This is a guest post written by Real Food Carolyn at realfoodcaroyln.com!

Essential oils aren’t just for people! Our beloved fur babies can also benefit. Here are my four favorites ways to use essential oils with our pup.

CALM THE CRAZIES :: Our Charley is a pretty low-key pup but when we travel by car he seems to stay on high-alert. It’s like he feels that he needs to watch where we’re going in case he needs to take over the driving at some point. Ha! But this translates into him being overly active and wanting to be up toward the front of the car which can block my view. So to help him settle in the back seat where its safer for him and for me, I like to apply a mixture of doTERRA Lavender essential oil (diluted with water) to his back. My recipe is 20 drops Lavender in a 2 ounce spray bottle of water. I spritz a little of the mixture on my hands then run my hands over his fur along the spine. Within minutes, he’s calmer and settled in for a lovely – and safe – drive.

SOOTHE THE ITCHIES :: As the seasons change from Winter to Spring or Summer to Fall, Charley can develop “the itchies” … Poor guy! I’ve found that a mixture of doTERRA’s Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint essential oils (heavily diluted with water or coconut oil) can be applied topically to the itchy areas and he stops the scratching pronto! A safe dilution ratio is 1 part essential oils to 50 parts carrier for an average-sized, healthy dog. See more about dilution below.

DEFLECT THE PESTS :: The fleas and ticks are gearing up for quite a party this summer – yuck – so we will be diligent with my combo of doTERRA’s Terrashield outdoor blend mixed with Peppermint, Cedarwood, and Lemongrass essential oils. Again, following the ratio of 1 part essential oils to 50 parts carrier. This mixture will be applied to Charley’s legs and paws when we venture out to risky areas.  Another great spot is on the collar or using an oil-diffusing tag!

EASE THE EARS :: The unique design of a dog’s ears can sometimes result in some ear yuck, especially as the seasons change or when our pups are in contact with water. At the first sign of issues, I create a mixture of fractionated coconut oil with these doTERRA essential oils: Lavender, Melaleuca, Geranium, and Frankincense. One to 2 drops of each with the appropriate amount of carrier oil; then I apply the blend around the base of each ear, front and back, two or three times a day as needed.

Observe these safety precautions, please:

• Essential oils are highly-concentrated volatile aromatic compounds that have been distilled or pressed from plants. Please note that all essential oils are NOT created equally therefore when using an essential oil around your dog, carefully research the quality and favor safe, certified pure essential oils. I only use doTERRA essential oils on our dog.
• When getting started, consider spot testing first. And always dilute with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) at a ratio of at least 1 part EO to 50 parts carrier. Double that dilution rate for dogs under 20 pounds and for senior dogs.
• Use essential oils in moderation. Every dog is different, so carefully observe how your fur baby responds to the essential oils. Approach them slowly and allow them to become accustomed to the aromas.
• Avoid getting the essential oils anywhere near the dog’s eyes and never drop in their ear canals or other soft tissue areas.
• Use essential oils with caution around puppies, pregnant dogs, and very old dogs.
• Use common sense and good judgment as you try different methods.

Want to learn more? Lots of helpful resources can be found at myDOTERRA.com or reach out to me by email at RealFoodCarolyn@gmail.com. My beautiful community of essential oilers is a wonderful place in which to learn more about natural solutions for vibrant health & wellness. You are welcome to join in!

Check out Carolyn’s original article here.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Interested in trying aromatherapy for your pup? You can purchase it as an add-on next time you book a daycare or boarding appointment!

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