The Benefits of Using Lavender Spray for Dogs

When it comes to holistic and natural remedies, essential oils, like lavender oil, have become increasingly popular. Renowned for its calming scent, lavender oil is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and alleviate stress in humans. But what about our furry friends? Can dogs also benefit from lavender oil?

Understanding Lavender Oil for Dogs

Derived from the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia), lavender oil is frequently used in aromatherapy due to its calming properties. Not only is it believed to help reduce anxiety, but it's also used to improve sleep and alleviate headaches in humans.

And if something works for us, it makes sense to wonder if it would work for our dogs. Right?

The Potential Benefits of Lavender Spray for Dogs (Or Oil!)

Lavender oil is often promoted as a natural remedy to help calm anxious dogs. Its soothing scent can potentially help dogs cope with stressful situations, like thunderstorms, vet visits, or car rides.

Some studies suggest that the use of lavender oil can reduce dogs' activity and vocalization in stressful situations. This could help in situations where your dog barks excessively due to anxiety, for example.

Lavender oil might provide some relief for minor skin irritations and bites. Its natural antiseptic properties can help cleanse and soothe minor wounds and promote healing.

Lavender Oil May Work as a Natural Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs

Lavender oil has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which come from its long list of bioactive compounds. Linalool and linalyl acetate, which are primarily responsible for lavender oil's ability to reduce inflammation, have been found to be the two most beneficial compounds in research so far.

These compounds help reduce swelling and redness, making lavender oil an effective natural remedy for a variety of inflammatory conditions. On top of soothing irritated skin, lavender oil can also be beneficial in easing muscle stiffness and reducing pain associated with joint issues.

This makes lavender spray for dogs and the essential oil not only a favorite in aromatherapy but also a valued component in topical treatments for both humans and animals experiencing inflammatory discomfort.

Precautions and Safe Use

While lavender oil can offer benefits, it's crucial to understand that essential oils are highly concentrated and can be toxic to dogs if used improperly.

Here are some precautions to consider:

Never Apply Undiluted Essential Oils

Lavender oil should never be applied directly to your dog's skin without being properly diluted in carrier oil. Undiluted essential oils can cause your dog's skin to get irritated or burned.

Don't Let Your Dog Eat Lavender Oils

Make sure your dog never gets ahold of lavender oil. They could consume some of it and experience digestive upset. And, in large quantities, it can be toxic.

Avoid Getting Essential Oils in Eyes and Ears

Never apply lavender oil near your dog's eyes or inside their ears. If the oil touches these sensitive spots, it could cause irritation or even harm. It's best to apply the oil only to parts of the skin where it can be absorbed safely without causing any discomfort or damage.

Use Essential Oils Sparingly

A little goes a long way with essential oils. Too much lavender oil can lead to adverse reactions, like allergic reactions, respiratory distress, or changes in behavior.

Observe Your Dog With Essential Oils

Always monitor your dog's reaction after using lavender oil. If you notice any signs of distress or discomfort, stop using it immediately and consult your vet. This should be the general theme with everything, whether it's essential oils or even a change in diet, especially if your dog has underlying health issues.

How to Dilute Lavender Oil for Dogs

Essential oils are potent, which is why it's important to dilute them properly before you put them on your dog's skin (or your own). To dilute lavender oil for dogs, begin by selecting a carrier oil; common choices include coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.

As a general guideline, for dogs, a safe dilution ratio is about 1 drop of lavender oil to 50 drops of carrier oil, making it a 0.2% dilution.

After combining the oils, mix them thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Before applying the diluted mixture to your dog, perform a patch test by applying a small amount to a discrete area and monitoring for any signs of irritation or adverse reactions.

Is Lavender Oil Safe for Dogs to Lick?

If consumed in small amounts, lavender oil might cause mild gastrointestinal upset. However, in more significant quantities, it can be toxic, leading to signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in behavior.

The compounds in essential oils are highly concentrated, and what might seem like a harmless quantity to humans can be overwhelming or even harmful to a dog's system.

This is another reason why lavender oil should always be diluted prior to application. If your dog licks the diluted oil, there shouldn't be any problem. But if they get into the bottle of lavender oil, that could be an issue.

Use Lavender Oil for Dogs Carefully

While lavender oil might provide certain benefits, like stress relief and minor skin healing, it's important to remember that safety comes first when using essential oils with dogs.

Always dilute the oil, use it sparingly, and observe your dog's behavior. With careful usage and the guidance of a veterinarian, lavender oil might become another tool in your pet-care arsenal to help your furry friend lead a comfortable and happy life.

To learn more, check out these resources:

Is Lavender Safe For Dogs? - Essential Oils

Evaluation of the effect of topical application of lavender oil on autonomic nerve activity in dogs

Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs