Eau de toilette is perhaps every dog’s favorite scent, right? But much to your dog’s dismay, lavender essential oil really should be in first place because of its amazing benefits for canines.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a safe first aid and wellness remedy for dogs. According to the ASPCA, lavender essential oil will not hurt dogs, as long as the product is used correctly. It’s so versatile that it’s wise to keep a bit on hand as it is antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral attributes make it effective for all sorts of things from a calming aid to a soothing skin healer and more.
Lavender essential oil for fleas
Lavender essential oil is a natural flea repellent and can help to keep your dog flea and tick free. Also, its antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic properties will treat bug bites, skin itch, and inflammation and protect your pet against another flea infestation. You can add lavender oil in your dog’s shampoo, make a bandana flea collar, or dilute it in water to use as a spray.
To make a flea collar, mix 3 drops of lavender oil with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply 5-10 drops to the bandana or collar. Reapply the mixture to the collar/bandana twice a week.
For flea repellant spray: Combine 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water. Add 8 drops of lavender oil. In a spray bottle. Mist your dog with the spray, being careful not to get it in their eyes, ears, and nose. For fleas around the tail dilute 2 drops of Lavender Oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and dab it around the base of your dog’s tail.
Lavender essential oil for hot spots and wounds
Lavender essential oil is great for dog skin ailments like hotspots, mange irritation, rashes, redness, inflammation etc.
Mix 3 drops of lavender oil with 1 ounce of fractionated coconut oil. Gently pat or rub into the affected area.
Lavender essential oil for anxiety, stress, and separation anxiety
It has a powerful, calming effect on dogs that are stressed, nervous, fearful, or suffering from separation anxiety.
Use it by diffusing it with a diffuser, waving the open bottle under your dog’s nostrils, or placing a few drops on a piece of cardboard that is then put near your dog’s bed or carrier.
Lavender oil can be placed directly on the collar as long as the pure oil does not come in contact with skin. To make an anti-anxiety spray mix 8 drops of lavender oil (add an equal amount of cedarwood oil if you’ve got it) with 8 ounces of water.
Lavender essential oil for itchy skin
Lavender oil can bring great relief if your dog is suffering from irritated, red, and itchy skin. Lavender essential oil can also be safely used on contact dermatitis, skin burns, sunburns, cuts, bruises and bug bites.
Blend 6 drops lavender oil, 1/2 cup Aloe vera juice, 1/2 cup cooled green tea, 1 cup of watering a bowl. Use a clean washcloth to blot the mixture on the troubled skin.
Lavender essential oil for itchy paws
For paw licking and biting or paws with am unusual odor, briefly soak those feet in a solution of 2 ounces water, 2 teaspoons povidone iodine, and 6 drops of lavender essential oil, then pat dry.
Lavender essential oil for allergies
Lavender oil acts as an antihistamine and strengthens the body against allergens when your dog is suffering from an allergy episode.
Diffusing therapeutic grade lavender oil. Quality diffusers are inexpensive and diffusing is a terrific way to treat many ailments at once.
Lavender essential oil for ear-station
Mix 6 drops of lavender essential oil with 2 tbsp. of fractionated coconut oil. Clean the infected ears with the mixture several times daily until the irritation is cleared. Rubbing the outer flaps with this mixture can help relieve any crusties.
Lavender essential oil compresses for pain and arthritis
Lavender oil compress can be a great help in reducing discomfort. Add 15-20 drops of lavender essential oil to a small bowl of warm water (baby bottle temperature). Soak a wash cloth in the mixture, squeeze out the excess liquid and then place it on the affected area. Use the leftover water to apply more compresses as needed Diffusing lavender oil clear your pet’s sleeping spot can help relieve pain and make your dog more comfortable in the morning.
Lavender essential oil for joints
Because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, lavender can also be used to relieve inflamed and painful joints. You’ll definitely want to have some lavender essential oil in your first aid kit if you have an arthritic dog. Diffusion or applying compresses are two effective methods of relieving joint pain with lavender.
Lavender essential oil for insomnia
Some dogs suffer from insomnia. If it strikes your pet, use lavender essential oil in a diffuser, or spray the coat and bedding with 24 drops of lavender oil diluted in 4 ounces of isopropyl alcohol (70%). Everyone will rest easier.
Lavender essential oil to remove dog odor
Lavender helps remove odor causing bacteria and germs. You can create a fresh, soothing, and naturally pleasant scented environment by mixing 7 ounces of water, 1 ounce white vinegar, 24 drops lavender essential oil, and a pinch of salt in a spray bottle. (If you have it, add 20 drops of Purification essential oil.) Mist on your dog’s coat, bedding/sleeping spots, rooms, and other smelly accessories.
Safety tips for using lavender essential oil on dogs:
- Do not use perfume grade lavender oil for therapeutic use.
- Do not use lavender essential oil if your dog is pregnant, nursing, or younger than 14 weeks of age.
- Do not use lavender essential oil if your dog is prone to epilepsy.
- Always dilute lavender and all essential oils in water or carrier oil before use.
- Always remember that less is more. Err on the side of less if you are treating a smaller dog or you’re in doubt.
- Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and genitals.
- Do not add lavender oil to your dog’s food or water. Internal use is not recommended.
- Do not use lavender essential oil that is more than 4 years old. Essential oils can oxidize over a long period of time.
- When not in use, close the cap of the bottle tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
- There are different varieties of lavender, and each type has slightly different therapeutic properties. We known recommend Lavandula angustifolia ( also known as English, true, common or narrow leaf, or garden lavender).
- Essential oils do not replace medical treatment. Talk to your vet before starting your pet with any essential oil.
We put LOTS of LAVENDER in these products:
Kills Mites, soothes, moisturizes and heals. For use in conjunction with Mite Avenge® as a spot treatment for temporary relief between Mite Avenge® applications.
Alcohol-free super itch killer. Immediate relief from pain and itching caused by mange mites, allergies, insect bites, hot spots, etc. Ingredients include natural healing agents. 8 oz. bottle (236 ml.)