If you face challenges with your dog itching and scratching all the time, some simple essential oil remedies just might do the trick.

Essential oils are an all-natural way to quickly and easily soothe your dog’s itching and ease the scratching.

However, there are a few things you must know about using essential oils with dogs before starting.

Essential Oils Safety for Dogs

First, learn about general essential oil safety for dogs.

I cover the basics in my article “Essential Oil Safety for Dogs“.

Next, you need to make sure you have high-quality essential oils safe for internal use.

Choose Top-Quality Essential Oils

My favorite is doTERRA. I like doTERRA best because of their stringent testing methods. And, doTERRA has a Veterinary Advisory Board consisting of vets who test and use oils in their practices. This is where I get my protocols for pets.

I also personally know some vets who use Young Living and AnimalEO in their practices.

Actually, doTERRA, Young Living, and AnimalEO are the only brands of essential oils I personally know that are used by veterinarians in their practices.

The following instructions come from doTERRA Panel Veterinarian, Dr. Mia K. Frezzo in her book “SpOIL Your Pet“.

Recipes to Ease Dog Itching & Scratching

Anti-Itch Roll-On

Get a 10 ml roller bottle.

Add 2 drops of Lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon carrier oil.

Roll directly on your dog’s skin and rub the oil around. Or, apply the mix to your palms and rub on to your dog.

Apply to itchy areas 2-3 times daily.

Hot Spots and Raw Skin Remedy

Apply 1-2 drops each Lavender and Myrrh in 1 tsp. carrier oil twice daily for secondary skin infections. (Use for hot spots or raw areas from licking and scratching.)

I like to mix this recipe in a small jar and dab on the spot spots or raw areas with a cotton swab or Q-tip.

Lemon, Peppermint, and Lavender

This is the #1 go-to for both people and pets!

Combine one drop each of Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint in an empty vegetable capsule or use a Seasonal Blend Softgel (TriEase) and administer by mouth 1-2 times daily with food (for dogs 35 pounds or more).

For dogs less than 35 pounds, combine 1 drop each Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint in 2 tsp. carrier oil and apply 1-2 times daily. Mix the blend up in a 10 ml roller bottle. Then, roll the mix onto your palms and “pet” it onto your dog.

Diffuse 2-3 drops each of Lavender, Lemon, and Peppermint in a cool-mist diffuser 2-3 times daily as needed. This method also helps with seasonal coughing and sneezing.

Diffuser Recipe

Diffuse Cleansing Blend (Purify), Frankincense, or Protective Blend (On Guard) for 20-30 minutes 2-3 times daily.

Bathe with Natural Soothing Skin Shampoo (recipe below).

Recipe for Natural Soothing Skin Shampoo

3 oz castile soap (available at many health food stores)
2 oz organic unpasteurized, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

2 oz distilled water
1 oz vegetable glycerin
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops roman chamomile essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil
Optional: add 1 tsp. ground oatmeal
Glass or plastic bottle

Add essential oils to an empty glass or plastic bottle. Add ground oatmeal (if using). Add the apple cider vinegar, vegetable glycerin, and water to the bottle containing essential oils (and oatmeal). Add the castile soap. Shake the bottle well before use.

The above recipe is from a great book called SpOil Your Pet, by Mia Frezzo, DVM.

Still Having Problems & Need More Help?

If your dog continues itching and scratching after trying the above remedies, you may want to consider an office visit or telemedicine consultation with a holistic veterinarian.

I work with two amazing holistic veterinarians in the middle-Tennessee area:

Both vets offer in-office visits as well as telemedicine consultations. Both practice Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), Alternative Medicine, and Western Herbalism in addition to standard veterinary care.

If you consult with either you’ll get personalized recommendations specific to your pet, including: