You no doubt have heard conflicting information about using lavender around dogs, with the question being whether it’s safe to do so. The issue is that there are both yes and no answers, depending on the situation and different variables. Hopefully, we can help you deal with this quandary by explaining what lavender is, how it’s used, and when it’s safe for dogs.
What Is Lavender?
Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, or Lavandula officinalis, is a shrubby plant that tends to grow on sunny, rocky hillsides. It produces a fragrant purple flower that is the source of all its medicinal magic. Oil extracted from lavender blossoms has been used to help calm anxiety and stress, promote sleep, and help reduce pain. It may also possess antibacterial and antiviral capabilities.
Lavender oil has been incorporated into many human calming lotions, ointments, soaps, sprays, and supplements. It has also been used to promote hair growth on balding scalps.
How Is Lavender Given to Dogs?
You may see the same kinds of products, including calming sprays, shampoos, and oils, available for canines that suffer from stress and anxiety or difficulty sleeping. It’s also sometimes part of natural bug-repellent products.
But here’s where most of the confusion comes in. According to the ASPCA, lavender is toxic to dogs when consumed in large amounts.1 The plant contains a compound called linalool, which can lead to signs of digestive upset in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence—if they eat enough of it. The interesting part is that fresh lavender doesn’t contain high concentrations of linalool, but the essential oil version does.
Ultimately, using different types of lavender oil products on your dog may have varying effects. For example, having dried lavender around may provide safe aromatic relaxation benefits, while feeding lavender essential oil to your dog can end up creating stomach problems for days. Make sure you speak to your veterinarian before using lavender products around your pet so you choose a method and dose that is safe for them.
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What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Lavender?
Most of the time, any lavender that you use around your dog won’t be on a regular basis. Instead, you may use a calming spray for trips to the vet or apply a calming shampoo when your dog is overly stressed. Always make sure the lavender product that you’re using is safe and approved for dogs by first talking to your vet.
Potential Side Effects of Lavender in Dogs
The biggest issue regarding lavender and canines is when it is ingested. A high concentration of linalool can cause digestive problems, which means you should not give lavender essential oil to your dog. They’ll also have issues if they eat lavender oil-containing products, such as lotions, creams, or supplements.
Some dogs may even have reactions to diffused lavender essential oil. If your dog has a sensitive respiratory system, they can be wheezing or coughing or have watery eyes or even difficulty breathing if they’re exposed to high concentrations of the diffused oil.
You may also see skin irritation or another allergic reaction if you don’t dilute lavender essential oil before putting it on a dog’s skin. Speak to your vet before using a product like this to make sure you are applying it in safe concentrations on a healthy pup. Essential oils in general can be dangerous to canines, so it’s better to get a lavender-containing canine product like commercial dog shampoo or spray rather than make your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is It Safe for Dogs to Smell Lavender?
The answer to this depends. Sniffing a fresh lavender plant shouldn’t cause any problems, but smelling diffused lavender essential oil may cause a reaction, depending on your dog.
Canines should generally not be exposed to diffused essential oils, especially in a confined space. However, products like shampoos or soaps containing lavender should not cause any issues.
Spraying lavender-scented sprays on your dog’s bed can be calming and aid in inducing sleep, but it’s best to consult with your vet first to ensure it’s safe for your pet.
While the aroma of lavender can have calming effects on dogs, it should be diffused safely. It is not recommended to diffuse essential oils around dogs in a confined space due to their sensitive respiratory systems. Diluting the oil or diffusing it in a larger area may be safer options. Consulting with your vet before diffusing lavender is advised.
In conclusion, fresh or dried lavender is generally safe for dogs and can provide calming benefits, but ingesting lavender essential oil should be avoided. Always consult with your vet before using any lavender products on your dog to ensure their safety and proper usage. sentence in a different way:
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