How Carrier Oils Help Dogs Absorb Essential Oils

Kristina Voltin
Jun 9
10 min read

Updated: Jun 9

Carrier oils make essential oils safe and effective for dogs by diluting their strength and improving absorption. Essential oils are powerful, but dogs' sensitive skin and strong sense of smell mean they require careful handling. Carrier oils solve this by:

Dilution: Reducing the concentration of essential oils to avoid irritation.
Better Absorption: Helping fat-soluble compounds penetrate the skin and work effectively.
Longer Effects: Slowing evaporation for prolonged benefits.

Common carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, and almond oil are gentle and enhance essential oil treatments for issues like skin irritation, anxiety, and relaxation. Always test oils on a small area first and consult your vet for safety.

How To Dilute Essential Oils For Using With Your Pets

Benefits of Using Carrier Oils with Essential Oils for Dogs

Blending essential oils with carrier oils creates safe and effective treatments for dogs, offering several advantages that make aromatherapy both practical and gentle. Let’s dive into how these benefits ensure your dog’s safety while maximizing therapeutic effects.

Safety Through Dilution

Carrier oils play a key role in making essential oils safe for your dog’s sensitive skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and applying them directly can lead to irritation or adverse reactions. Carrier oils help dilute these potent substances to safe levels. For dogs, a typical dilution is between 0.5% and 1%, which translates to about 3–6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil [1][3]. This process transforms potentially harsh essential oils into gentle, skin-friendly treatments tailored to your dog’s needs.

Enhanced Absorption and Effectiveness

Beyond dilution, carrier oils improve how essential oils are absorbed. Essential oils are fat-soluble, meaning they need lipids to penetrate the skin effectively. Carrier oils provide these lipids, increasing bioavailability and ensuring your dog benefits from the essential oils rather than having them remain on the skin’s surface.

"Carrier oils 'carry' an active compound such as CBD into the body, allowing it to be processed. Without carrier oils, fat-soluble compounds wouldn't be absorbed naturally by the body." – Max Martinson, Content Director, Lolahemp [2]

This improved absorption also allows you to use smaller amounts of essential oils, minimizing the risk of overexposure while still achieving the desired therapeutic results.

Prolonged Therapeutic Effects

Carrier oils also help extend the duration of essential oil treatments. Without a carrier oil, essential oils tend to evaporate quickly from your dog’s skin and fur, limiting their effectiveness. Carrier oils slow down this evaporation process, keeping essential oils active on the skin for longer periods [2]. This extended contact allows for deeper penetration and more sustained benefits.

For example, when addressing issues like skin irritation, anxiety, or muscle tension, a single application of diluted essential oils can provide hours of relief. This reduces the need for frequent reapplications, making treatments more convenient and effective for both you and your dog.

Common Types of Carrier Oils for Dogs

Choosing the right carrier oil can make a big difference in how well essential oils are absorbed and how effective the treatment is for your dog. Let’s take a closer look at some commonly used carrier oils and what makes each one special.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil stands out for its lightweight feel and quick absorption. Through a refining process, its long-chain fatty acids are converted into medium-chain fatty acids, making it easier for dogs to digest and process [2]. This results in a clear, odorless oil that doesn’t leave your dog’s coat greasy or heavy.

Packed with Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) and lauric acid, this oil helps essential oils penetrate deeper into the skin while offering gentle benefits on its own [2][7]. A study published in the in 2014 highlighted coconut oil's effectiveness as a carrier. Dogs with Malassezia dermatitis were treated using a blend of essential oils mixed with coconut and sweet almond oils. After a month, these dogs showed improvements comparable to those treated with conventional antifungal medications [5].

Jojoba Oil

Although technically a plant wax, jojoba oil closely resembles your dog’s natural skin oils, making it highly absorbent and non-irritating. It’s rich in protein, minerals, and myristic acid, which makes it a good choice for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies [7]. Thanks to its soothing properties, veterinarians often recommend jojoba oil for dry or inflamed skin [8]. When paired with essential oils, it creates a treatment that feels natural and gentle on your dog’s skin.

Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is loaded with nutrients like proteins, minerals, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E [7]. Its high vitamin E content acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting your dog’s skin while enhancing the therapeutic effects of essential oils. This oil absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for dogs with all types of coats and helping improve skin health over time.

That said, if anyone in your household has a tree nut allergy, it’s best to steer clear of almond oil and other nut-based carriers like argan or apricot kernel oil [1]. Safer alternatives in such cases include coconut or jojoba oil.

Tips for Choosing and Using Carrier Oils

When selecting a carrier oil, always go for organic, cold-pressed options from reliable sources [1]. Store the oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality [1]. Before using it widely, test it on a small area of your dog’s skin - like the back of the leg - and monitor for 24 hours to rule out any adverse reactions [6]. Taking these steps ensures that while essential oils are effectively absorbed, your dog’s safety remains a priority.

Proper Dilution and Application Methods

Diluting essential oils correctly is crucial for your dog's sensitive system [4][10]. Striking the right balance ensures your pet benefits from the oils without being overwhelmed.

Dilution Ratios for Dogs

Your dog's size plays a key role in determining the right dilution ratio.

Small dogs and puppies (under 10 pounds) require the gentlest mixtures. A 9:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil is ideal [4][10]. Alternatively, you can mix 1 drop of essential oil with 3 drops of carrier oil, creating a 25% dilution [14].
Medium-sized dogs (10–25 pounds) can handle a 4:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil [4][10]. For smaller quantities, mix 1 drop of essential oil with 2 drops of carrier oil for a 33% dilution [14].
Large dogs (25–50 pounds) can tolerate stronger mixtures, like a 3:1 ratio of carrier oil to essential oil [4][10]. This can also be measured as 1 drop of essential oil to 1 drop of carrier oil [14].

For senior dogs or those with health issues, stick with a gentler 50% dilution, regardless of size [14]. When introducing a new essential oil, always start conservatively with a 0.25%-0.5% dilution to observe how your dog reacts [9].

A general guideline across all sizes is to use 1–3 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil [11]. It’s safer to start light - you can always add more essential oil later, but you can’t remove it once mixed.

"One of the tips to using essential oils effectively is to apply them frequently, not in large amounts at once." - Kiyoko Hashimoto, Moderator [15]

Now that dilution is covered, let’s look at safe ways to apply these mixtures.

Application Methods

Once diluted, essential oils can be applied in several ways to meet your dog’s needs.

Direct skin application is great for targeting specific areas, like irritated skin, or for massages along the spine or stomach [13]. Carrier oils enhance absorption, ensuring the essential oil remains gentle on your dog’s skin.
The petting technique is ideal for dogs that enjoy being touched. Apply the diluted oil to your hands and pet your dog, focusing on areas that need attention [13]. This method evenly distributes the oils while creating a bonding experience.
For dogs sensitive to touch or when covering larger areas, water misting is a gentle alternative. Combine the diluted essential oil with water or extra carrier oil in a small glass spray bottle, then lightly mist over your dog’s fur [13].

The best areas for application include the bottom of the back paws (between the toe pads), the stomach, behind the ears, and along the spine [12][4]. Always avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and genitals.

Before using any new mixture broadly, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to a tiny area of your dog’s skin and wait 24 hours to check for any reactions [6]. Pay attention to signs of discomfort, such as turning away, avoiding contact, panting, whining, or rubbing their face [1]. These behaviors may indicate the mixture is too strong or the oil isn’t suitable for your dog.

Store your diluted mixtures in small, dark-colored glass containers to maintain their quality and potency [13][6]. This also ensures easy, waste-free application every time.

Safety Considerations When Using Carrier Oils and Essential Oils

Carrier oils help make essential oils safer for dogs, but precautions are still necessary to ensure your pet’s well-being. It’s important to know which areas to avoid, how to introduce oils gradually, and the importance of selecting quality products.

Areas to Avoid

Certain areas of your dog’s body are too sensitive for essential oils, even when diluted. Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP, emphasizes:

"Again, never apply any essential oil or herbal product directly on (or in) your dog." [16]

Sensitive areas to avoid include the eyes, lips, genitals, and anus. If accidental exposure happens, immediately wash the area with mild, unscented soap and water, and reach out to your veterinarian for guidance [17] [18].

Start with Gradual Introduction

Dogs are highly sensitive to essential oils, so a slow introduction is key [4]. Begin by wearing the essential oil yourself to let your dog get used to the scent during cuddle or playtime [4]. Then, try diffusing 1–2 drops in a water-based diffuser in a room where your dog feels comfortable, ensuring they can leave the area if they choose [4].

You can also let your dog explore the scent by applying a small amount to your hands. Introduce only one essential oil at a time, using low doses, so you can easily detect any negative reactions [3]. Keep a close eye on your dog for symptoms of essential oil poisoning, such as breathing difficulties, drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, or vomiting [19].

As the Young Living Blog advises:

"It is important to note that animals cannot tell us if something is working or not, so we must exercise due caution and approach using oils on animals safely and responsibly." [4]

Choose High-Quality Oils

Even with proper application techniques, the quality of the oils you use plays a critical role in your dog’s safety. Opt for pure essential oils that contain only aromatic plant compounds, free of additives or synthetic ingredients [1]. High-quality oils often list the plant’s botanical name, such as for lavender, and are extracted through distillation or cold pressing [1].

Whenever possible, choose Certified Organic oils to minimize exposure to pesticides and chemicals [3]. Stick to reputable brands with a strong history of producing trustworthy products [1].

Dr. Melissa Shelton highlights the risks of using poor-quality oils:

"Certainly, any essential oil that would be more towards a 'fragrance-grade' oil will have the potential to cause long term problems….In homes with a lot of air freshener and artificial fragrance use, these lesser essential oils are akin to spraying perfume on your [pet] and wondering why that didn't bode well. And it is just unfortunate in the current market of essential oils that there are so many poor grade essential oils being sold as high quality." [20]

Finally, ensure you store your oils in a cool, dark place, well out of your pet’s reach [3].

Conclusion: Improving Your Dog's Wellness with Carrier Oils

Carrier oils play a key role in delivering the therapeutic benefits of essential oils safely to your dog. By diluting essential oils to appropriate levels, these oils help protect your pet’s sensitive system while enhancing absorption. This not only ensures the oils work effectively but also provides added perks like hydrated skin, a glossy coat, and even reduced stress.

The way carrier oils improve absorption fits naturally into your dog’s care routine. Research, such as a study from Johns Hopkins, has even highlighted how certain essential oils might be more effective than leading antibiotics in addressing bacteria linked to Lyme disease [1].

For the best results, focus on quality and a careful introduction process. Stick to organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from reputable brands, and introduce them slowly - one at a time and in small amounts - to ensure your dog’s comfort. Since dogs metabolize substances differently than humans, proper dilution and consulting your veterinarian are essential steps when incorporating essential oils into their care [2].

To round out your dog’s wellness plan, pair these natural therapies with nutritious meals. For example, Loyal Saints offers premium, freeze-dried raw dog food made in the USA with human-grade, all-natural ingredients - a great foundation for your pet’s overall health.

FAQs

Which carrier oil is best for helping my dog absorb essential oils?

Carrier oils are essential for safely using essential oils on your dog. They dilute the oils, making them safer and easier for your dog’s skin to absorb. Choosing the right carrier oil depends on your dog’s unique needs, skin type, and any sensitivities they might have.

Popular choices include fractionated coconut oil, which is light and absorbs quickly, and sweet almond oil, valued for its calming effects on the skin. If your dog has particularly sensitive skin, jojoba oil is a gentle option worth considering. Always check with your veterinarian to ensure the carrier oil you select is both safe and suitable for your dog.

How can I tell if my dog is having a negative reaction to a diluted essential oil?

If your dog shows signs of reacting poorly to a diluted essential oil, you might notice symptoms like excessive drooling, pawing at their face, skin redness or irritation, vomiting, or trouble breathing. Changes in behavior, such as unusual restlessness or extreme lethargy, can also signal discomfort.

Should you spot any of these signs, stop using the essential oil immediately. If it’s on their skin, gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Then, reach out to your veterinarian as quickly as possible for advice. To keep your dog safe, always consult your vet before introducing any new essential oils into their care routine.

How do I safely introduce essential oils to my dog for the first time?

When introducing essential oils to your dog, it’s crucial to take a gentle and cautious approach. Begin by mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil - like coconut or olive oil - to dilute its strength and reduce the chance of irritation. Apply a small amount to an area your dog can’t easily reach, such as the back of their neck or their paws.

Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of discomfort. Watch for behaviors like excessive scratching, sneezing, or noticeable changes in their demeanor. If you notice anything unusual, stop using the oil immediately. And, before trying essential oils, always check with your veterinarian - especially if your dog has health issues or is on medication.