The fresh and light scent of lemongrass essential oil is definitely one some of us enjoy, but what about our canine companions?
It’s said that citrus scents are not favorites for dogs, but do the benefits they provide outweigh your dog’s dislike? Especially since essential oils are potent and concentrated, we can only imagine that the smell can be overwhelming for dogs whose sense of smell is far superior.
In order to answer that question, we’ll have to take a closer look at lemongrass oil, its benefits and risks.
Is Lemongrass Oil Safe for Your Dog?
The safety of lemongrass oil for dogs is dependent on a number of things. When diluted properly and used in small amounts, it’s mostly considered safe.
Because there has been little research, especially on its effects on dogs, it is critical to take some precautions.
While lemongrass oil has benefits such as repelling insects and providing a relaxing scent, its concentrated nature might cause adverse reactions in some fur babies. Dogs may be sensitive to the smell, and ingesting it could cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal problems, or even essential oil (EO) poisoning in some severe cases.
Consult a veterinarian before using lemongrass oil on your dog to ensure its safety. Your regular vet should have the knowledge of your dog’s health to guide you through safe application methods and assist you in making an informed decision based on your dog’s specific needs.
Potential Benefits of lemongrass oil for dogs
There are potential calming effects to lemongrass scent when diffused and like lavender essential oil, it could help calm your nervous fur baby. Again, research is limited on the effects of this specific oil on dogs, which leaves us more uncertain about its safety. Many websites suggest that it is safe, but the amount and dilution are critical.
If you choose to incorporate lemongrass essential oil into your dog’s regimen, make sure to monitor the effects. If you suspect your dog is acting strangely or exhibiting concerning side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting, or anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet immediately.
To be extra careful, we’d recommend opting for dog-friendly essential oil alternatives that are backed by far more studies such as the aforementioned lavender, as well as chamomile, cardamom, frankincense, and myrrh.
Potential Benefits of lemongrass oil
- Remove tension
- Elevate mood
- Calm anxiety
Is Lemongrass Oil Safe to Diffuse Around Dogs
There are two primary ways to apply lemongrass EO to your dog’s healthcare routine and one of them is through diffusion. But, is lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs to breathe? Lemongrass is known for its pleasant scent and is also widely used in some Asian cuisines, but there is a chance it could overwhelm your dog.
Can you use Lemongrass Oil Topically?
If compared, we’d say applying lemongrass essential oil topically requires more caution than diffusion. This is because there is a greater chance your dog can accidentally ingest the oil.
Again, research is limited but we can predict that lemongrass oil has the potential to repel insects, promote healthy skin, and even create a relaxing and calm environment for your pooch.
Can you apply lemongrass oil to your dog’s coat?
You can apply diluted lemongrass directly on your dog’s coat or use it in spray form diluted even more in water. Before doing so, we would recommend conducting a patch test on a small area to gauge your dog’s response.
If you notice any irritation, redness, swelling, or any other unusual side effects then we’d recommend stopping right away and washing the area with clean water.
Incorporating Lemongrass Oil into Dog-Friendly Products
One more way to apply lemongrass oil is to mix it into dog-friendly products. This can be a safer way to enjoy the potential benefits it can bring. You can consider adding a few drops of diluted lemongrass essential oil to homemade dog shampoos to help deter insects and provide a refreshing scent. You can also blend it with safe carrier oils to create calming massage oils for your dog.
Remember to always prioritize your dog’s well-being by properly diluting your choice of oils and conducting patch tests before introducing new products. Keep in mind that each dog is different, complete with different sensitivities, so observing reactions is crucial to make sure your dog can reap the advantages but also stay safe.
Lemongrass oil in Dog Shampoos and Candles
Some things to add diluted lemongrass oil to would be homemade dog shampoos, which could help to deter insects and add a nice and refreshing scent. If you’re crafty and savvy enough, you can also add a few drops of lemongrass oil to homemade candles. This could help with aromatherapy but remember to only use it in a well-ventilated space!
Before deciding what to add lemongrass to, remember that every dog is different. You could have a case where your dog’s long-trusted product becomes irritating because of the added oil.
Always prioritize your dog’s well-being by properly diluting the oils and conducting patch tests before introducing new products – not just EOs.
How to Dilute Lemongrass Essential Oil for Dogs
Undiluted oil should never be used on your dog. The little bottle of EO is so small because it is highly concentrated. Applying the oil in its undiluted form could lead to essential oil poisoning, which could be fatal in serious cases.
Picking the right essential oil is also crucial to your dog’s safety. Choose a high-quality, pure, and preferably organic oil to mix with a dog-safe oil, which is referred to as a base or carrier oil.
How to Use Lemongrass Oil Safely
A typical rule of thumb for topical use is to combine one drop of lemongrass oil with 50 drops of carrier oil. Some examples of dog-safe carrier oils include coconut, jojoba, or olive oil.
Once you’ve properly diluted the EO, you can apply it directly or add it to a spray can of water to use as a mist for skin and coat health.
Another way to use essential oils of any scent safely is with a diffuser. The ratio would then be 100:3 drops. This formula is a good start to make sure the smell doesn’t overpower your dog’s senses. However, you may need to tweak the ratio after evaluating your dog’s reaction.
Dog Licked Lemongrass Oil: What to Do
First off, don’t panic! How much your dog ingested is the key to whether or not he is at risk of EO poisoning. This is not to say that licking a little bit is safe, diluted essential oil is generally less of a concern than it would be in its concentrated form.
What to Do
Monitor your dog, and if some mild symptoms occur, try to wipe down your pooch’s mouth and tongue to try and clear some of that oil out. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking to your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline. Most important of all, do not induce vomiting without speaking to a professional.
Contact your vet clinic immediately or call the helpline and tell them what happened. The professional on the other end of the line will be able to give you guidance on what to do next based on how much your dog ingested, his size, and how long it’s been.
Be sure to keep the bottle of EO handy since they may need to know additional info about the ingredients in the lemongrass oil to provide more insight.
Does Lemongrass Oil Kill Fleas?
It is believed that lemongrass oil has the potential to repel fleas due to its strong scent. However, how effective it is at killing fleas is still undetermined.
While it may help keep fleas at bay to a certain extent, we wouldn’t suggest relying on lemongrass oil for comprehensive pest protection. It should be used alongside proven flea repellents your vet recommends.
Conclusion
Lemongrass essential oil is a double-edged sword and can provide potential benefits and risks for our canine pals. Sure, it can be great for insect repelling and provide a nice and refreshing scent, but in large amounts, it can be deadly.
Remember that there is still limited research on the topic of EOs, so consult with a veterinarian to ensure your dog’s safety and well-being. Whether you use lemongrass topically or diffused, proper dilution and observation of your dog’s reactions are important!
