Is Patchouli Essential Oil Safe For Dogs?

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Aromatherapy has massively grown in popularity over the past couple of years. 

It’s easy to see why. Essential oils carry a lot of benefits that are chemical-free and organic. These days most people are more cautious about what they put into their bodies and expose themselves to. 

There has also been a rise in the number of aromatherapy fans treating their pets with essential oils. 

However, this isn’t always a wise practice. It’s very important to do your research because animals are highly sensitive. Some essential oils are toxic for dogs and can be extremely damaging. 

One popular product is patchouli oil. This has many great effects for humans but is patchouli essential oil safe for dogs?

What Is Patchouli Oil? 

Patchouli is an aromatic herb originally from Indonesia. 

The leaves and stems are harvested before they are dried out. Next, there is a distillation process to draw out the oil from the plant.

It has a distinctive woody scent characterized by traces of spice and sweetness. As a result, it’s often found in cosmetics and incense too. 

For centuries, users have enjoyed patchouli oil’s alleged benefits. 

Patchouli oil is great for the skin because of its regenerative qualities. It may renew collagen while also treating conditions like eczema and athlete’s foot. Furthermore, it has anti-aging properties that smoothen the skin. 

Allegedly it also has many positive effects on mental health. It can reduce anxiety and may relieve depression. A lot of people find that it helps them when they’re studying as it stabilizes their mind and eases stress. 

Finally, it can work as an anti-inflammatory and may work as an insecticide. 

Is Patchouli Essential Oil Safe For Dogs? 

Experts are mixed about whether patchouli oil is safe for our canine friends. 

This is true of most essential oils because of how sensitive dogs are. Humans can tolerate chemical imbalances within their bodies. But similar exposures can be devastating for our canine friends. 

Some believe that patchouli oil can be beneficial for dogs. 

The same positive effects that humans enjoy can also apply to our pooches. However, we should exercise a lot more care when we use them. Some patchouli oil packaging even advises against using it on pets because of the potential risks. 

Let’s look at the potential benefits of patchouli oil for dogs:

Anti-inflammation

Dogs often suffer inflammation through rough play or even their diets. This usually takes the form of swellings or red rashes. 

Gentle exposure to patchouli oil can help to reduce these maladies and improve your dog’s standard of living. 

Stress/Anxiety

A lot of dogs experience stress and anxiety at various points in their life. 

Some of them can’t handle thunderstorms or loud noises outside. Others go through separation trauma when they’re left alone for periods. Even moving house can cause trauma for your canine pal. 

That’s why it’s important to make them feel comfortable and safe. 

A lot of people like to use essential oils because they’re natural and have soothing effects on humans. The same can be true for dogs as long as you use them appropriately and choose the correct essential oil. 

How to Safely Use Essential Oils Around Dogs

As we keep reiterating, you must use essential oils correctly around dogs. Always read the label to check if it’s safe. 

Patchouli oil should be safe as long as you don’t overexpose your dog to it. Always dilute the oil before you diffuse it or drop it onto their blanket. A concentrated dose is more likely to produce adverse effects. 

Never add essential oils to your dog’s water or food. 

They shouldn’t ingest it because it can be poisonous. Some oils like patchouli or sandalwood are diluted with chemicals. This makes them cheaper to buy but even more dangerous for your pets. 

Remember that the size of your dog also influences how much patchouli oil you should use. 

Larger dogs have a greater tolerance than smaller animals. Don’t expose them to a diffuser for more than 15 minutes and make sure that they can go outside for clean air. The room should also be well-ventilated. 

Also, avoid using essential oils around puppies because they’re even more vulnerable. 

Inhaling essential oils is the main source of problems for dogs. If you want to use patchouli oil as a tick or flea repellent then you should drop it on their blanket or bedding. 

Simply add a drop of patchouli oil to 20ml of water and apply it to the chosen area. It may be necessary to dilute it even further for more sensitive breeds. 

Finally, the dog might not like the smell of the oil. If that’s the case then you shouldn’t use it because it might affect their mood and be counterproductive. 

Signs of Dog Allergies

Dogs may show signs of allergies within 30 minutes to 24 hours of exposure to patchouli oil. 

This isn’t a precise amount of time but it just goes to show how it can affect your animal in different ways. Don’t worry though, reactions are easy to spot when they arise. 

Here are some side effects and allergic reactions that may occur after inhaling patchouli oil and other essential oils.

Disorientation 

There are reports of dogs losing their sense of direction and even having toilet-related accidents in the house because of essential oils. 

If your dog shows an unusual change in behavior after you start using patchouli oil or other similar products, stop immediately. 

Inflamed Skin

Aromatherapy advocates often use patchouli, sandalwood, and similar oils to treat their dog’s dermatological problems. 

However, they could worsen or create new issues.

Never apply oils directly to the dog’s body because they’re too strong. You should always dilute the likes of patchouli and apply it to your pooch’s external environment. That way they can reap the benefits without overdosing. 

If you know notice red rashes, inflammation, or any other skin conditions after you start using the oils for your dog, wash their bodies immediately. Then, remove your dog from the room where you set up the diffuser or use the dropper. 

Serious conditions may require veterinary attention. 

Final Thoughts

Patchouli and other essential oils are meant for human use.

The safest course of action is not to expose your dog to them. It’s the only way you know for certain that they won’t have an adverse reaction. However, there are ways to mitigate the risk. 

Be a responsible pet owner and check the essential oil’s packaging before you use it around your animal. If it says that it’s not safe for animals, then that is definitive.

Never apply it directly to your dog or allow it to consume the oil.

Andrew Scents and Aroma
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