You love to share essential oils with your family, so it makes sense that you want to share them with your pets as well! Before you begin using essential oils for pets, you need to know the answers to some important questions: Can you use essential oils on dogs, cats, and other pets the same way you use them on yourself? How much should you use? What is the best way to administer oils for topical and internal use?

Check out our quick and easy how-to guide for tips and info that will answer your questions about the different types of essential oils for dogs, cats, and other animals!*

It is important to note that animals cannot tell us if something is working or not, so it is our duty to exercise due caution and approach using oils on animals safely and responsibly.

Please note that these are general recommendations for use. If your veterinarian suggests another usage, defer to your veterinarian. If your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a veterinarian prior to use. (things I must say)

Basic Guidelines

There are some general tips and suggestions you’ll want to keep in mind as you share essential oils with your furry friends.

• Animals are generally more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. It’s best to go low and slow to start introducing YLEO to your animals.
• Every animal is different, so carefully observe how your animal responds to essential oils. Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.
• Be especially careful to not get essential oils in an animal’s eyes.
• If diffusing, always allow animals access to areas where they can avoid the diffused oil.
• Apply one drop of YL essential oils to your hand and rub together. This is a form of dilution. You can then massage your animals with this very diluted drop.
• Go Low and Slow. We only use Young Living Essential OIls. Do not mix with another brand or with essential oil based carriers. **this is VITALLY IMPORTANT**

Essential Oil Acclimation

Your pets may need some time to adjust to the new scents and sensations of essential oils. Use these tips to introduce your pets to essential oils in an easy and comfortable way.

• Wear essential oils throughout the day, so your pets will be exposed to the aroma as you hold them, play, or cuddle on the couch.
• Diffuse essential oils in spaces where your pets like to relax. Keep in mind that dogs tend to stay in a room with their owner even if something is bothering them. Closely watch for signs of irritation—such as whining, sniffing, nervousness, and excessive scratching—while diffusing around them.
• When diffusing essential oils around cats, be sure to only diffuse in areas that allow the cat to leave if it doesn’t want to be there.
• Apply an essential oil to your hands and let your pets smell them, so they can explore the scent on their own terms.
• If your pets are jittery or resistant to essential oils, try applying an oil to yourself and staying near the pets for several minutes, so they can get used to the aroma.

Dilution for Topical Application

Your animal’s size affects the amount of oil you should use and how much you should dilute for topical application.

• For cats, small dogs, and other smaller animals, use a carrier oil—such as V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex—to dilute the essential oil before application. We suggest a 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil.
• For medium-sized dogs dilute 4:1 carrier oil to essential oil.
• If you’re using essential oils on medium-sized animals—like large dogs—dilute 3:1 carrier oil to essential oil.
• For very large animals—including horses and cattle—start with a 1:1 dilution on the back and, if desired, move to the directions indicated on the bottle.

Topical Use

Once your pets are used to essential oils, they’ll better handle topical application. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with using essential oils on your pets.

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• We recommend applying to the back for dogs and cats, being sure to rub your hands together until they are no longer shiny before rubbing the essential oil on the pet.
• For animals with hooves, apply to the spine and flanks, avoiding the face. Apply oils to places that allow them to evaporate and breathe. Do not apply oils under any tack or saddles.
• For an easy and comfortable application, rub oils between your own hands until they are no longer shiny and then apply by stroking the animal.
• For easier application in large or hard-to-reach areas, combine essential oils with V-6 or water in a spray bottle.
• Use Animal Scents® Ointment to soothe irritated skin or to help with the occasional scrape.

Internal Use

Animals can ingest essential oils, but you need to follow some general rules before you serve up an oil-infused meal for your pets.

• We recommend consulting with a veterinarian prior to administering oils internally to your pets. You should not attempt to mix oils with food unless directed by a veterinarian.
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• If you choose to mix vitality essential oils with your pet’s food, keep in mind that the smell may make the food undesirable to the pet; this is especially true for cats.
• If you apply oils to places on their body they can lick, they will likely consume some of the essential oil as they groom and play. Make sure you dilute heavily, so the amount your pet licks is minimal.
• Never force your pets to consume essential oils or food mixed with essential oils.
• Always have FRESH water available (with NO oils in it)

Supplemental Products

Young Living also offers a full line of animal-specific products, including essential oil blends made just for animals, cat treats, dental pet chews, and Animal Scents® Shampoo.

Looking for even more ways to show your furry friends some love? Check out our DIY paw balm for more pro tips!

*If your pet or animal has a known health issue, please consult your veterinarian before administering essential oils.

Man’s best friend. Doggo. Pupper. Colonel Princess Fluffernugget. Whatever you call your canine companion, your dog is an important member of the family. It makes total sense that you’d want to share your favorite essential oils with your four-legged friend.

How do I apply essential oils to my dog? Is diffusing oils safe for dogs? What essential oils are good for dogs’ itchy skin? What essential oils can I use with my dog? If these questions sound familiar, you’re barking up the right tree!

Grab your furry BFF and get comfy—we’re about to share the ultimate guide on essential oils for dogs.

How do I apply essential oils to my dog?

First and most important: Dogs are highly sensitive to essential oils. What smells like the faintest hint of Lavender to you might smell like 100 acres of lavender botanicals to little Beethoven. Gradually introduce oils by using them on yourself first. Acting as a human diffuser keeps all those new scents from overpowering your pup.

If you’re the proud owner of a new puppy, patience is a virtue. Fur reals. Avoid using topical oils on newborn dogs. For medium- or large-breed puppies, wait until they’re over 8 weeks old. For toy or small-breed puppies, wait until they are over 10 weeks old.

Once you start applying essential oils, pay close attention to Lulu’s behavior. Remember, she wants to be near you and will stay by your side even if she’s feeling uncomfortable. Contrary to popular animated films, pets can’t tell us if something is working or not. Please exercise caution—use oils on that loveable lapdog safely and responsibly.

Should I consult a vet?

YES. Note the caps—we’re super serious about this one. If your dog is pregnant, nursing, or has a medical condition, consult a vet knowledgeable in essential oils prior to use. The following are general recommendations for use. If your pet has a known health issue, please consult your veterinarian before administering essential oils. If your vet suggests other usages, defer to those recommendations. Even if your dog is healthy as a horse, please consult a vet to ensure that there aren’t any underlying issues.

Topical application:

When you’re ready to give Teddy some essential oil TLC, topical application is the way to go. But before you apply, dilute those drops! And remember size matters. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil to 4 drops of V-6™ for small to medium dogs; 1 drop of oil to 3 drops V-6 for large dogs.

Speaking of dilution, did you know that our Animal Scents® oils come prediluted? Even though they’re not as potent, you’ll want to ease into using them by adding 1 drop of the Animal Scents oil to 1 drop of carrier oil. If your dog tolerates it well, you can try it without diluting it.

When you’re ready to give it a try, rub the oil and carrier oil between your palms until your hands are no longer shiny. Rub over your pet’s back, on the belly, and behind the ears. Take extra care to avoid the eyes!

Here are a few more ideas for topical application:

• Try Animal Scents Ointment or KidScents® Tender Tush* on dry or irritated skin or to soothe the occasional scrape or burn.
• Use Seedlings® Wipes* to wipe off paws and clean ears instead of the petrochemical-based wipes from the store.
• Apply Seedlings Diaper Rash Cream* on warm, irritated areas you want to keep dry.

Is diffusing safe for dogs?

Yes! You’ll want to diffuse in small doses—small amounts of oil for shorter periods of time—to help your darling Daisy get used to the scent. Again, pay close attention to how your dog acts with the new aroma. If she seems uncomfortable, use fewer drops or do away with the diffusing entirely.

What essential oils can I use with my dog?

Animal lovers, rejoice! We created Young Living’s Animal Scents line with your pets in mind. The oils in this collection are prediluted and formulated without synthetic perfumes, dyes, and artificial colors and fragrances. Because they’re paws-itively perfect, you can feel confident using them on and around your animal sidekicks.

You can also feel all kinds of warm fuzzies when using Animal Scents products on your fluffy friends. A portion of the proceeds from the line supports Vital Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife.

PuriClean

PuriClean™ is the first step in our three-part system: PuriClean, Infect Away™, and Mendwell™. PuriClean starts off the system with an impressive list of pet-lovin’ benefits:

• Soothes and moisturizes dry, flaky, irritated skin
• Helps clean minor scrapes and scratches
• Promotes feelings of health and wellness with its warm, comforting aroma
• Refreshes and prepares the skin for the next step

Infect Away

Infect Away is the second stage in our three-part system and offers just as many perks for your pet as PuriClean and Mendwell. Here’s what you and your pupper will find behind this bottle’s bright green label:

• Healthy recovery from minor scrapes and scratches
• Support for your pet’s natural defense system
• Protection against harmful contaminants
• Prep for the final step of our terrific trio

Mendwell

Mendwell wraps up our three-part system. Use it after PuriClean and Infect Away for a trifecta that packs a powerful pooch!

PUNCH. We meant punch.

Here are the perks you’ll find inside every drop of this essential oil blend:

• Soothes and moisturizes dry, sensitive, distressed skin and improves the appearance of healthy-looking coats
• Creates an uplifting environment with its inspiring aroma
• Aids in healing minor scrapes and scratches as part of the three-part system
• Contains powerful essential oils that support your pet’s natural healing process

YL tip: When Roxy’s had a ruff day, try this DIY paw balm. Made with the oils from our three-part system, it’s sure to keep you buddies fur life!

ParaGize

Love the smell of Peppermint but prefer something super safe for your pet? Try ParaGize™! This essential oil blend:

• Supports your pet’s natural cleansing system
• Offers a calms and quieting blend you can gently massage on your pet’s belly
• Helps release feelings of discomfort when diffused

T-Away

T-Away™ is one of our most popular essential oils for pets, thanks to a combination of Trauma Life™, Harmony™, and Peace & Calming™ essential oil blends. The citrusy, slightly spicy scent supports a new level of emotional freedom and joy in pets, making it ideal for shelters and rescues. It also:

• Promotes a calming and peaceful environment
• Encourages relaxation and emotional balance
• Supports pets during times of emotional stress, anxiety, and trauma

Are any other essential oils Fido friendly?

Feel like trying something outside the Animal Scents line? The following list of essential oils are safe for your pet.* After ensuring your mini Marley is acclimated to these oils, dilute as needed, rub into your hands, and gently massage into your dog’s fur. Rub her back and belly and scratch behind the ears.

You should prepare yourself for an extra dose of doggy kisses. All that attention’s gonna get you a whole lot of extra love!

• Frankincense essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Patchouli essential oil
• DiGize™ essential oil blend
• Stress Away™ essential oil blend
• Valor® essential oil blend

YL tip: Sometimes Max will miss the mark—literally. When your good ol’ boy makes a good ol’ mistake, try this DIY pet stain and odor remover. It’ll have you and Max odor-free couch cuddling in no time!

Which essential oils should you be extra careful using on dogs?

Dogs seem to be sensitive to the high levels and/or combination of certain constituents in the following oils, so we highly caution their use. Dilute these oils heavily and watch your dog for a reaction (please note they are safe but can be warm- Low and Slow is your best friend when you start oiling up your BFF):

• Camphor
• Cassia
• Clove
• Mountain Savory
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Thyme
• Wintergreen