When we say that essential oils can be enjoyed by the whole family, that includes Bingo and Whiskers. There are just a few things that you need to keep in mind to make sure your fur (or scale, or wool, or feather, or hairless) babies stay safe and enjoy all the benefits YL oils have to offer.
For products designed especially for your animals click here.
Looking for more tips and tricks to take care of your fur-babies? Try our Essential oils for dogs!
What oils would be good and beneficial for a horse and how should I apply safely for the best results
Please allow us to share on Facebook email not just tweet and pin
Hey Jesama! That is a really great suggestion. Thanks for your input. Without our readers giving us their ideas, we can’t improve. We will look into adding this feature. Thanks for stopping by!
I totally agree with Jesama. :)
I just posted on my FB with no problem!
Dr Melissa Shelton DVM, is a holistic vet and there is a book for animals from a her on essential oils.
I wish there were tips here for bunnies… I have two house rabbits (litter-trained and free-range inside). I worry that advice like “treating them like cats” is not ideal. They are small and fragile, but are herbivores and more similar to horses in their digestion.
On Facebook look up Paws4Essential Oils – with a Dr Janet Roark including rabbits online in February but they give the Facebook for her.
My daughter, Hillary, runs an equine assisted mental health ministry. We use primarily horses, but also dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs. This can be very high stress for these animals sometimes. We want all our hard working four legged therapists healthy so we use essential oils like Lavender, Frankincense, Thieves, Purification, and Peppermint or DiGize (if a horse shows signs of possible beginnings of colic) to keep them happy and healthy. We have shared the secrets of oils with many if our horse and dog friends.
My Horse “Quincy” LOVES Valor and ValorII. It not only helps to keep him calm but helps him with HIS confidence (not like he’s not confident enough!)
I have also started making my own Fly Spray with YL oils AND the Thieves Cleaner. AMAZING results!
Hi Tammy, I was wondering if you could send me your fly spray recipe? Also your other uses of YL oils on your horses.
Thank you
This is awesome to know I was contemplating using that oil on my new Rescue horse also. He has a sense of displacement and uncertainty and I want to insure him he is loved and can feel confident and playful again with my other two.. where did you put the oils and was it daily?
Thank you for this guide, I have used Young Living EO’s on my animals for several years including using the Raindrop Technique. I was surprised to see that there was no mention of Tea Tree potentially being toxic to cats as I have seen that information in several places. Perhaps being diluted it isn’t as harmful!
What is the best oil to use for my sheltie dog. She is highly nervous and very loud around strangers. She comes to work with me every day and am trying to keep her from scaring my customers.
Hi Kathy, We suggest reviewing the Animal Scents™ blends or other essential oil products. Please discuss the use of these products further with your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog.
8 oz bottle with 1 oz Coconut oil, 1oz kukui oil, 1 capful Thieves Cleaner, 10 drops Citronella, 5 drop Cedarwood, 5 drops Geranium, 5 drops Lavender, 10 drops Lemongrass, 5 drop Pachouli, 5 drops Peppermint, 5 drops Rosemary, 5 drops TeaTree,
Fill the remainder with Purified Water
Shake gently before each application
What oils do u use for fly spray
Hi Carol, We do not recommend administering oils internally but to dilute the oil 75% and apply to the paws. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Hi Eileen, Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of an animal’s body, including ailments or injuries for your animal. Therefore, Young Living cannot provide advice or recommendation for products to address any type of disease, ailment, or injury. We advise that you consult with a veterinarian on your specific issue.
I recently witnessed a greyhound having oils massaged into her from the Young Living Feelings kit placed on specific points around her body. She was in front of a crowded room, and within 20 minutes she was rolling around on the floor relaxed and playful. It was lovely to see this result.
Thank you for posting this! I’ve been wondering how to use oils around my chickens, also we may be getting a snake soon. Now I know I shouldn’t put a difusser in the coop.
haha I have used Frankincense straight on the head and feet of a hen pecked chicken that was unresponsive. The next morning she was very lively!! I have sprayed Thieves cleaner (mixed as directed) on a quaker parrot! She was constantly pecking at her body. The next dayshe was fine. A vetinarian suggested diffusing so I believe Young Living is being extra cautious… My friends horse loves oils and eats them off her hands… so I would use i drop to introduce them to any animals. and of course we have our Essential Oil guides with a section on animals…follow that.
I have five little dogs (my kids) that I love like the five children I raised! Their names are Jazzman, Peanut, Abby, Jojo, and Dash! My children are all grown and have children of their own!Love the idea of using essential oils instead of chemicals!
My cat, Snickets, gets a weekly drop of Paragize and Kitty Raindrop applied by petting down her back. I checked with my vet about proper dosage. We are about to take a coast to coast road trip, and I will be diffusing Peace and Calming in the car en route.
I love using Young Living Essential Oils on our Livestock. For Show Cattle, I use cedarwood, stress away or T-away to calm them during halter breaking. I put a few drops above their nose so they get the aroma and the topical benefits. They all react a little differently, but some of the will do everything they can to lick it off their nose! The calming effect on most of them has been noticeable. I have used the raindrop technique on several of our calves (diluted to prevent skin discomfort) and they love it! I have used many other oils for all kinds of things, but these are the most common. For pigs, I diffuse thieves daily to maintain a healthy environment. I’m currently trying out the Shutran Beard Oil on that unruly pig hair to get ready for the show in a couple of weeks. I spray thieves cleaner on white animals that seem dingy and then rinse. I could go on and on…
I love that you are putting out more info on oils and animals! I hope there are more oil products for animals coming in the near future!
Hey Klyssa! Thanks for sharing how you use our products!
Great info on large animals! Love this!
I have bought 3 animal scent oils for our 4 year old mini rat terrier and she weighs about 10 lbs. I have the Infect Away, PuriClean & Mendwell. I put a roller top on each but I have no idea how much to use or how often I need to be using them. Could someone please help me?
Thanks.
Hi Linda, Please refer to the product label for usage directions. You can also view our Animal Care products for more information. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
When using on a horse, can you apply to their ears? I know with our dogs we put it on their paws, but the frog on the horse’s foot seems too thick for penetration. We also thought about putting it on the backs of his pasterns. The vestigial toe is above the pastern so at one time the pastern would have been part of the underneath of the foot. Any thoughts?
Hi Deby, For horses we recommend placing the oil directly under the lip or adding to a spray bottle for easy application!
Hello, When you say “under” the lip, do you mean on the outside or inside of their mouth? Thanks.
Hi Amy, When administering internally to horses or other large animals, the oil can be placed on the inside of their lip directly into the mouth. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
I disagree with application to the paws. Better to touch a little to the tips of the ears for slower absorption. The paws are so porous they quickly send the essential oil into the blood stream which can shock the animal’s system. Slower is always faster with animals.
Thank you for this post! I joined YL in January and happily diffused the oils in my starter kit throughout my home. My husband and I have two cats; it never occurred to us to research whether or not the use of YLEOs around them is safe…until I came across information online warning against using them around cats. I was crushed, thinking we were careless pet parents. We scaled back on diffusing some oils and stopped diffusing those with high concentrations of phenol while I did more research. Some say their use around animals is safe, some say do not use them at all. Who do we trust? It got a little frustrating until we came to the conclusion that after years and years and YEARS of spraying air fresheners, burning candles, melting wax melts and cleaning our home with toxic household cleaners, diffusing oils to purify the air and to just help us feel better had to be a better trade-off for our fur babies. Not once did we ever consider how using those toxic products around our cats would impact them, so I pray we are not wrong about this trade-off. One of our cats enjoys sleeping with us; he will stay in our bedroom if we’re diffusing Stress Away or Cedarwood, but will leave if we’re diffusing some others. Those little tells help us to remain mindful about what and when to diffuse. I feel like as long as we are paying attention to their reactions and they have a way out of the vicinity where oils are being used that we are being responsible in our use.
Are there any books on use of oils with animals?
Hi Terry, Young Living® does not have any books about the use of oils with animals. We recommend that you seek the advice of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
I am one of many holistic veterinarians who has been using Young Living oils safely and effectively for many years. You can often visit or schedule phone consults with us. You can also private message many of us on Facebook.
I use Stress Away with Peace and Calming on my rescued pit bull. My furbaby was abused and can’t handle loud noises so we apply the oils using raindrop strokes in her spine. Now she comes to us for the oils when she gets scared.❤
Essential oils have been amazing for my fur baby Conner. He is a Bichon/Cocker mix and the amazing thing is whenever I get my shipments I call him my essential oil dog as he rolls all over the packaging especially when He senses what I use on him has arrived..he has always had ear issues due to having the “Cocker” long ears and when he has a flair up and I ask him if he wants his oils, he will literally come over to me, lay down and give me the ear that hurts..I use a combination of Thieves and lavender and he absolutely loves it because it works and he KNOWS IT MAKES HIM FEEL BETTER otherwise he would run. I am so thankful to have started using the oils for myself and also for my fur babies..they have benefited greatly. THANK YOU..they know..they sense it and in some cases (like Conner) come running when nothing else has worked.
Hey Tosha! Thanks for sharing. It sounds like Conner is a smart and special fur baby. Glad you have found a way to comfort him.
What is the “recipe” you use for your dog’s ears?
This is so helpful for using oil on pet patients, thank you for the information in regards to our animAL friends
What are the affects of phenol oils on animals?
Hi Ester, We are sorry to hear about your dog’s situation. We suggest reviewing the Animal Scents™ blends or other essential oil products. Please discuss the use of these products further with your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog.
Toby, Khloe, Bella…. all doxie!!! And we are in love with Young Living oils … you make it we use it!! Ningxia and mineral essence , sulferzyne, esentialzyne, omegagize digize, immunepower, and several more.😀😀😀
My oldest Toby receives raindrop twice a month.. Harmony is totally a daily oil user, to help with some separation issues for my youngest, Khloe!!! We can’t live without Young Living oils ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
what mixture can I make up for a med sized dog to deter pests in the sand in warm climates?
Hi Eva, We suggest reviewing the Animal Scents™ blends or other essential oil products. Please discuss the use of these products further with your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your dog.
Am I allowed to copy these DIYs and post them on my personal Young Living website?
Hey Michele! Please feel free to use our DIYs on your personal blog. We love that you like our ideas! However, you will just have to reference that the content was originally posted on our blog and source it. I hope that helps and thanks for visiting!
You say to NOT use Wintergreen, Peppermint, Oregano, Thyme on animals, yet those are the oils used in the Raindrop Technique for animals. I’m confused~
Hi Marilynne, In general, it is recommended to avoid using hot oils or high phenol oils on animals. However, very large animals, such as horses, are usually less sensitive than smaller animals like cats. If you wish to use these oils on a horse or other large animal, please remember to dilute the oil as directed on the product label. Then patch test on a small area first to ensure it is diluted appropriately for the sensitivity of the animal. If you have further concerns, we recommend that you seek the advice of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
When I know a storm is coming or a holiday with fireworks- I immediately put peace & calming in my diffuser & a drop in my hand and rub down the neck & spine of my dogs.
They sleep through it instead of hiding & shaking in fear.
Lavender & t-away are good choices too.
My cat loves when I diffuse lavender, something I do most nights. If I forget or decide I’m too tired to get up, he taps on the diffuser and puts his nose right where the mist comes out. He won’t come near my head if I’ve used Breathe Again or peppermint. He won’t come in the room when I use Panaway or wintergreen. I’m glad he’s so communicative!
That is awesome that your cat lets you know what it wants. Love that! Sounds like quite the personality.
My dogs (Jet 3yo purebred lab & Pierce (1 1/2 yo Weimaraner/border collie mix) LOVE their oils. Jet’s favorite is Lavender. He came to us with severe anxiety and loves to use his lavender to help calm him. Pierce loves peace and calming. He is high energy and runs himself silly. P&C helps chill his mind where he is able to relax. We also love the Animal Scents Collection and use them all the time! My boys love their oils!
We got our dog Sammie from a rescue shelter when she was a puppy.
She calmed down when she sniffed the lavender on me.
Every day after I apply my oils she gets pet with all the good plant essences.
When we go out for a walk those around us get great Wiffs and Woofs:+)
A few times a week she’ll get some drops on her back paws too!
Thank you!
Haha Loved your “Wiffs and Woofs” comment! Glad we could help!
Thanks, enjoyed info. Groom dogs on Saturdays; we use Thieves, Gentle baby, and Purification; they are all great products. Always good to get more knowledge. Also, I use these oils on my 8 dogs.
My 5 year old tweeny doxie runs when he sees me bring out the RepelAroma. I’ve tried diluting it, but perhaps if I just spray it on my hand and apply to his paws that would be better. I hope so. He doesn’t like the pet chews, and his teeth are terrible! We feed him a raw diet. I made a baking soda toothpaste with some oils, but he’s not liking that, either. I’m open to any suggestions. Do you put all those supplements you named in your dogs’ food or water?
Well, I wrote a replay to you, Sherry, about a correct raw diet and that he should not have bad teeth if he is on the correct amount of bone. I tried to post it and got a message that I was posting too fast and to slow down, and it did not take my post. We have a little girl who is healthy and fit on a raw diet and her teeth are beautiful. If you want to contact me, try FB at Jeannine Durnbaugh Knotts Brown and I will try to help you. If your dog is getting a balanced raw diet, you should not need supplements. Hopefully I am taking long enough that this reply will go through.
I’m curious as to why you say to avoid citrus oils with cats. All the literature I have read that is specific to young living says that citrus oils are just fine (when properly diluted) . Could you provide further information
Hi Emily, We recommend avoiding the use of citrus oils with cats as they are averse to them. Special caution should be exercised when using essential oils with cats. Thanks for stopping by!
Avoid the use of citrus oils with cats – does this also mean do not diffuse these oils around them?
Hi KayLynn, Cats are highly sensitive to oils and are averse to citrus oils. It is recommended not to use these oils around them either topically and aromatically. If you have further concerns, we recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
I have been trying to get something regarding oils & cats. Thank you for posting this.
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by Sandy.
I’ve been using Young Living oils going on a year, I started them to help my horse who lacks focus and is just a youngin overall.. He loves his thieves; 4 drops, 3 times a week. He also loves when I wear stress away, he by no means cares for me to put it on him but it intrigues him and seems to calm him. He also enjoys Lavender from time to time.
Would it be ok to use the Stress Away on my 9 year old fox terrier? Maybe put some drops in her water she is a very nervous dog would love to find something to help her.
Thank you Jenny
Hi Jenny, It is not recommended to use essential oils internally with dogs. We suggest either wearing Stress Away yourself or diffusing for short periods of time and observing how your terrier responds. If you have further concerns, we recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
I am confused. It says don’t give internally to dogs, yet says put on their paws. They are going to lick their paws. ?
Hi S. Hines, When applying an oil to the paws it should be heavily diluted. Ingesting small amounts when licking should not be harmful to your pets. Thanks for stopping by!
What about doing Raindrops on dogs? I”ve been doing my 2 Japanese Chins for 2 years without any problems. I use 3 drops of each oil undiluted with V6 right after the Oregano and Thyme.
Hi Jo Ann, In general, it is recommended to avoid using hot oils or high phenol oils on animals. Smaller animals like dogs can be more sensitive to the oils. If you choose to use these oils on your pets, please remember to dilute the oils as directed on the product label. If you have further concerns, we recommend that you seek the advice of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
I have a high-anxiety dog who hates storms, fireworks, and car rides. We’ve started sprinkling a few drops of Lavender on a bandana for her during those stressful times. It really helps us all get some sleep, especially during nighttime thunderstorms.
Hey Laurel! Glad you found a way to calm your dog. That was clever to put an oil a calming oil like Lavender on a bandanna. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
When you say “avoid citrus oils” do you mean topically only and/or diffusing as well? Thanks!
Hi Melissa, We recommend avoiding citrus oils for both topical and aromatic use, especially with use around cats as they are generally averse. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
How about hamsters?
Hi Michelle, Small animals can be especially sensitive to oils and special caution should be exercised if oils are used. We recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
When I adopted a 13 old lab and brought her into my home where a “Cranky” 11 year old mix named Lucy already reined as queen , I diffused Stress Away and rubbed a small amount on their ears..no fights. No nervous destruction or accidents. Truly believe it helped all of us
I am an integrative veterinarian who has been using Young Living essential oils safely and effectively on my dog and cat patients, my non-profit rescue cats and in my facility to benefit my clients and employees for almost two decades! We diffuse, apply topically, use in soaks and even clean the veterinary clinic with these high quality single oils and blends!
This is some great information. I question however, under the ‘do’ section it says to dilute The oils with a carrier oil or ‘water’. Is that correct? I have always been under the impression and been told never to use water when the diluting an oil. Can you please clarify?
Hey Mary, great question! Diluting essential oils in water works in some application methods, for example, using oils internally or in a spray. For this post specifically, it is referring to putting the oils in a spray bottle with water and spraying on an animal’s coat or skin. Hope that helps!
My son has a snake in his room. He uses his diffuser every night. I’ve never thought about it but is this harmful for his snake?
Hi Angie, It is not recommended to diffuse near snakes or other reptiles. If you have further concerns, we recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oil use on animals.
I have used Purification on my dog Bud E after he got skunked and it was a God send!! I simply put a few drops on my hands and rubbed him down twice and voila the stink was GONE!!!
Do you know which oils can be used on hedgehogs?
Hi Candace, Small animals can be especially sensitive to oils and special caution should be exercised if oils are used. We recommend that you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained veterinarian with knowledge and experience with essential oils use on animals.
How can I print this so I can take home for personal reference?
Hey Scarlett! If you just copy the image or save the image onto your desktop by using the right click on your mouse, you can then paste it or drag it into Microsoft Word or Pages. You should then be able to print it with ease. We are currently working on a printable for our infographics. We hope this helps!