As dog owners, we understand the importance of keeping our furry friends calm, happy, and comfortable. Sometimes, external factors or natural instincts can cause our beloved pets to feel stressed or anxious. Thankfully, essential oils can provide a natural solution to ease these feelings and promote relaxation for our four-legged companions. In this Oshu Oils guide, we’ll explore the best essential oils that calm dogs, as well as how to use them safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
Why Dogs Experience Stress and Anxiety
Dogs can experience stress or anxiety for various reasons, such as separation from their owners, changes in their environment, loud noises like fireworks, or visits to the vet. These stressors can cause your dog to express distress through vocalizations, excessive scratching or licking, panting, or destructive behavior. Addressing the cause of anxiety can help improve their overall well-being.
How Essential Oils Can Help Calm Your Dog
Essential oils, extracted from plants, can offer therapeutic benefits for humans and animals, including promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. When used appropriately, they can have a beneficial impact on your dog’s emotional state. Consider incorporating these essential oils into your pet’s care routine:
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular essential oil known for its calming and soothing properties. This oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs, making it an excellent option for promoting relaxation.
Chamomile
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) can both help to calm an anxious dog. These oils boast soothing and relaxing properties that can help alleviate stress-related behavioral issues in canines, such as excessive barking or chewing.
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an earthy-smelling essential oil that can help soothe anxiety in dogs and promote a peaceful state of mind. This oil is particularly beneficial for dogs who struggle with separation anxiety or fear of loud noises.
Bergamot
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrusy essential oil that is useful for reducing anxiety and stress in both humans and animals. It can help dogs regain their sense of calm, especially when they encounter unfamiliar environments.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely with Your Dog
Before you begin using essential oils with your dog, it is crucial to ensure you are using them safely and effectively:
- Always use high-quality, 100% pure essential oils. Oshu Oils offers a range of potent and safe options for you to choose from.
- Consult with your veterinarian before using essential oils on your pet, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions or is on medication.
- Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your dog’s skin. Instead, dilute the oils with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, at a ratio of 1 drop of essential oil to 3 drops of carrier oil for a 25% dilution.
- Use a diffuser to disperse the essential oils in the air, allowing your pet to inhale the calming scents slowly and safely.
- Monitor your dog’s behavior and reactions to the oils. If your pet shows any signs of discomfort or irritation, cease using the essential oil immediately and consult your veterinarian.
Essential Oils That Calm Dogs Example:
If your dog experiences anxiety during thunderstorms, create a soothing atmosphere by using a diffuser in the room where your dog usually rests. Add 2-3 drops of Lavender essential oil and 2-3 drops of Chamomile essential oil to the diffuser and let the calming scents fill the air. Alternatively, you can make a calming spray by adding 10 drops each of Lavender and Chamomile essential oils to a 4-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Shake well and lightly mist your dog’s bedding or crate area to help them feel at ease during the storm.
Dogs are wonderful companions, and they deserve to feel comfortable and stress-free. By using essential oils from Oshu Oils, you can help create a calming environment for your four-legged friend to thrive in. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with fellow dog owners, and don’t forget to check our other guides on essential oils and aromacology. Improve your dog’s wellbeing by exploring the Oshu Oils range of high-quality essential oils specifically crafted for canines.
