Carrier Oils for Your Dogs
“Essential oils must always be diluted.”
Essential oils, though useful in the therapeutic treatment of health, wellness, and behavioral issues in dogs, can NEVER be used at full strength. Due to the sensitive nature of a dog's sense of smell and certain physiological differences, essential oils must always be diluted regardless of application method. Carrier oils are extremely important for this reason.
The dilution ratio for dogs does not need to be any higher than 1%. A rough guideline would be to add no more than 3 drops of our pure essential oil blends to a 1 oz. (shot) glass of your choice of carrier oil. Carrier oils vary in price and availability, but more importantly they have their own therapeutic properties. Choosing the right carrier oil is important.
Macadamia Nut Oil has been associated with a non-fatal syndrome, characterized by vomiting, ataxia or weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression. Dogs are the only species in which signs have been reported. The mechanism of toxicity is not known, meaning we are not 100% sure why dogs are affected.
| Carrier Oil | Notes | Topically | Internally | Inhalation | Availability | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Extra Virgin / Cold Pressed | Recommended | Up to a Tbsp. per day depending on size of dog, good for coat | Recommended | Easily Available | Vitamin E, oleic acid |
| Coconut Oil | Helps with dandruff and odor | Up to tsp per day, supports thyroid function | Recommended | Most Health Food Stores | ||
| Sunflower Oil | Unrefined organic | Nourishing to the skin, improves scar tissue | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Recommended | Easily Available | Potassium, vitamin B and E, omega 6 fatty acids |
| Apricot Kernel | Rehydrates, soothes minor skin irritations | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Has calming properties | Available Online | Oleic acid | |
| Sweet Almond | Skin nourish, hydrates | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Grounding properties | Most Health Food Stores | Minerals, oleic acid | |
| Grape Seed | Processed | Easy for skin to absorb | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Recommended | Easily Available | Polyunsaturated fatty acids |
| Kukui Nut | Expensive, blend with other carriers | Restorative, hydrates, nourishes dry skin | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Aids in mental regeneration | Available Online | |
| Aloe Vera | Use at least 90% pure | Cools on contact, soothing burns | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Not recommended | Easily Available | |
| Borage Seed Oil | Mix with other carriers | Encourages renewal of skin cells | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Beneficial for depression | Available Online | Fatty acids |
| Camellia Oil | Expensive | Immediate absorption, strengthens nails, penetrates coat | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Not recommended | Available Online | |
| Evening Primrose Oil | Expensive | Helpful with skin issues, strengthens skin cells | Anti-inflammatory, safe for diabetic dogs, consult veterinarian before use | Not recommended | Most Health Food Stores | Fatty acids |
| Jojoba | Wax, solidifies in cool temperature | Easily absorbed, strengthens sensitive skin, and cleanses dirt and excess oils in coat | Not recommended | Not recommended | Available Online | |
| Avocado Oil | Combine with other carriers for topical | Good for nails, slow to absorb, not recommended | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Not recommended | Most Health Food Stores | Vitamins A and D, linoleic acid |
| Vegetable Glycerin | Colourless, odorless | Recommended | Not recommended without veterinary supervision | Highly recommended | Most Health Food Stores |