Essential Oils: What’s Safe for Dogs and What’s Not?

We all love a fresh-smelling home; it’s part of what makes a space feel inviting and cosy. And if you don’t have pets, keeping things smelling clean is pretty straightforward. But when you add a dog, or two… or three into the mix, things get a little trickier.

Dogs come with their own signature scent, and let’s be honest, it’s part of their charm. As dog owners, we secretly love that warm, slightly funky, "I-just-rolled-in-the-grass" smell. But you’re not alone if you’ve also had that moment wondering, Does my house smell like dog?

That’s why so many of us reach for essential oils like diffusers, candles, room sprays and anything else that helps to keep our space fresh and inviting. But sadly, not all essential oils are dog-friendly. In fact, that citrusy candle flickering in the corner of your living room right now could be doing more harm than good. And while a nice-smelling home is great, your pup’s health is way more important.

So today, we’ll walk you through which essential oils are safe to use around your dog, and even some that might even benefit your furry friend. Yes, that does mean you can have it all. You can have a home that smells amazing and a happy, healthy pup to enjoy it with.

The short answer to this question is yes! But keep in mind that this only applies to candles that are non-toxic and pet safe. Many traditional and cheap candles contain paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and harmful chemicals that release toxins into the air, which can be irritating and even dangerous to your pup.

Instead, we recommend choosing candles made with natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax, which burn cleaner and don’t produce harmful fumes. And of course, it’s also essential to be mindful of scents. While some fragrances can be calming for dogs, others like strong citrus or eucalyptus may cause discomfort or even toxicity. That’s why we always suggest opting for specially formulated dog-safe candles which are designed to create a fresh-smelling home without compromising your pet’s well-being.

There’s nothing better than coming home from a long day, lighting a scented candle and cuddling with our pups on the sofa. But if your dog could talk, what would they say about the scents you use in your home?

The truth is, dogs experience smells differently than we do. Some scents that we find calming can be overwhelming to their super-powered noses, while others can actually have beneficial effects, like reducing stress or repelling pesky bugs. But just like humans, every dog is different and what works for one pup might not be ideal for another. That’s why it’s important to introduce new scents gradually and keep an eye on how your dog reacts. And if you’re ever unsure, a quick chat with your vet is always a good idea.

So what are the best dog-friendly essential oils that are safe to use around your pup and may even help them feel their best?

• Lavender – A go-to for relaxation, lavender can help ease anxiety in dogs, making it great for stressful situations like thunderstorms or vet visits. Just remember to dilute it properly and never let your pup ingest it.
• Cornmint – A milder alternative to peppermint, cornmint has a cooling, refreshing scent that can help freshen up your space without overwhelming your dog’s senses.
• Cedarwood – More than just a rich, earthy scent, cedarwood is a natural flea and tick repellent, making it a great choice for homes with dogs.
• Bergamot – This cheerful citrus scent is a great mood booster! Unlike other citrus oils which can be harsh on dogs, bergamot is much gentler and can help freshen the air.
• Lemongrass – Not only does lemongrass smell bright and fresh, but it also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great natural deodorizer. Bonus: It helps keep mosquitoes away!

• Rosemary– If you and your pup need a little extra focus, Rosemary is known to support mental clarity. It may also help with circulation and even freshen up dog breath when used in pet grooming products.
• Geranium – This floral, slightly earthy scent has natural antibacterial properties and can help balance emotions.
• Citronella – Best known for keeping mosquitoes at bay, citronella is also great at neutralising strong pet odours, making it a must-have dog-friendly essential oil.
• Frankincense – This grounding scent is commonly used for relaxation and immune system support. It may even help soothe minor skin irritations when properly diluted.
• Chamomile – Just like how chamomile tea can help us unwind, chamomile essential oil has calming properties that may help anxious dogs feel more at ease.
• Ginger – This warm, spicy scent isn’t just for holiday candles! Ginger can help soothe upset stomachs and reduce nausea in dogs, making it especially useful for pups who get carsick.
• Myrrh – Known for its soothing and balancing properties, myrrh can help promote relaxation and may even support skin health.

Even though these essential oils are considered dog-friendly, it’s always important to use them correctly. Essential oils should be properly diluted, and diffusers should be placed in well-ventilated areas so your dog can leave the room if they choose.

Now that you know which essential oils are safe to use around your pup, what about the ones you should definitely avoid? While some scents are harmless or even beneficial, others can be irritating, toxic, or downright dangerous to dogs. Here’s a list of essential oils that should never be used around your furry friend.

• Anise – Can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to restlessness and distress.
• Cinnamon – Can cause skin irritation, digestive upset, and even liver toxicity in high amounts.
• Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, etc.) – Can be overwhelming for dogs and may cause vomiting or difficulty walking if ingested.
• Clove – Contains eugenol, which is toxic to dogs’ livers and can lead to digestive upset.
• Garlic – Highly concentrated and dangerous, garlic oil can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.
• Juniper – Can stress a dog’s kidneys and lead to long-term health issues.
• Pine – Often found in cleaning products, pine oil can irritate a dog’s respiratory system and cause vomiting.
• Thyme – Can cause digestive upset, low blood pressure, and respiratory irritation.
• Yarrow – Toxic to dogs and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin reactions.
• Tea Tree – One of the most toxic essential oils for dogs, causing lethargy, tremors, and even severe poisoning.

We know keeping a house smelling fresh when you own a dog is no easy task. No matter how much we love them, our furry friends have a way of bringing in mud, grass, and sometimes… things even worse (we won’t name names, but you know what we’re talking about).

But don’t worry, because there are plenty of ways to keep your home smelling fresh without sacrificing those outdoor adventures with your pup.

Step One: Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh

The easiest way to keep your house smelling good is to keep your dog smelling good. If your pup is regularly groomed and bathed, they’re less likely to leave behind that distinct “dog smell” on your furniture, carpets, and blankets. Plus, regular grooming means less loose fur and dust floating around which also helps keep your home feeling and smelling fresh.

Brushing your dog often helps remove dirt, dander, and excess fur before it ends up all over your house. We recommend investing in some good-quality dog brushes and dog shampoos that will not only keep their coat clean but also help control shedding and reduce odours at the source.

Want in on a little secret? One of the biggest game-changers for me, Milo and my home are dog coat sprays! You know when your dog comes back from the groomers and they smell amazing. Well, that’s probably because they use a dog-friendly spray on your pup’s coat. It’s essentially a perfume or cologne designed specifically for dogs, so they’re safe for their fur and skin.

Here at WOOOF, we have a range of dog coat sprays designed to keep your pup smelling delicious. I particularly love the Smellin' Good Coat Spray by Maxbone which is infused with a Vanilla & Sweet Pea scent. There’s also the ROGUE Rose & Smokey Oud Wood Dog Perfume by L'floof. This one is a rich, luxurious scent with rose, smoky oud wood, and a touch of clove. It also contains chamomile to condition and protect your dog’s coat plus it has some antibacterial properties to keep them clean.

Step Two: Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh

But of course, even with the best-groomed dog, keeping your home clean is essential for eliminating unwanted pet odours.

For starters, be sure to hoover and clean regularly. Hoover floors, furniture and rugs a few times a week. And when you’re done, make sure to clean out your hoover filter, because dog hair can build up here and start to smell inside the vacuum itself! It’s also a good idea to wash your dog’s bed, blankets and toys often. These hold onto smells more than you think.

And as any dog owner will know, dogs don’t just shed hair, but they also rub up against furniture and walls, leaving behind oils and dirt. So we suggest using a pet-safe, non-toxic cleaner to wipe down surfaces, doors, and baseboards every week or two to prevent lingering smells.

Finally, get your hands on some dog-safe essential oils and scents. Instead of traditional air fresheners, try and find dog-friendly essential oils for your diffusers, dog-safe candles and pet-friendly room sprays. That way, you know for sure these products are designed with your pup in mind.

At the end of the day, no matter how hard we try, our home will always smell a little like our dog. But you know what? We think that’s okay. Because while we love a fresh-smelling home, we love our dogs even more and they make our house a home far more than any scent ever could.

That being said, there are ways to make your home smell a little less dog-like. Just remember to keep your dog groomed, clean your home regularly, and use dog-friendly essential oils and scents where possible.

Here at WOOOF, we have everything you need to keep your home and your pup smelling amazing. From dog shampoos and coat sprays to detangling brushes, dental chews, toothbrushes, and even non-toxic candles, we’re here to make sure your space is just as fresh and inviting as the furry friend who lives in it.

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