your dogs. Even tiny amounts can have strong biological impacts on every system of the body. They may smell sweet but they can have some sour effects.

How to Give Your Pet Essential Oils

There are several ways to pass along the benefits of essential oils to your dog. These oils will be absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream so as mentioned, always check with your veterinarian first to ensure the essential oils you’re using are pet safe.

Aromatically:

• When essential oils are heated, they evaporate and through the use of a diffuser, can be inhaled.

Topically:

• The oils are absorbed through your dog’s skin.
• Many oils can irritate the skin and can even be poisonous if ingested so be careful your pet doesn’t lick the oil.
• Don’t put an essential oil that hasn’t been diluted directly on your pet’s skin.

Internally:

• This is not the most popular method for many reasons including the possibility your dog could be allergic.
• Before you consider this option, make sure the oil you’re using is heavily diluted.

What Oils Are Helpful for Pet Allergies?

You’ll read and hear a lot about lavender, chamomile, and peppermint as they are popular and well-known essential oils. Sounds like a tea party, right?

Lavender:

• This is a very calming oil and can help with separation anxiety and car rides.
• It soothes inflammation and irritation from scratching due to allergies.
• It acts as a repellent for insects and even fleas and ticks.
• It fights off bacteria which can occur with excessive itching and licking.
• Placing a small amount on your dog’s collar, behind the ears, or in its bed will help with allergy symptoms.

Chamomile:

• We know this popular herb as a tea that’s relaxing for humans.
• It is a sedative and also has a calming effect on dogs.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile soothes irritations and allergic reactions.
• It needs to be diluted before exposing it to your pet.

Peppermint:

• It can be used topically or orally.
• The main ingredient is menthol.
• There is evidence that peppermint oil is effective against mites, bacteria, fungi, and yeast infections.
• This oil is very soothing to itchy dog skin.

There are many other oils to consider for your dog’s allergies, which is good news since every dog has different symptoms and sensitivities. Below are some examples.

• Ginger
• Sweet Marjoram
• Elemi
• Niaouli
• Cedarwood

Check with your vet to learn which essential oils are the safest and most effective for your dog’s particular allergies.

What Oils to Avoid:

There are several essential oils you should steer clear of. What’s considered safe for humans can be toxic for pets because their reactions can mess up a pet’s natural body chemistry. Your intentions can end very badly without proper education. Even before youuse essential oils for yourself, you need to ensure it won’t negatively impact your furry friend. Below are a few examples to be aware of.

• Ylang ylang
• Citrus
• Tree oil

Important Notables:

Use only therapeutic-grade essential oils, however, make sure what’s inside is actually what the label claims. Since essential oils are not approved by the FDA, it’s up to you to investigate and utilize your vet to suggest brands that are trustworthy and transparent.

While essential oils are natural, many companies add in additional ingredients that can be harmful to your pet.

We all know dogs have an excellent sense of smell. In fact, a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000–100,000 times as strong as a person’s. This means that an essential oil that seems strong to you can be extremely irritating to your dog. You’ll notice when they start sneezing and sniffing a lot. This is why essential oils need to be diluted as they are highly concentrated when you purchase them.

Anytime you’re introducing something new to your dog, whether orally, topically, or aromatically, check with your veterinarian.

Essential oils have the power to help with your dog’s allergies, no matter what’s causing them. Nature is a beautiful thing and humans and pets can all safely enjoy the perks.

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