Aromatherapy has become a huge rave for pet owners, in fact, there is a ton of information online about it. Today, we’re going to take a look at some essential oils for Pugs as well as how to find the right ones that are safe to use.
Best Way To Use Essential Oils for Dogs
You can give your dog essential oils aromatically, topically, once the oil has been diluted either with water or in a carrier oil such as sunflower seed, olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
Avoid giving your pooch any essential oils orally, unless you have purchased the highest quality oil and discussed it with your veterinarian.
There are several ways to safely give your dog essential oils. You can use a spray bottle, ointment, shampoo, diffuser, or dry shampoo. Always make sure you diffuse it beforehand.
Top Recommended Product
The Canine Coddler is designed specifically for pet anxiety aromatherapy treatment.
Pet deodorant spray for smelly dogs with a calming effect.
A calming essential oil that helps reduce stress in Pugs and other dogs.
The Many Uses of Essential Oils For Dogs
Many dog owners have been using natural pet care to help their four-legged friend with flea control, anxiety, strains, arthritis, scars, bruises, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, immune system support, repelling ticks and fleas, treating infections, heart murmurs and etc.
Other pet owners have turned to essential oils to help keep their home clean and move away from toxic cleaning products that can harm their pets.
Regardless of why you’re considering using them, it’s important to remember to use 3-5 drops and dilute it 80-90% in an oil carrier.
I’ll be sharing some of the best essential oils for dogs as well as the ones that I highly recommend below.
Are Essential Oils Safe For Pugs?
Absolutely, if done correctly. Thousands of pet owners are using them for holistic pet care. The important thing to remember is these oils are potent substances and if used incorrectly, can pose serious risks if used incorrectly.
Canines have much more sensitive skin than humans and cause irritations in both you and your pooch. Flat-faced dogs like the Pug, are known to have respiratory difficulties and may be more sensitive to the oils.
Always look for formulated products that incorporate dog-safe essential oils. I’ve put together a list of some dog-friendly essential oils below.
If you’re unsure of whether or not to use them, always consult with your veterinarian.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years and are often used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes.
The essential oils are compounds that have been derived from herbs and plants. The extraction process occurs through cold pressing or careful steam distillation.
Natural essential oils tend to be much more powerful than the botanicals they were extracted from. This is why it’s so important to keep safety in your mind when using them on your four-legged friend.
As a pet parent, it’s important to know which plants are toxic to Pugs.
Tips For Choosing The Best Pet-Safe Essential Oils
There is no shortage of essential oils on the market, according to Healthline, there are more than 90 different types of essential oils on the market.
Here are some things to consider before buying essential oils for your pooch.
#1 Look For 100% “Pure” On The Bottle
100% purity is the most important thing to look for before using any type of essential oil on or around your pet.
When shopping for aromatherapy products, always look for the “100% pure” on every label your purchase. If that is NOT visible on the label, it is a good sign that it may chemicals and compounds have been added.
It’s hard to know if those compounds will be unsafe or poisonous to your dog.
Unfortunately, just seeing the “100% Pure” on a label does not automatically mean it is pet-friendly.
Pay attention to the ingredients and find out what carrier oils (other ingredients) have been added to help dilute the oil.
#2 How Is The Name Of The Oil Used?
One thing you’ll notice is that any vendor will list both the common name as well as the Latin or Botanical name on the label.
For instance, Peppermint (Mentha piperita).
#3 Cheapest Is Not Always The Best
While you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to start using essential oils. You should steer clear of the ones that are too cheap.
Creating just a small amount of essential oil requires a LOT of plants. If the price is too cheap, there’s a good possibility that the manufacturers have implemented shortcuts to save money.
Investing in a good reputable therapeutic grade essential oil will last for quite a while, and you’ll feel much better about using it for both you and your pet.
#4 Does It Say Pet Care Products?
Dog friendly essential oils will specifically say that it is safe to use on or around dogs, cats or other pets.
If you’re unsure of whether it is safe to use around your pooch, make sure you contact the company via their chat or email support system to find out if it is pet-friendly.
#5 How The Product Was Created?
Any trustworthy company that sells pet products will be happy to reveal its manufacturing method.
It should clearly state on their website which parts of the plants were used in the creation of the oil.
Most Common Dog Friendly Essential Oils That Are Considered Safe For Pets and Their Uses
These essential oils are considered “light” and considered pet-friendly. If used correctly, they can be extremely beneficial to canine health.
| Smells Like | Common Name | Botanical Name | Benefits for Pug |
| Earthy, Woody, and Warm | Carrot Seed | Daucus Carota | Super gentle oil that is great for skin care, scaring, holistic healing, and certain skin conditions. |
| Wood | Marjoram | Origanum majorana | Helps with dogs that suffer from nervousness and frightfulness. |
| Woody & Sweet | Atlas Cedarwood | Cedrus Atlantica | Known as the gentle giant and is beneficial for improving circulation, skin care, and deterring fleas. |
| Sweet and Herbaceous | Chomomile German | Matricaria recutita | Known for soothing skin burns, skin irritations, and allergic reactions. Great as an anti-inflammatory. |
| Robust and Piquant | Clary Sage | Salvia Sclarea | Has calming effects when used in small doses. |
| Sweet & Fruity | Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus globulus | Known as Tasmanian Bluegum and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Can be used to help repel fleas, and relieve chest congestion. |
| Woody Sweet Smell | Chamomile (German) | Matricaria recutita | Gentle product that works as a great anti-inflammatory. |
| Floral | Geranium | Rose Geranium | Used to treat fungal ear infections, skin irritations, and help repel ticks. |
| Spicy | Marjoram | Origanum marjorana | Works great as a calming oil and muscle relaxant. Can be used as an insect repellent. |
| Sweet Antiseptic Smell | Niaouli | Melaleuca quinquenervia | Powerful anti-bacterial fighter that helps fight against allergies and infections. |
| Floral | Rose | Rosa damascend | Known for stabilizing the central nervous system and can help calm your pet. |
| Menthol | Peppermint | Mentha piperita | Helps stimulate circulation for sprains, arthritis, dysplasia, injuries, and helps relieve pain and itching. |
| Warm and Spicy | Ginger | Zingiber officinale | Helps with motion sickness, and indigestion. |
| Earthy Aroma | Valerian | Valeriana officinalis | Great for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, or fear of loud noises from fireworks or thunderstorms. |
| Licorice Like With Earthy Citrus Backnote | Ravensare aromatica | Cinnamonum camphora | Used as a gentle antiviral for dogs. |
| Resin Oil That Has A Sweet & Woody Smell | Frankincense Carterli | Boswellia carterii | Works as an anti-microbial/Antibacterial and can help encourage confidence and tranquility. |
| Sweet Citrus | Orange Sweet | Citrus sinesis | Pleasant smell that can help treat skin conditions, calming effects, repel fleas and can work as a deodorizer. |
*This list is for informational purposes, always consult with your veterinarian before using any natural products on your pet.
Essential Oils That Are Toxic To Dogs
Oils that are toxic to dogs, but are not limited to:
- Tea Tree (melaleuca)
- Sweet Birch
- Wintergreen
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Pine
- Pennyroyal
- Citrus (d-limonene)
- Yarrow
- Anise
- Cloves (Syzgium aromaticum)
- Ylang ylang
- Juniper
- Horse Radish (Armoracia Rusticana)
You should also avoid using liquid potpourri products as they can be poisonous to dogs through ingestion and skin exposure.
Never give your dog any essential orally, unless it has been approved by your veterinarian.
5 Of The Best Essential Oils For Pugs And How To Use Them
All the following oils are completely safe to use canines. I’ve done my best to bring you the best ones on the market according to the reviews and research I’ve done.
As always make sure you do your due diligence before using any type of product for your Pug.
The following oils can be used for both your dog and to help keep your home clean.
#1 100% Pure Lemon Grass Oil
Essential oil with a strong lemon scent to energize and uplift..
While you won’t be using this oil directly on your dog, it can help you keep your home clean.
If you love the smell of lemon when cleaning, then you may want to consider using the uplifting aromatherapy scent of lemongrass.
While you should never use citrus-based oil cleaning products, as it can be harmful. This essential oil is 100% pure and does not contain any synthetic ingredients.
It’s a great alternative to keep your home clean without using any toxic house cleaners.
#2 Pure Peppermint Therapeutic Grade Oil
A pure essential oil that is non-toxic and doesn't contain...
Peppermint oil is a highly recommended oil for dogs as it is useful for stimulating circulation, and may even help repel insects. It is a great reliever when dogs are overheated.
Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential oil does NOT contain any toxic additives and has not been diluted. You will need to dilute it with a carrier oil.
#3 Pet-Safe Canine Coddler Aromatherapy
A calming essential oil that helps reduce stress in Pugs and other dogs.
Canine Coddler helps create a calming effect on canines to help reduce stress in dogs that suffer from separation anxiety.
This is a great holistic way to help your dog who suffers from fear or nervousness. Aromatherapy can help dogs who have a phobia from loud thunderstorms, firestorms, traveling, going to the vet or any other type of anxiety.
The blend of oils from herbs and flowers will make your home smell great!
#4 Lavender Aromatherapy Natural Pet Spray
Pet deodorant spray for smelly dogs with a calming effect.
An all-natural lavender spray with primrose oil that provides your dog with aromatherapy benefits. Spray the odor eliminating spray directly on your pet’s coat and brush the coat.
It not only leaves the fur and skin soft and smooth, but the fragrance will help your dog or puppy relax.
Tear-free and paraben-free is designed to work safely for dogs, puppies, and even cats.
#5 Aromatherapy Spray For Dog Grooming and Odor Elimination
Dog safe with a fresh aroma that will help Pugs that suffer from anxiety.
The Aromatherapy Freshening and Shining Spray for Dogs are veterinary approved and made in the USA. It can be used as both a calming and grooming spray to help reduce anxiety without using any harmful chemicals or colognes.
Gentle enough to use on dogs that struggle with allergies or have sensitive skin. Not meant to be a replacement for regular grooming and bathing, it can help keep your pooch smelling fresh.
100% natural ingredients that are completely safe for your dog.
Final Word On Essential Oils And Pugs
As you can see, not all oils are created equal. Always purchase pure, therapeutic brands from reputable companies that do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
Make sure you fully understand how to use essential oils for Pugs. If your dog doesn’t show any interest or is having any adverse reactions, stop using it
There are several benefits of using essential oils for dogs, just make sure you’re using them correctly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe For Dogs? Tea Tree Oil is known to be extremely toxic to dogs. The toxic symptoms that can occur are loss of coordination, depression, skin irritations, paralysis of the rear legs, vomiting, and a decrease in body temperature.
Is Wynmere Essential Oils Amazon Safe For Dogs? Their website says they have the purest, and highest quality therapeutic essential oils, however, it does not mention anywhere that they carry dog friendly oils. So you may want to contact them on their website before ordering.
References and Further Reading
Science Direct – The Effect Of A Spot-On Formulation Containing Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids And Essential Oils On Dogs With Atopic Dermatitis.
VCA Hospitals – Dr. Charlotte Flint, DVM & Ahna Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT, Associate Director of Veterinary Services, Pet Poison Helpline – Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning In Dogs.
Wyndmere – A – Z Guide of Essential Oils
LifeForce – Carrier Oils For Your Dogs