Being aware of proper dilution ratios and application techniques is crucial when it comes to using essential oils on infants and dogs as well.
Utilizing some essential oils for babies older than 3 months can help them fall asleep, relieve anxiety, and even alleviate colic symptoms.
Today these smelly products are very popular and available almost everywhere. Before you make a purchase, make sure you are using high-quality, authentic, and pure essential oils.
This is very important because they are usually mixed with alcohol which can be unpleasant. Thus, try to avoid synthetic fragrances that do not possess any benefits to our health, and are skin-irritating.
Essential oils have increasingly become a popular home remedy to cure all sorts of ailments, from stress to an upset stomach.
But are essential oils safe for babies and dogs? The opinions on this matter seem to vary greatly. This blog explores whether or not essential oils are safe for use with different age groups and animals.
But in general, they are pretty harmless when used in moderation and as directed. When using these oils, try to mix them with a carrier oil rather than applying it straight on the skin.
When it comes to dogs and other pets, be careful. Always read the directions and make sure they are totally safe for their environment.
What essential oils are safe to diffuse around babies?
Before using any essential oils, first, consult with your healthcare provider. This also refers to the veterinarian, when it comes to the dogs. So, are essential oils safe for babies and dogs? Yes, but not all.
Here’s a list of essential oils that are safe to diffuse around babies:
- Calm
- Cedarwood
- Citrus Oils
- Copaiba
- Gentle Baby
- Lavender
- Peace and Calming
- Roman Chamomile
- White Angelica
- Ylang Ylang
Essential oils are safe to diffuse around babies when used as directed by the manufacturer. However, oils that should never be diffused include cinnamon, clove, and thyme.
Do not diffuse eucalyptus oil near a baby under three months old or any other oil that is not labeled for use on children of all ages.
The best thing to do is use essential oils in combination with a vaporizer instead of using them directly on the baby.
What essential oils are safe for pets and children?
The stated list above is safe for babies, but the list below are essential oils safe for babies and dogs as well.
- Cedarwood
- Fir
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Spearmint
- Tangerine
Safety depends on several factors as well. Things you should be careful about when using these oils are pureness and chemical composition, using techniques, its duration, and the dose itself.
What oils should you not diffuse around dogs?
When using certain oils for your dog, you should be extra cautious. Here’s a list of the ones that can be potentially dangerous:
- Birch
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
Aromatic oils affect dogs differently in terms of metabolization and reaction. When applying to your dog, be extra careful when it comes to the dog’s eyes.
Always wash your hands before and after putting the oils, in order to prevent getting the oil in your and your dog’s eyes as well.
There are significant differences between dog and human skin that may make certain oils toxic for your four-legged friend.
What oils are good to diffuse around dogs?
Essential oils like lavender, spearmint, and cardamom are totally safe. But, let’s check the detailed list below:
- Cardamom
- Fennel
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Helichrysum
- Spearmint
These oils can be very beneficial to your pet. They can be very helpful when it comes to allergies and burns.
For example, lavender can even help with anxiety during a car ride, while fennel can reduce toxins inside the tissue.
When we talk about cardamom, it has an antibacterial effect and can normalize the dog’s appetite. As well as helichrysum, which also has the same antibacterial effect, helps with cardiac disease.
Spearmint is good if the dog has stomach problems, while frankincense can even reduce tumors.
Even though these oils are pretty healthy, always use them in moderation and in consultation with your veterinarian.
When it comes to the question, are essential oils safe for babies and dogs, we want to be absolutely sure.
Therefore, besides contacting your pediatrician, when it comes to the dogs, consult a holistic veterinarian. You should get your dog diagnosed right away if the symptoms are severe or persist.
If you already have a good relationship with your chosen veterinarian, he will probably know the history of your dog’s health.
If not, make sure he has all the important information, as well as what kind of products your dog is using. By doing so you won’t have any issues interacting with any other supplements.
Summary
Essential oils have become pretty popular in the last few years. And how could they not? They are making our environment more pleasant, plus our place smells pretty nice.
But do not over exaggerate. Even though they can be therapeutic, are essential oils safe for babies and dogs? Yes, but not all.
Of course, when we apply them on the skin of our baby and even dogs, we have to be careful which ones and in what dose.
Some oils have a lot of health benefits, like helping babies with insomnia, anxiety, and reduce colic symptoms. When we talk about dogs, oils can help with diarrhea, reduce the toxins inside the body, as well as regenerate skin and repair the nerves.
The best thing to do is to follow the instructions, consult your healthcare provider, and choose the one that is natural, with no alcohol.
It’s recommendable to mix essential oils with a carrier oil, rather than applying only the oil on the skin.
If you follow the instructions and advice from the professionals, you, your baby, and your dog are totally safe when using essential oils.
