THE BENEFITS OF LAVENDER OIL FOR YOUR DOG

Happy First Day of Spring! Be sure to pick up a lavender packet in our lobbies today when you drop off your dog! Speaking of which, have you heard about the benefits of lavender oil for your dog?

Anxiety Relief

Lavender is most known for its calming properties… not just for humans, but for dogs as well. Sometimes our groomers will rub some lavender oil on their hands when handling a dog that is particularly nervous about being groomed. Breathing the lavender helps to reduce their anxiety and stress. This trick can be used to calm a dog during thunderstorms or fireworks too.

Lavender oil has other uses for dogs too!

Insect Repellent

Lavender oil is a natural flea and tick repellent. Isn’t that great to know? You can treat your dog’s bedding, spray it on his collar, add it to his shampoo, and even dilute the oil and mist or spray on your dog*. Lavender will not kill the insects, but it will repel them. With this little trick, we might just win the flea and tick battle after all!

Antiseptic uses

Lastly, lavender oil is great for an itchy dog. It soothes irritated skin and can help prevent infection from over-scratching. Lavender is a full spectrum oil, meaning it has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties. It’s totally safe when used properly, and a must-have for your doggie medicine chest!

Cautions

Here are some common sense rules to go by when considering using lavender or any essential oils on your dog:

• CONSULT YOUR VET BEFORE USING. ALWAYS.
• *Always dilute the oils. Check with your vet for the proper dilution ratio.
• Use only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils.
• Do not use oils on young puppies or very small toy breeds.
• If your dog is old, sick, or pregnant, do not administer the same amount you would for a healthy dog. Again, consult your vet FIRST.
• Never use the oils near your dog’s eyes, mouth, nose, or genital area.
• Never use oils on your cat.

Remember, your dog has a super sensitive sense of smell and may find the oil offensive. If he doesn’t like it, please don’t make him “wear” it.