However, it’s important to understand that not all essential oils are safe for dogs. Choosing the right oils, using the correct dilution, and applying them properly are key steps to ensure your dog benefits without adverse effects.
If you’re dealing with a dog constantly itching and scratching, simple essential oil remedies might be just what you need to help your furry friend. Essential oils offer a natural, gentle way to soothe irritation, calm inflamed skin, and provide fast relief from discomfort.
Whether it’s seasonal threats, dry skin, or sensitivity to environmental factors, essential oils, when used safely, can be a wonderful addition to your pet care routine. Learn how to harness the natural healing power of these oils to help your dog feel better, naturally.
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 Safety for Dogs
Start by familiarizing yourself with using essential oils safely with dogs. A great place to begin is my article, “Essential Oil Safety for Dogs,” where I break down the fundamentals to ensure a safe experience for both you and your pet.
Once you understand safety, the next step is to invest in high-quality essential oils that are safe for internal use. Not all oils are created equal, and using only the best ensures that your dog receives the full benefits without any risks.
Choose Top-Quality Essential Oils
Next, you need to make sure you have high-quality essential oils that safe for internal use.
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 know of veterinarians using 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:
- TCVM Diagnosis
- Food Therapy Recommendations
- TCVM Herb Recommendations
- Western Herbal & Supplement Recommendations
- Alternative Medicine Recommendations
I hope this information helps you! If you have any other questions or if we can help you in any way, just let me know!
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