Essential oils are often used to help create a relaxing environment for people; but can they help calm dogs?

Several dog training colleagues and dog owners have noticed improvements in a dog’s behaviour following the use of essential oils. Wanting to learn more about this I reviewed scientific journal articles. Several experiment results found that essential oils could have a calming effect on dogs.

Research conducted by Graham et al. (2005) examined the impact of 4 different essential oils on the behaviour of 55 dogs in a rescue shelter. They found that dogs rested more, moved and vocalised less when exposed to lavender and chamomile. In this experiment oil burners were used to diffuse the essential oils for four hours per day.

Another study (Wells 2006) monitored the behaviour of 32 dogs which became excited when travelling in a car. In this study lavender essential oil was sprayed onto flannel cloths, which were placed in the car 30 minutes prior to travel.

This study again found that dogs spent more time resting and sitting and less time vocalising or moving when lavender oil was used.

These results are encouraging and suggest that lavender essential oil may help hyperactive dogs settle. For other tips to calm down hyper dogs see this post.

Using essential oils

My friend and fellow dog trainer, Colleen O’Dea from Manners ‘n’ More Companion Dog Training, shared these tips for using essential oils for your dog.

Start with a single (1) drop of essential oil mixed with a high-quality carrier oil.

Never force your dog to sniff an essential oil or stay in an area with essential oils.

Invite your dog to choose an oil that (s)he is drawn to.

Focus on your dog’s body language in response to an essential oil.

Finally, if in doubt about using an oil don’t use it and seek veterinary attention for any concerns you have about your dog’s health.

Want to know more?

Here are three links to more information about using essential oils to help you dog.

Essential oils for dogs by Dana Scott https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/essential-oils-for-dogs/

5 steps to make essential oils safe for dogs by Joy Musachio https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/5-steps-to-make-essential-oils-safe-for-dogs/

A free course on essential oil safety  for dogs http://mannersnmore.thinkific.com/courses/essential-oil-safety-for-dogs

References

Graham, L., Wells, D.L. and Hepper, P.G. (2005) The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 19(1-2): 143-153 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159104001972

Wells, D.L. (2006) Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs. Journal of American Veterinary Medicine Association 229(6): 964-967 https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_229_6_964.pdf