7 Safe Essential Oils for Dog Coat Care - AvoDerm (2024)

FAQs

What essential oils are good for dogs fur? ›

The vitamins and high fat content of avocado oil could help maintain a healthy coat. After the go-ahead from your vet, you could use avocado oil as a way to help hydrate your dog's skin, topically. Try massaging a few drops of avocado oil into the affected area. A little bit will go a long way.

Fish oil is our number one recommendation for a gorgeous coat as it's a real doggy wonder product.

Essential oils can be a beneficial addition to your dog's life, but it is important to choose oils that are safe and non-toxic. Lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, peppermint, and frankincense oil are all safe for dogs, while lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and bergamot oil are safe for use in a diffuser.

Rice bran oil (minimally processed - high oryzanol), coconut oil (organic), extra virgin olive oil (organic), pumpkin seed oil (organic), sesame seed oil (organic), sunflower seed oil (high oleic-organic), walnut oil (cold pressed-organic).

Diluted lavender oil is generally considered safe for topical use on dogs. Lavender essential oil is extremely potent. Just like for humans, pure lavender essential oils should not be applied to the skin or ingested. Instead, they should be mixed with a carrier oil.

The short answer is yes. Rosemary is considered non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA, and it may even have health benefits for your pup. Rosemary has a wide variety of uses, including serving as a potent ingredient for cooking, offering medicinal properties, and providing a sweet-smelling fragrance.

You can use coconut oil to condition both your dog's skin and coat. Apply to your dog's skin no more than once a week and leave it to absorb for a few minutes before rinsing your dog off. If your dog is still oily, you can follow this up with a dog shampoo.

Other types of fat don't have this same ability, so using coconut oil may help keep your dog's coat healthy and beautiful. The lauric acid in coconut oil has been shown to keep hair healthier than other fatty acids. It can be used to improve the health and appearance of your dog's fur.

How do you moisturize a dog's coat? ›

To help your dog's dry skin, consider bathing them less frequently, using a moisturizing shampoo made for dogs, and applying coconut oil or vitamin E oil to their skin. You can also add omega-3 fatty acids opens in a new tab to their diet and consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

If your dog is dealing with a persistent skin condition, consider brushing coconut oil through his coat and on his skin once a week. However, if you're dealing with a bout of dry skin, try this once a month to maintain healthy skin and coat.

It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.

*Our veterinary advisory board has determined the essential oil ratios in these products to be generally safe for pets when used aromatically or topically.

As long as it is properly diluted and used in a way where your pet cannot ingest it, as a general rule, lemongrass essential oil is safe. For context, this means you can diffuse it in a well-ventilated room, not that you should be applying it to your four-legged friend or to yourself if your dog commonly licks you.

Do not apply pure essential oils topically or orally to your dog without consulting with your veterinarian first. Oils can be dangerous – especially tea tree oil – and there's scant evidence that they're effective.

Try an aromatherapy shampoo, citrus or tea tree are best for fighting odors. Brush your dog, 2-5 times a week. A good brushing distributes natural oils and gets rid of dead fur and limits shedding. Pat your dog's fur with baking soda or corn starch for a quick dry bath.

Peppermint oil is toxic for dogs. Whether you're using an oil diffuser, applying it to their skin, or adding oil to their food, it's unfortunately harmful to our four-legged friends.

It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.