There are lots of essential oils safe for dogs, but there are also some essential oils you may be using that are not safe to expose them to.

Here are general guidelines for using essential oils with dogs:

• Essential oils should always be used diluted, even when just inhaling. Dogs are more sensitive to essential oils than humans are. 
• Inhalation of diluted essential oils is going to be the best way to remedy most issues with dogs. In some cases heavily diluted topical application can be more beneficial than inhalation.
• Only use essential oils with your dogs when needed to address a concern - not to "prevent" a health issue. For example, have them inhale a digestive essential oil after they eat if they already have trouble digesting, but don't use them daily hoping to prevent digestive issues they don't already have.
• This is probably obvious to most of us, but it goes without saying: do not add essential oils to your dog's food or drinking water
• Avoid using essential oils with puppies under 10 weeks of age - use hydrosols instead.

Essential oils not safe for dogs should be flagged accordingly! Why is this not being done?

I've personally reviewed over 800 blends from more than 50 companies and I've found all companies sell essential oils not safe for dogs, and blends containing them, and they are rarely flagged as such.

It's likely you've been using an essential oil or blend not safe for dogs and you had no idea until now! (Oregano, anyone?)

Download the cheat sheet below for examples of essential oils that should be avoided with dogs, along with some that are safe.