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

 

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 a 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