A Beginner’s Guide to Pet Aromatherapy: Soothing Scents for Cats and Dogs

While many people think that aromatherapy is a recent trend, the truth is that it can be traced back as far as 3500 B.C. That said, it’s long been understood that various scents can evoke emotions, behaviors, and feelings in humans. That’s why you may choose a chamomile tea when you are looking to relax. Or a peppermint tea if you need a boost of energy.

And that’s why sleeping with the relaxing scent of lavender can help you get such a good night’s rest. But did you know that pet aromatherapy is a thing, too? It’s true! Pets can benefit from calming scents, especially if they are feeling anxious, scared, or sad. 

What is Aromatherapy for Pets?

There’s no doubt that we love our pets. The benefits of pet ownership can be truly endless, too. Pets offer a loyal source of companionship; they keep us active and give many people a sense of purpose. In fact, about 86% of pet owners indicate that their pets have a positive impact on their mental health. 

And the truth is, we want to love and honor our pets. And to honor them, it's about far more than adoring our walls with our favorite pet portrait or tossing a custom dog pillow with a photo of Fido front and center, on our couch. We want to create an environment that is equally as enjoyable, calming, and stress-free as possible.

That’s where aromatherapy for pets comes into play. Simply stated, aromatherapy for cats and dogs involves the use of essential oils to promote relaxation and emotional well-being in animals. Just like for humans, specific scents can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, or create a calming atmosphere for pets. 

However, and while we’ll talk about this more below, we want to call out now that the only pet-safe essential oils are 100% pure, in carefully diluted amounts. When applied correctly, aromatherapy can help improve your pet’s overall health and well-being. It can ease stress and create a peaceful environment that is perfectly suited to their unique needs.

The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Cats and Dogs 

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably getting the picture—aromatherapy for your favorite pooch or kitty can be super beneficial. But those benefits extend far beyond calming your pet so you don’t have to run around after them day in and day out.

Aromatherapy can help with so many other things that you might not even realize. Here’s just some of what you can expect your pet will appreciate when you provide them with an aromatic environment. 

• Relief from pain and discomfort
• Support for arthritis and joint issues
• Help in easing anxiety and stress
• Soothing hot spots and irritated skin

And perhaps best of all, aromatherapy provides a gentle, non-invasive way to improve your pet’s overall well-being. You’ll benefit from it, too.

What You Need to Know About Pet-Safe Essential Oils

As we shared earlier, any essential oils that you use around your pets need to be 100% pure. This means that the oil should not contain any synthetic additives, chemicals, or fillers—just the natural essence extracted from the plant. Pure essential oils are safer for pets when used correctly and are more effective in providing the desired benefits.

However, it is important to understand that being pure does not mean the same thing as being undiluted. In fact, undiluted oils can be too strong for pets. First, remember that pets, especially dogs, have quite an impressive sense of smell. So, a super strong oil can end up being too strong for their little wet noses. And, many pets have sensitive skin. When there is too much oil in the environment, it can get on your pet’s skin causing rashes, itchiness, and other skin concerns.

So, just what are some essential oils that are safe for pets? Let’s start with a list of essential oils for dogs.

• Lavender: Known for its calming properties, it is great for reducing anxiety.
• Frankincense: Supports immune health and reduces inflammation.
• Cedarwood: Helps with relaxation and repels insects.
• Turmeric: A natural anti-inflammatory, great for joint pain.
• Copaiba: Eases discomfort and supports overall wellness.
• Petitgrain: Helps calm nervousness and anxiety.
• Arborvitae: Known for its cleansing and purifying properties.
• Peppermint: Can help with digestion and soothe sore muscles.
• Lemon: Uplifting and refreshing, useful for mood improvement (use with caution).

Cats Can Benefit from Essential Oils, Too

Just as your dog can benefit from aromatherapy and essential oils, so can your favorite feline. We feel like this topic is worth a section of its own because many pet owners don’t realize that cats can suffer from anxiety, just as dogs do. Unfortunately, it may be harder to determine that your cat is in an anxious mood because they are such independent animals and are not quite as trusting as dogs are. 

Cats can experience anxiety for many reasons. At the top of the list is a change in your pet’s environment such as a move to a new home. Cats can also feel uneasy from loud noises, separation anxiety, certain medications, and trauma. So, cat owners may want to try burning some essential oils in their homes to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

Here are the best calming essential oils for cats.

• Chamomile: Helps soothe stress and promote relaxation.
• Frankincense: Supports emotional balance and overall well-being.
• Rose Oil: Calming and uplifting, great for reducing anxiety.
• Valerian: Known for its calming effect, it is particularly helpful for high-stress situations.

How to Create a Calming Aromatic Environment For Your Pet

There are many ways that you can create your own tranquil and aromatic space for your pets. The most common ways include the following:

• Apply diluted oils to their skin: You can apply a small amount of diluted essential oil directly to your pet’s skin, but it’s always best to consult with a vet first to make sure it’s safe for your pet's skin type and needs.
• Use a diffuser or humidifier: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier to fill the space with a calming scent. This is a gentle way to expose your pet to soothing aromas.
• Burning oils in an oil burner: While you can burn oils, we don’t recommend this method as it can pose safety risks, especially with curious pets or small children around.

Follow the Crown & Paw Blog For More Great Pet Insights

At Crown & Paw, we love pets as much as you do. That’s why we have created such a great assortment of pet-inspired gifts to help you celebrate your favorite furry companion. From choosing your favorite watercolor pet portrait to a throw pillow to t-shirts adorned with the face of your favorite feline or canine, we’ve got it all.
Check out our selection, and in the meantime, be sure to check out more great articles on the Crown & Paw blog.