The Well-Oiled Pet Part 3 – Tips For Using Essential Oils With Animals
- Jan 16, 2025
- 5 min read
Written by Mary Ann Green, Holistic Practitioner
Mary Ann Green is a trusted energy practitioner, human nourishment coach and animal intuitive. Her journey through CPTSD, disordered eating and caring for loved ones, including companion animals, led her to certifications as a Pn1 Sports & Exercise Nutrition Coach, Reiki Master, Master Life Coach, Healy and Animal Reiki practitioner.
We’re back with Part 3 of The Well-Oiled Pet, designed to provide facts and dispel fears about using essential oils (EO) with the animals in your life. In the first article of this series, we explored some necessary factors to consider when supporting the well- being of your animals with EO, such as species-specific sensitivities, cautionary compounds, the simplest ways to introduce EO to your animals and the importance of using the highest quality, organic, therapeutic- grade essential oils.
In the second article, we reviewed how important it is to use a high quality oil and discussed how to introduce your animals to essential oils. Then, we covered the crucial “what to avoid” for their safety.
Here, we delve into dosing – quantities.
Their biology
The very design of many animals means they may be more sensitive to the effects of EO. For example, animals have more hair follicles than humans and may be able to absorb the oils more effectively as a result. The more hair follicles per square inch of body, the greater EO absorption.
This means that a cat can absorb more EO through its skin than a dog or cow since the dog and cow have coarser hair.
Size matters
In addition to the type of hair (fur, feathers) an animal has, size matters! As noted in Animal Essential Oils Desk Reference, if a 160-pound person uses 3-5 drops of EO, then a 1,600 horse would require 10 times that amount while a dog weighing 16 pounds would need 1/10th the human amount.
If that made your head almost explode…first, there’s an oil for that (humor helps and so does Rosemary) and, second, there are other ways to approach this.
Smaller and exotic animals require less oil and a less intense initial exposure. So, while applying oil directly to the hoof of a horse (like humans applying to the soles of feet), you will want to dilute EO for small dogs, cats, exotic pets.
In these cases, diffusion may be a great way to start.
Cautionary tales (pun intended)
As noted in the first article, several species of animals are more sensitive to the compounds in some oils so be mindful if using “hot oils”/oils high in phenols, sesquiterpenes, eugenols like Clove, Thyme, Oregano, Cinnamon, etc.
Please dilute these oils with a carrier oil like V-6, castor oil, coconut oil, etc., in a ratio of 1 drop EO to 6, 8 or 10 drops carrier oil (depending on size of the animal and your personal experience with the animal).
Also, citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Citrus Fresh, etc.) should be used carefully around felines (see Part 1).
How much
Since “how much” EO to use can be confusing, I’m going to refer directly to the guidelines provided in the Animal Essential Oils Desk Reference (complete credit to this source). Here are the percentages recommended:
90% = 1 drop EO + 9 drops carrier oil
80% = 2 drops EO + 8 drops carrier
70% = 3 drops EO + 7 drops carrier
60% = 4 drops EO + 6 drops carrier
50% = 5 drops EO + 5 drops carrier (also called 50:50 = 1 drop EO + 1 drop carrier)
40% = 6 drops EO + 4 drops carrier
30% = 7 drops EO + 3 drops carrier
20% = 8 drops EO + 2 drops carrier
10% = 9 drops EO + 1 drop carrier
If you are planning to use EO regularly with your animals, I do recommend getting a Desk Reference as it provides not only information on various oils to use with different types of animals, but recipes as well.
General guidelines
General guidelines for the percentages are as follows:
Smaller animals like cats, small dogs, exotics: Apply 3-5 drops of diluted (80-90%) oil per application
Larger animals, including large dogs, goats, pigs: Apply 3-5 drop neat/un-diluted per application (unless high in phenols)
Large animals like horses, elephants, cattle: Apply 10-15 drops neat/un-diluted per application (unless high in phenols)
Remember, if you’re unsure please start low and slow — small amounts of oils and consider diffusing.
Low & slow
As noted in the first well-oiled pets piece, one simple way to introduce your animals to oils is by YOU wearing them when you are around your pets/livestock or through cool-air diffusion.
Both methods provide a lower and slower exposure, allowing animals to get familiar with new scents. If the animal is still not receptive to the scent of an oil, try mixing the EO with something they like and see how they respond.
Another option is to diffuse the oil for a day or two in an area close to their primary space in the house or barn, providing time for the animal(s) to adjust to the scent. Additionally, you can dilute it with a carrier oil.
Please note: Always, always, always use only the highest-quality, therapeutic grade, organically raised and thoroughly tested essential oils. Preferably those that are sustainably harvested and independently tested.
For more tips on using EO with animals:
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Read more from Mary Ann Green
Mary Ann Green, Holistic Practitioner
“Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost.” ~Ellen DeGeneres (maybe not even then)
A holistic health practitioner and nourishment coach, Mary Ann Green melds modern science, ancient wisdom, personal experience and insightful senses into an artful practice empowering clients to discover and walk their most nourished path.
She believes all beings have an innate tendency towards wholeness. All beings have an inherent desire to live their fullest lives. However, Green knows that not all have the same backgrounds, experiences, or skills to support the well-being of body, mind, and spirit. This is the genesis of the NourishedPath.net.
