This post (and blog) is about dogs. Please do not use advice here to treat cats. I use essential oils daily. I use them to wake up, to boost my mood, to alleviate allergies, to stop a headache before it morphs into a migraine, and more. It didn't take long for me to wonder what essential oils can do for my dogs. Today, I make flea & tick repellent, shampoo, anxiety mist, paw balm, and more. There are a lot of essential oils on the market, and in my research, I order oils from a brand who makes their products with our dogs in mind, making them the safest in my opinion. An investment in the oils can be intimidating. However, it didn't take me long that each bottle I order will probably last me a year because only a few drops are necessary to get the effect we need. Here is a list of recipes that you can use to make products for your dogs. I make dog shampoo because Zoey is sensitive to smells and many natural shampoos on the market are too strong for her.
It's also less expensive to make dog shampoo now that I have the right ingredients on hand. I mix these ingredients in a mixing bowl, using a wire whisk, then pour the contents into a pump bottle. Because this doesn't have a thickening agent, this will be a watery product that you can easily waste – the pump bottle controls the waste, pumping shampoo and foam into your hand that you can then massage into your dog's coat. The oils that I chose for this recipe also work to repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Use the same recipe above and swap out 4-5 ounces of water for 4-5 ounces of aloe vera. One of my friends told me about this a couple of weeks ago. She stopped using flea and tick repellents and simply adds lavender oil to a bandanna that she ties around her dog's neck. I took inspiration from the flea & tick spray above to develop this recipe – which will make four collars. I mix these ingredients together in a bowl using a wire whisk, then soak cotton bandannas into the mixture and let dry in the sun.
This will work with dog collars too, but don't get the mixture on any plastic parts; some oils (specifically citrus oils) will degrade the plastic. Once the collar is dry, it's ready to put around your dog's neck. If your dog is sensitive to smell, you can also tie it to his or her harness before walks (get it away from their nose). This recipe was inspired by what I know about repelling fleas naturally. I know which scents they don't like so I used those in this product. I've adapted the recipe since I first made it in May. The more oils I use, the fewer drops I'll add to prevent the scent from becoming overwhelming. I found this solution in a Facebook group and followed up with some online research (yeah, I know I should be wary of the Internet) confirming that this trick works; so I want to share it with you. Citronella and lemongrass also serve as antibacterials; clove and tea tree (which I avoid due to Cosmo, our cat) serve as an antiseptic. This recipe was inspired by research I did on what went into a paw balm;
mostly, I made it up as I went along; please forgive the vague measurements. I added the shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax to the glass and sat the glass in the pot (surrounded by water). I heated the water on low and kept an eye on it. Once the shea butter and coconut oil are melted (happens quickly), I stirred the contents until the beeswax melted. I used pliers to lift the glass out of the pot, and I sat it on a towel the glass cooled (cools quickly). I added two drops each of the essential oils. Once I could handle the glass with my hand (a couple of minutes later), I poured everything into the containers (I used the travel size containers you can pick up at Target). I set aside to cool, and I had paw balm a short time later. This recipe was inspired by an article on Dogs Naturally Magazine: This one is easy. I mix the ingredients, fill the bottle with water, and add the lid. I spray the mist around the dogs, not directly in their face. Or I spray the mist into the palms of my hands and massage their neck, back, and chest t help them relax.
It works great on Zoey, which is surprising because she usually doesn't like the oils. This recipe was inspired by my recipe above. You can also add a spritz of the calming mist to a clothes pin, attach it to your car air vent, and let it “diffuse” in the car on the way to the vet to relax your dogs. If you have a dog with dry, itchy skin, I recommend taking a look at your dog's diet, adding Bonnie & Clyde fish oil and FullBucket Daily Canine Powder to meals, and using this easy essential oils recipe: I mix the ingredients together in a measuring cup or bowl, then pour into a glass dropper bottle or roller ball bottles. This is another option for dry paws, and I use it to soothe dry skin on the tummy. Sydney and I are working to lose weight together. Scout is our most active dog and will often overdo it if we're not careful. I created this mixture to help with their aches and pains – it works quickly, and I can use it too. I add my oils to a glass roller ball bottle.
When one of our dogs are exhibiting signs of sore muscles, I rub the roller bottle on the area and gently massage the area. I've noticed that they feel better within 10 to 15 minutes. Does your dog have gas? Is your dog suddenly dying to race outside and eat every blade of grass in the yard? When this happens at my house, it's because the dogs ate something they shouldn't have and now they have an upset tummy. If you experience this with your dog, I recommend a change in diet, the addition of a digestive supplement, and this trick that works wonders for Rodrigo.When Rodrigo has an upset tummy, I rub the roller ball on the skin of his belly (it only takes a small amount) and massage the oil in with my hands. With the rest of the oil on my hands, I stroke Rodrigo's spine. It works wonders, and I've noticed an immediate improvement. With the Fourth of July around the corner, I checked my essential oils stock to confirm that I have two MUST HAVE oils on hand. It's been difficult to convince J that he only needs a drop, and he went through one oil in less than 2 weeks!!!