You and your family have probably used essential oils regularly in your household. Whether you are using them a natural sleep remedy or drizzling them in the bathtub for a calming effect, essential oils can be very useful. Although essential oils come with an abundance of benefits for humans, you need to question are essential oils safe for my Labrador and consider how they affect your Labrador retriever. It is important to understand which ones are safe for your loyal four legged friend and which ones could be potentially harmful to them.
Aromatherapy for Labrador Retrievers
Essential oils such as lavender oil and tea tree oil are extracted skillfully from plants through the process of distillation. Aromatherapy can be extremely beneficial for both you and your dog, but remember your lab’s sense of smell is much stronger than yours. This is something to keep in the forefront of your mind when you are using essential oils at home. These therapeutic grade oils can be applied topically to relieve skin irritations or they can be presented in the air for a more natural remedy. It is very common to use essential oils for fleas and ticks on dogs as it offers a simple and homeopathic remedy for this issue. Before you head to your local store make sure you consult with your vet about what it safe for your dog. Educate yourself on what is good for your dog and what could be harmful too, so that you are never putting your little furry friend in danger. Though many oils are generally safe, in certain cases, only drops of essential oils could be toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dogs to Smell?
Your dog has over three hundred million smell receptors which is way more than the six million present in humans. This means that their sense of smell is incredibly powerful, especially to essential oils. You will be able to tell that your dog is smelling the oils because their nose will have a little wiggle as they become accustomed to the new scent. If your dog sneezes it might be a sign that the essential oil is irritating them, so keep an eye out for this when introducing them into your household.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Dog’s Skin?
If you are planning on using essential oils on your dogs skin, they need to be diluted so they don’t cause irritation. Even if you are just using the oil as an air freshener you need to use water to dilute it down so it’s safe for your dog. In general, essential oils shouldn’t be used on dogs as a preventative measure; only use them if you have a specific concern that need to be treated. Every single dog is different when it comes to using essential oils, but when used correctly, they can treat arthritis, anxiety, scars, strains, skin irritations, bruises, stress and fleas.
Can Essential Oils Be Harmful to Dogs?
Although essential oils are all natural remedies, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are completely safe for your Labrador. They are potent substances that can cause many risks if not handled properly. Just a few drops can make a huge difference, so don’t feel as though you need to overdo the oils in order to fix the problem. When you apply oils topically it can cause irritation to your dog’s skin, which may cause discomfort and go against what you were trying to achieve in the first place. Steer clear from applying it directly, unless your vet has given you specific advice on how to dilute the oil. The chemicals within essential oils can be absorbed into the system very quickly, so don’t use them on elderly dogs, puppies or those with low immune systems and only use essential oils you know are safe. Never leave essential oils in the reach of your Labrador retriever; if they are able to lick or swallow the product it could cause a serious stomach upset. Seek emergency advice from your vet immediately if this happens.
Which Essential Oils are Safe for my Labrador Retriever?
All dogs are completely different and may react in many ways when treated with essential oils. Remember that dog’s noses are much more powerful that ours so just a few drops could help them or hinder their health. Behavioral changes can occur when oils are used, as well as respiratory issues. These can turn into more serious problems so keep an eye on your dog if you are planning on using essential oils on them.Be mindful that there are many essential oils that can cause serious harm to your dog, avoid using these essential oils :
-Garlic
-Horseradish
-Anise
-Wintergreen
-Yarrow
-Thyme
-Clove
-Juniper
Many allergies and negative skin reactions have occurred in dogs who have been exposed to these, potentially harmful, essential oils. Although you shouldn’t ignore the harmful oils, there are many that have proven to be very beneficial to dogs when used safely. The following essential oils can be very safe for your lab, as long as your vet approves:
-Ginger
-Peppermint
-Lavender
-Chamomile
-Sage
-Carrot Seed
-Geranium
-Marjoram
Lavender oil is probably the most popular essential oil, not only because it is the safest, but also because of it’s calming properties. Peppermint oil is also extremely useful for deterring unwanted insects such as ticks.
Essential Oils for Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
It is very common to want to use natural flea and tick preventative for your dog, but you need to be wary of the guidelines given by your vet. You need to seek advice on how to incorporate these natural remedies into your dog’s treatment plan, otherwise you might be putting them at risk. Misusing essential oils when you are not familiar with them is easy, so speak to a professional before applying oil to your dog or exposing them to a new scent.
So make sure you are always using essential oils safely with your dogs. Talk to your vet and they will be able to let you know which oils are useful and harmful for your Labrador retriever. There can be so many benefits to using essential oils with your pup, so enjoy the process of using them and keep your dog’s safety in mind at all times.
