Natural remedies like essential oils are all the rage for humans ... and now, they’re making their way into the world of pet care too. From flea collars to calming sprays, people are turning to essential oils for their dogs.

But here’s the thing: not all essential oils are safe for your pet. Some that work great for you can be downright dangerous for them.

There’s also a lot of advice out there about using essential oils for pets, and it can get confusing. That’s why it’s so important to understand which oils are safe and how to use them properly.

Done right, these oils can make a huge difference in your dog’s life—without the risks.

Today's guide is all about helping you confidently create easy, safe, and effective DIY recipes for your dog using essential oils. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to keep fleas away, calm your pup during stressful times, or just keep her smelling fresh, I’ve got you covered.

I’ll walk you through safe oils to use, which ones to skip, and how to make sure you’re doing it all in a way that’s good for your dog.

The Basics Of Using Essential Oils For Dogs

Not all essential oils are created equal, and your dog’s body reacts differently to them than yours does. Oils like tea tree and citrus might be great for people, but they can be toxic to dogs—causing anything from an upset stomach to serious health problems.

And even oils that are safe for dogs can cause issues if you don’t dilute them enough.

This is why it’s so important to do your homework before you start. Stick to trusted advice from experts who know their stuff, like veterinarians or herbalists, and always start slow when trying out a new oil. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your dog safe and happy.

Thankfully, there are plenty of essential oils that are totally safe for dogs when used correctly:

• Lavender is a top pick—it’s calming and can help during car rides or vet visits.
• Cedarwood is another favorite, especially for natural flea repellents, and chamomile is great for soothing anxious pups or irritated skin.
• Peppermint works well for freshening things up and has antibacterial properties.

On the other hand, there are oils you should avoid completely:

• Tea tree oil? Big no.
• Citrus oils like lemon and orange? Skip those too.

Knowing which oils are good and which ones to avoid makes all the difference when using essential oils for your dog.

In the sections below, I'll only share essential oil recipes for dogs that use safe essential oils in appropriate dosages.

The 3 Best Essential Oil Recipes For Dogs

1. Natural Flea Collar

Fleas are a nuisance, and chemical flea collars can come with their own risks. This DIY natural flea collar provides a safer, non-toxic alternative to keep those pesky bugs at bay.

By using essential oils like cedarwood and peppermint, you can protect your dog from fleas without exposing them to harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s an easy way to make your dog smell fresh and clean.

Ingredients

• 1 cloth dog collar
• 2 tablespoons almond oil (acts as a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils safely).
• 2 drops of flea-repelling essential oils like cedarwood or peppermint. If combining oils, use 1 drop of each to total 2 drops.

Instructions

1. Mix the almond oil and essential oils together in a small bowl.
2. Apply the mixture evenly to the cloth dog collar, ensuring it’s fully absorbed.
3. Let the collar dry completely before placing it on your dog.
4. Reapply the oil mixture every couple of weeks to keep it effective.

2. Calming Spray

Some situations, like trips to the vet, car rides, or noisy holidays, can be stressful for dogs.

This calming spray uses the natural soothing properties of chamomile and lavender to help your dog relax. It’s especially helpful when applied before the stressful event begins, allowing the calming effects to kick in beforehand.

Ingredients

• 2 oz witch hazel or vodka (acts as a preservative and disperses the oils).
• 2 tsp sulfated castor oil (helps blend the essential oils with water).
• 5 oz distilled water (provides the base for the spray).
• 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil (soothes stress and anxiety).
• 3 drops lavender essential oil (promotes relaxation and calmness).
• 12 oz spray bottle (to store and apply the mixture).

Instructions

1. Combine the witch hazel (or vodka) and sulfated castor oil in a bowl or directly in the spray bottle.
2. Add the chamomile and lavender essential oils, then shake the mixture well to blend.
3. Pour in the distilled water and give the bottle a final shake.
4. Before use, shake the spray bottle and lightly mist your dog, avoiding the face and eyes.
5. For best results, spray a few minutes before your dog encounters a stressful situation.

3. Simple Shampoo

Bath time doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals!

This gentle DIY shampoo not only keeps your dog’s coat clean and shiny but also promotes healthy skin.

Lavender soothes irritation, peppermint provides a fresh scent, and eucalyptus offers antibacterial benefits—all in one easy recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 drops lavender essential oil (calming and gentle on the skin).
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil (freshens and cools).
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil (antibacterial and invigorating).
• 1 tbsp castile soap (mild, all-natural soap base).
• 350 ml water (dilutes the mixture to make it safe and easy to apply).
• Storage bottle (to store the shampoo for future use).

Instructions

1. Add all the essential oils to the castile soap and stir well for at least two minutes to ensure the oils blend evenly.
2. Pour the soap mixture into the storage bottle.
3. Add the water, leaving a little space at the top for shaking.
4. Shake the bottle before each use to keep the ingredients mixed.
5. Lather the shampoo onto your dog’s coat, avoiding the face and eyes, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Bonus: Doggy Deodorant

Does your dog need a quick refresh between baths? This DIY deodorant is the perfect solution for keeping your dog smelling clean and feeling fresh.

Lavender helps with odor control while soothing the skin, and a touch of vinegar naturally deodorizes without harsh chemicals.

Ingredients

• ½ oz castile soap (cleans and lifts odors gently).
• 4 oz distilled water (dilutes the mix for safe application).
• ½ oz white vinegar (neutralizes odors naturally).
• Pinch of Himalayan salt (adds minerals for skin health).
• 4 drops lavender essential oil (calms and freshens).
• Spray bottle (for easy application).

Instructions

1. Mix the castile soap and lavender essential oil in a small bowl.
2. Combine the white vinegar and Himalayan salt in the spray bottle.
3. Pour the soap mixture into the bottle, then add the distilled water.
4. Shake well to blend all the ingredients.
5. Lightly spray the deodorant on your dog’s coat, avoiding the face and eyes.
6. Use as needed to keep your dog smelling fresh between baths.

How To Use Essential Oils For Dogs Safely

Essential oils are highly concentrated and must always be diluted before use on your dog. A good rule of thumb is one to two drops of essential oil per two tablespoons of carrier oil (like almond or castile soap) to avoid irritation or toxicity.

Always keep an eye on your dog after applying any essential oil product. If you notice redness, itching, or unusual behavior, stop using the product immediately and rinse your dog’s skin with clean water.

Store your DIY essential oil products in cool, dark places to maintain their effectiveness. Make sure to label bottles clearly and keep them out of reach of pets and children to prevent accidental ingestion.

FAQ

What essential oils can I use on my dog? Lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and peppermint are safe natural oils to apply essential oils for your dog's health, offering calming and antibacterial benefits. Always dilute them with fractionated coconut oil or add essential oils to an oil and soap mixture for safe application.

How do I make my dog smell better with essential oils? You can mix one drop of lavender essence oil with a eucalyptus essential oil bottle and distilled water to create a deodorizing spray. This DIY solution keeps your dog fresh while supporting their best life with natural ingredients.

How do you make essential oil spray for dogs? Combine fractionated coconut oil, distilled water, and balsam fir or lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray lightly on your dog’s coat, avoiding the face and eyes, for a refreshing boost to your dog's health.

What essential oil calms dog anxiety? Lavender essence oil is one of the best natural oils to calm anxiety in dogs, offering soothing properties when applied in small amounts. Add essential oils like Roman chamomile for added relaxation benefits during stressful moments.