We are all always striving to give our dogs the best possible care using the most natural and non-toxic items available.

We were recently introduced to Essential Oils for ourselves but quickly ran into people who were swearing by them to help relieve symptoms their dogs were having.

Many dogs suffer with anxiety or stress which manifest in all sorts of different problems one of which is once again skin irritations. Our vet tells us that most people think that most common reason for dogs to itch is food allergies. Usually that’s not the case and it’s a good idea to try other remedies before you start changing their food. Here is a recipe to ease skin irritations and calm your pets.

Skin Irritation & Anxiety Recipe for Pets:

• 1 TBSP Almond or Coconut Oil
• 10 Drops of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil

I dread when it happens but you know it will, as our pets age, particularly bigger breeds start to get arthritis and have a hard time getting in and out of the car/bed/stairs. Here’s something to help. Carrier Oil and Young Living Panaway Essential Oil.

Arthritis & Pain Remedy Recipe for Dogs

• 2 Tbsp Almond or Coconut Oil
• 10 Drops of Young Living Panaway Essential Oil

My silly Lab rescue started his life in Mississippi covered in fleas and ticks and still has a sensitivity to any bug bites or minor skin irritations and he loves to chase bees and wasps.. (Labs are special!) He has twice gotten to the point where he looks almost bald and has had to get a cortisone shot to calm down his itching. You can bet when spring hits the first thing I’ll be making is this bug-repellant! So simple.

 Flea Tick & Mosquito Repellant Recipe for Dogs

The more I read the more excited and educated I was becoming. The man who started the Young Living Essential Oils company is an animal lover too! He says this about the way and types of oils he has used on the large variety of pets he has on his farm in Utah.

Animals, Aromatherapy, and Essential Oils

“I have raised animals all my life and presently have several miniature horses as well as four teams of draft horses. I also have pygmy goats, Barbados sheep, and llamas at the ranch where I reside. On my 1300-acre herb farm at Whispering Springs in Mona, Utah, I have an animal petting zoo with Bactrian camels, zeeboos from Africa (miniature Brahmas), Watusi cows and bulls, Walleroos (miniature kangaroos), llamas, buffalo, miniature donkeys, as well as horses and goats. As you can see, we have a wide variety of animals. We have used the oils extensively on many of animals and are continually making discoveries. The animals respond extremely well and we feel they have benefited greatly. In my experience, I have found that animals respond to essential oils much the same as humans. Animals are not as sensitive to the phenol and sesquiterpene constituents so they can be applied “neet” or full strength. One needs only to determine which oils are applied to the situation and then apply a few drops 3-4 times daily. The amount for small animals like cats and dogs is like the application for a child: 3-4 drops each time applied. For larger animals like large dogs apply 6-7 drops. For horses, apply 15-20 drops. After applying the oils, I have found it beneficial to cover the open wound with Gentle Care Rose Ointment, which keeps the skin soft and helps promote healing. I have applied the oils in the following ways:

1. Apply on their paws where the absorption is very fast.
2. On cloven hoof animals apply on the auricular points of the ears and/or spine or both.
3. Underneath the top lip on the gums and on the tongue.
4. Sprinkle a few drops on the spine and then massage into skin, just like with humans.

 For various problems I have experimented with the following oils:

• Strangle in horses, I used a combination of the oil blends Exodus 11 and Melrose together. (4 parts Exodus II to 1 part Melrose)
• Ear mites in cats and dogs – Purification and peppermint.
• Ticks, fleas and flies – Tansy and tansy floral water.
• Tumors (all animals) – Frankincense and lavender mixed together, frankincense and clove mixed together.
• Worms/ parasites (all animals) – Paraway, and Di-Tone.
• Open wound (all animals) – Melrose and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
• Trauma (all animals) – Trauma Life, Valor, Peace & Calming, Melissa, rosewood, lavender,    valerian, and chamomile.
• Bones (all animals) – PaneAway, birch, lemongrass, and spruce.
• Nervous anxiety with horses – Valor, TraumaLife, geranium, lavender, and valerian.
• Saddle sores – Melrose and Gentle Care Rose Ointment.
• Mineral deficiencies – Mineral Essence (liquid tincture taken internally) may help meet the animal’s needs and  when met, they quit chewing on the furniture and other undesirable things.
• Tissue repair and healing directly on wound – Melrose.
• May help with pain and stop bleeding – Helichrysum.
• Healing of wounds and abrasions – Gentle Care Rose Ointment.

 November 1997 D. Gary Young, N.D.
President Young Living Essential Oils

Books on Animals & Essential Oils

For flea and tick prevention The Whole Dog warns against using chemicals to kill the bugs and recommends Young Living therapeutic-grade Essential Oils as well.

Only Natural Pet provides a Quick Guide to Flea Control for Dogs & Cats here as well. If you want more information and other ways to use essential oils for your pets we found this guide recommended by our vet Essential Oils in Animal Care: A Naturopathic Approach or Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals. This book No Vet for My Pet has also been recommended by Vets in my area.

Be SURE you are using therapeutic grade oils not the cheaper ones found at some health food stores that have additives and other mystery items!!

Why Young Living Oils?

When you become a member of Young Living Essential Oils you are only required to buy $50 worth of oils a year to remain a member!! So there is ZERO PRESSURE to sell any ever. At Young Living, they are more interested in helping you and your family with these essential oils, not building a downline.

Not only does YLEO (Young Living Essential Oils) own farms in 2 states in the US (Utah & Idaho) and own land or have partnerships with farmers in 6 countries: France, Ecuador, Taiwan, Owan, Israel and then They bought land in a rainforest in Iquitos, Peru! 

“After much investigation and interaction with government officials, Young Living has purchased more than 3,400 acres of wild Amazon rain forest, where we will be building a distillery, researching wild crafted and native plants, and distilling them to produce essential oils for Young Living.”

Why so many places? The US climate isn’t the best place to grown and capture many of the wonderful healing essential oils that have been being used for centuries.

“We do not diagnose, treat or prescribe any medical treatment or advice. You should always discuss treatment of medical conditions with your medical practitioner before using any alternative therapies, natural supplements, or vitamins. The following safety precautions are guidelines only. You should consult with any aromatherapist about essential oil usage and always inform your veterinarian what you are using as they may not be conducive with his/her prescribed therapy and medications.”

As with anything with your precious furry kids, please check with your vet before using anything on your pets. There could be breed-specific issues, age or health-related or if your dog is on a certain medication, be safe and follow your vet’s advice for pet care.