I am so surprised after seeing how comfortably some websites are recommending any essential oil for dogs; it could be hazardous. I know, you’re also looking for the best essential oil for dog smell, but I want you to know, despite having natural plant origins, essential oils are not always entirely safe for pets.
There are only a few oils that are safe for dogs; even they might be harmful in some situations:
- If you have a “flat-faced” dog which might have respiratory difficulties
- Pregnant animals
- Old animals
- Sick animals
- Small breed
- Baby animals
In this article, we are going to talk about everything that you need to know before choosing any essential oil for your dog smell. So, let’s get started!
Best Essential Oil for Dog Odor – How to Guide
Are essential oil safe for pets
It’s quite easy to confuse with natural with safe, but the opposite is true. All essential oils aren’t safe for pets. Even some oil that is considered to the “safe” should also be used with caution.
As you know, dogs have an extremely high sense of smell; therefore, many fragrances such as citric irritates them. If you have noticed, some pet urine cleaner brands use these specific smells into their products so that dogs don’t mark the same place again. But’s it’s not the case; we don’t want to bother them; we just want to eliminate the pet odor naturally and without any side effect.
According to many reports, if you have a puppy under 10 weeks, you should avoid using any type of essential oil. Moreover, the essential oil might be harmful to older, sick, or pregnant pets.
Which essential oils are safe for dogs
According to the New Direction Aromatic, here are some safe essential oils for dogs. These oils considered to the “light” and most commonly-used for pets as their vulnerable body systems conveniently tolerate them.
✓ Chamomile
Along with the beautiful smell, chamomile oil helps ease the emotional and mental stress of your dog; it is also a reliever in an upset stomach. Moreover, if you have a shy or fearful dog, the little chamomile oil can help them in better socializing.
✓ Frankincense
Frankincense oil has anti-microbial/anti-bacterial properties. It also encourages a sense of tranquility and confidence in your pet. Additionally, this oil supports the digestive tracts and helps in dealing with an upset stomach.
✓ Ginger
Just like us, as hot ginger tea clears out our respiratory system and soothe our stomach, ginger also beneficial for dogs. The essential oil of ginger can reduce the discomfort in joint pain, enhance digestive function, calms inflammation, and promote easy breathing.
✓ Lavender
Lavender is considered one of the best stress relievers and comes with calming properties. It can help your canine when they are dealing with anxiety or stress. The smell of lavender oil not only helps us getting a pleasant sleep but also works for dogs. Mind you, you have to a bit careful with this oil, your dog must not swallow it, and it could be harmful in some situations.
✓ Myrrh
Do you have a dog with sensitive skin, this oil could be helpful. Myrrh oil has an antiseptic quality, and it’s a great cleanser; therefore, it can relieve skin irritations and clean skin patches.
✓ Cedarwood Virginian
Cedarwood Virginian oil is a quite versatile oil; it supports the immune system, skin health, and calm the body and mind during the nervousness panic or excitement. On top of that, it discourages insects from approaching, which eliminates the risk of biting. Cedarwood Virginian essential oil can help reduce pain, cramping, and spasms.
✓ Clary Sage
Clary Sage oil comes with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Moreover, it also beneficial in reducing mental and emotional stress. Just like lavender oil, this oil also has calming properties and can help your dog to cope with nervousness, panic, restlessness, hyperactivity, or excitement.
How to use essential oil for dogs
Before using any essential oil on pets, it must be diluted approximately 0.25%; it is considered safe and agreeable for dogs. You can mix one drop of essential oil with around 445 drops of carrier oil (I have listed below), which is equal to 1.5 tablespoons.
Remember, we have only six million olfactory receptors, which are nothing compared to the dogs as they can have up to 300 million, and we can’t think how sensitive they might be. That’s why when you’re using new oil, start with the light amount, and if you’re using a diffuser, then test in for a short time in an open area
There are predominantly two ways of administering essential oil – topically or through a diffuser.
How to use essential oil with the topical method
As I already said above, never use any essential oil without dilution on your pet. Even is the oil is completely safe, using it undiluted may cause some problems to your pet. Here are carrier oils that are considered safe for pets for topical application.
- Sunflower Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Aloe Vera Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Kukui Nut Oil
- Borage Seed Oil
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
These carrier oils are lightly-scented and help you to deliver the essential oil to your dog skin safely. You can also use a spray bottle to make this solution; it will ease your work.
Before the application, you have to test it in a small amount and monitor it for 15 minutes. If your pup doesn’t find it unpleasant, you can continue administer gradually.
How to use essential oil with the diffuser method
The process for using the diffuser for pets is almost the same as us; you just have to reduce the running time. After running the diffuser for ten minutes, pause it for 30 minutes so the air will clear out. As usual, keep the diffuser unit out of the dog reach for safety.
Which oils are harmful to pets
Some essential oils are not just harmful but also could be poisonous; therefore, you must not use them on pets or nearby. These oils can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, change in alertness, fatigue, stumbling, vomiting, or even paralysis. According to the New Direction Aromatics, here is the list of essential oils that are commonly considered unsafe for pets. Keep in mind; this list is not exhaustive:
- Cinnamon Essential Oil
- Pennyroyal Essential Oil
- Pine Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Nutmeg Essential Oil
- Anise Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Thyme Essential Oil
- Cypress Essential Oil
- Spruce Essential Oil
- Wintergreen Essential Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Calendula Essential Oil
- Lime Essential Oil
- Yarrow Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Clove Essential Oil
- Basil Essential Oil
- Birch Essential Oil
- Grapefruit Essential Oil
- Tansy Essential Oil
- Citronella Essential Oil
- Juniper Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Myrtle Essential Oil
- Spearmint Essential Oil
- Oregano Essential Oil
- Garlic Essential Oil
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- Cassia Essential Oil
- Thuja Essential Oil
QUICK OVERVIEW
Best essential oils for dog smell at a glance
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ARTIZEN GERMAN CHAMOMILE |
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View at Amazon |
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HEALING SOLUTIONS GERMAN CHAMOMILE |
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EDENS GARDEN CHAMOMILE ROMAN |
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View at Amazon |
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PLANT THERAPY FRANKINCENSE CARTERI |
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View at Amazon |
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NOW FOODS FRANKINCENSE CARTERI |
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View at Amazon |
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NATURE’S OIL GINGER |
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View at Amazon |
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OLA PRIMA GINGER |
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View at Amazon |
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ESSENCE-LUX MYRRH |
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View at Amazon |
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HEALING SOLUTIONS MYRRH |
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View at Amazon |
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ARTIZEN CEDARWOOD |
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View at Amazon |
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GYA LABS CLARY SAGE |
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View at Amazon |
Best Essential Oils for Dogs in 2022 – Our Recommendations
1. Artizen (100% Pure German Chamomile Essential Oil for Dogs Smell)
Available in: Available in : 1 Fl Oz, 2 Fl Oz, 4 Fl Oz
Artizen is offering 100% pure and natural undiluted German Chamomile essential oil, and it’s available in 1, 2, and 4Fl Oz volumes. This is a therapeutic grade oil, and you don’t have to worry about when using it on your pet.
German Chamomile oil not only helpful in reducing the odor of your pet but also make him calm the body and mind during the nervousness, panic, excitement, or restlessness. It will help your dog to manage the shyness, fear, anger, or irritability.
Whether you want to administer this oil with diffuser or topical, you have to dilute it first, as we have mentioned in the guide above.
2. Healing Solutions (Best USDA Certified Chamomile Essential Oil for Dogs Odor)
Available in: 0.33 Fl Oz, 1Fl Oz, 2 Fl Oz, 4 Fl Oz
At a slightly higher price than the previous oil, the Healing Solution is offering even better quality German Chamomile Essential Oil. This oil is also available in different volumes, and you can choose as per your requirements.
According to the company, their oils are routinely tested for purity, and the results are publicly available. If this oil doesn’t meet your expectation, then the company will give you a full refund.
Keep in mind; there are mainly three types of chamomile oils available, German, Roman, and Moroccan; in which only German and Roman only are considered safe for dogs.
The Healing Solutions oils are slightly expensive, but if you don’t want to compromise in the quality, you’ll love it.
3. Edens Garden (Best Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Dog Smell)
Available in: 0.17 Fl Oz, 0.33 Fl Oz, 1Fl Oz, 4 Fl Oz
Edens Garden is also offering Therapeutic Grade and 100% pure quality essentials oils, and you consider them safe for your pet. The Roman Chamomile oil belongs to the same family Asteraceae or Compositae, and it can be used as a natural pet odor remover and stress reliever for your dog.
Keep in mind, the smell of Roman Chamomile is different than the German Chamomile and might be a bit unpleasant for some.
4. Plant Therapy (Best Organic Frankincense Essential Oil for Pet Odor)
Available in: 1/3 Fl OZ, 1 Fl Oz, 3.3 Fl Oz
Filled with anti-microbial/anti-bacterial properties and captivating fragrance, Frankincense essential oil is one of the best essential oils that you can use on your smelly pet. Additionally, this oil can soothe your dog’s mental and emotional distress and enhance confidence.
With the tempting aroma and the natural properties, Frankincense Carterii’s essential oil will help you to fight with your pet smell easily. The distinctive scent of this oil encourages the sense of tranquility and confidence in pets.
Here I want to warn you, only Frankincense Carterii essential oil is considered safe for pets as I recommended; don’t get confused with the Serrate and Frereana as they might be harmful.
5. Now Foods (Best Value 100 % Pure Frankincense Essential Oil for Canine Odor)
Available in: 1Fl Oz, 1Fl Oz x 3
As compared to the Plant Therapy, Now Foods is offering Frankincense essential oil at a quite lower price. No doubt, Plant Therapy essential oil is USDA certified and probably the best, but this oil is also 100% pure and safe for pets.
If you’re looking for pleasant fragrance essential oil at a lower price for your pet smell, you can consider it.
6. Nature’s Oil (Best Ginger Essential Oil for Pets in 2022)
Available in: 2.02 Fl Oz
Yes, ginger is one of the most popular and safe odor remover essential oils for pets, which comes with some extraordinary properties. This essential oil can help to enhance the digestive system and promotes easy breathing.
On top of that, the ginger essential oil can reduce the discomfort in joint pain in your pet, which is fantastic. Like our previous essential oils, this oil is also used to calm the inflammation and reducing mental and emotional distress.
This ginger oil is GC/MS tested and certified for purity; you can also request the results for clarification. Mind you, don’t use this oil without dilution as it might be a bit harsh on the skin; however, it’s recommended for all essential oils.
7. Ola Prima (Best Value Ginger Essential Oil for Dogs Smell)
Available in: 4 Fl Oz, 8 Fl Oz, 16 Fl Oz
As compared to the previous oil, you’re getting a substantial 16Fl Oz of pure ginger essential oil at almost at half a price. In terms of quality, this oils is quite good; it’s squeezed from high-quality ginger and perfect for diffuser or body oil.
The company is offering a 100% refund if you’re not satisfied with their Therapeutic grade essential oil, their product quality is glinting from the higher ratings. You can consider this oil; it’s a worth money deal.
8. Essence-Lux (Best Value Myrrh Essential Oil for Dogs Itchy Skin)
Available in: Available in: 0.33 Fl Oz, 1Fl Oz, 2 Fl Oz
The Myrrh Essential oil has versatile qualities; it’s not only useful to remove nasty odor from your pet but also quite soothing for the skin. If you have a dog with itchy skin, you can use this essential oil.
This oil can enhance alertness, ease the emotional and mental distress in your pet. It can also help your dog manage a greater sense of balance to handle the fear, anxiety, anger, shyness, and other negative feelings in a better way.
Essence-Lux Company is offering a quite good quality Myrrh therapeutic grade essential oil at a very reasonable price.
9. Healing Solutions (Best Myrrh Essential Oil for Pet Odor)
Available in: 0.33 Fl Oz, 1Fl Oz, 2 Fl Oz
FDA registered, Certified by ISO 9001 and Kosher, this Myrrh essential is the best option in 2022. There is no compromise in the quality as this oil passes through several rigorous quality testings and controls. Myrrh has a unique fragrance; if you haven’t used it before, you’ll surprise.
Along with this tempting scent, this oil is very healthy for skin, as I also said above. It is the best way to get rid of the unpleasant smell of pets without even harming their soft skin.
10. Artizen (Best Cedarwood Essential Oil for Canine Smell)
Available in: 1Fl Oz, 2 Fl Oz, 4 Fl Oz
The Cedarwood essential oil has a bit different woodsy scent; it’s used in several men’s products. Apart from its unique smell, this essential oils is quite useful in health as it supports immune function and skin health; also, it reduces pain, cramping, and spasms.
Sometimes this oil is also used for calming the body and mind during nervousness, panic, or hyperactivity of your pet. Artizen is offering high quality 100% pure Cedarwood essential oil at a great price, and it’s available with 1, 2, and 4Fl Oz packs.
Whether you’re looking for the best oil for dogs skin and coat or odor removing, you can consider this Cedarwood oil.
11. Gya Labs (Best Clary Sage Essential Oil for Pet Odor)
Available in: 1Fl Oz
Clary Sage essential oil is also known as Salvia sclarea, and it’s being used for medicinal purposes and as a spice for a long time. The best thing about this oil is, it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which makes it more useful.
As this essential oil is safe for pets, and it can be used for calming down the body and mind of your dog. Along with easing the mental and emotional distress, it encourages tranquility and a sense of well-being.
Gya Labs Clary Sage essential oil is 100% pure and therapeutic grade; it’s not only useful for pets but also works for humans. The Gya Labs is only offering this oil in a 10ml pack; you can check out the Healing Solutions Clary Sage essential oil, which is equally pure and safe for pets and available with bigger volume.
Best Essential Oils for Canine Smell in 2022
- Artizen 100% Pure German Chamomile Essential Oi
- Healing Solution Chamomile Essential Oi
- Edens Garden Roman Chamomile Essential Oi
- Plant Therapy Frankincense Essential Oil
- Now Foods Frankincense Essential Oi
- Nature’s Oil Ginger Essential Oi
- Ola Prima Ginger Essential Oi
- Essence-Lux Myrrh Essential Oil
- Healing Solutions Myrrh Essential Oil
- Artizen Cedarwood Essential Oil
- Gya Labs Clary Sage Essential Oil
Keep up the good work, very useful and informative article, totally unbiased.
What oil can be applied to a dog that will reduce his drive of smell tracking? I.E., a dog tracking squirrel that cannot focus on anything else.