Essential oils for anxious dogs

Using essential oils for anxious dogs and extracts from plants that are known for their calming properties can help keep dogs relaxed in many scenarios. Even at bath time, when the most placid of dogs can get anxious about grooming.

Scientific studies into the use of aromatherapy with dogs goes as far back as the mid-1800s in Germany and France, and it’s a widely accepted practice today in many veterinarian clinics globally, where essential oils for anxious dogs are used.

They can be used to help create a calm environment, soothe itchy or irritated skin, treat digestive upsets, and even heal infections.

However, it is important to make sure any essential oils or extracts being used are diluted, applied in the right way, and are non-toxic to any other pets in your home.

For dogs, and humans, Lavender is probably the most well-known essential oils for anxious dogs to help with stress, fear and anxiety.

It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, pain reliever and antibacterial, but it’s extremely potent, so must always be diluted if being applied directly to the skin or in a diffuser.

Bergamot is known to help balance emotions by soothing panic, snappiness, depression and frustration, all of which we know our dogs can experience, while Chamomile can work as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and a muscle relaxant so can ease stress and even settle upset stomachs. Again, they should be diluted.

Then there is Calendula, a non-toxic plant for both dogs and cats, that has been used for centuries to decrease bacteria and fungus and speed the healing of skin and other body tissues, inside and out.

So when it comes to incorporating essential oils for anxious dogs into your grooming routine, the DGG Relax Shampoo is the perfect choice for a nervous pooch, or those with sensitive skin.

It not only contains Lavender, Calendula and Chamomile, but is made with colloidal oat and honey to nourish skin and coats.

Then there’s the DGG Relax Dog Coat and Bedding spray with Lavender, Chamomile and Bergamot you can use every day to not only help your pooch feel calm, but it also contains Ordenon, which is a safe non-toxic compound that entraps and eliminates odours.

As with all of the DGG shampoos and sprays, they are PH balanced for dogs, free of any nasty chemicals, are not tested on animals, and are Australian made and owned.

You can find the DGG range at your local pet specialty store, including PETstock, or online.

Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog