How to Use Essential Oils for Pets

Essential oils are well known for their healing properties, both internally and externally; however, their benefits for your pets should not be overlooked. Instead of purchasing expensive treatments for fleas, dander, itching, skin irritation and odor, try a few natural essential oils which are sure to keep your pets bug-free, smelling great and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Cedar essential oil
  • Spray bottle(s)
  • Tea tree oil
  • Nylon collar
  • Eucalyptus essential oil
  • Almond oil
  • Lavender essential oil
  • Clove essential oil
  • Patchouli essential oil
  • Bergamot essential oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep flees off the furniture, carpeting and wherever your pets may roam with a spritz of cedar. In a spray bottle, mix 5 drops of cedar essential oil for every tbsp of water and lightly spray wherever needed. Reapply once or twice a month to keep the fleas at bay.

    • 2

      Get fleas off of your pets by adding 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil to your regular pet shampoo. Massage the shampoo thoroughly into the fur, reaching all the way to the skin, and then allow to set for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse, and watch the fleas fall off.

    • 3

      Help to ensure that fleas do not return to their happy home, which is your pet. Soak a nylon collar with a 50/50 solution of water and eucalyptus oil. Allow the collar to dry and then place it on your pet. It's time to redose your pet's collar when you no longer note the scent, generally every two weeks or so.

    • 4

      Soothe minor skin irritations driving your pets crazy by mixing 2 Tbsp. of almond oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Massage the oil mixture into skin irritations to help reduce itch, kill bacteria and even calm your best friend's nerves.

    • 5

      Make sure your pets are protected from ticks before they head out to the great outdoors. Combine a 50/50 solution of clove essential oil and water in a spray bottle, and cover your furry friend in a fine mist. If you will be accompanying your pet, this bug and tick repellent is a fine solution for you as well.

    • 6

      Reduce the itchy dander plaguing your pets with a splash of patchouli essential oil. Either mix 10 drops of oil with 2 Tbsp. of almond oil, massaging it into the skin, or add 20 to 30 drops into your pet's shampoo each time they receive a bath. Unlike tea tree oil, there is no need to allow the oil to set; however, it is important that you give your four-legged friend a deep, dander-lifting massage.

    • 7

      Ensure that you never hear that your home smells like dog again, by using bergamot oil, a natural deodorizer, two or three times a week on your sweet, yet not so sweet smelling pets. Once again, mix a 50/50 solution of bergamot and water, applying a light spritz when needed.