Wondering if patchouli is safe for dogs? As essential oils become more and more popular for use at home for aromatherapy, you may worry that they can cause harm to your pets. After all, if you love aromatherapy you want to ensure your dog is safe.
While essential oils such as lavender oil may help you rest well and relax some are harmful to dogs and pets. And with so many oils listed as harmful to dogs you want to know which essential oils to use and which ones to avoid.
However, the unique scent and various therapeutic properties of patchouli make it a popular ingredient in many products. But, is it safe for dogs?
In this article, we’ll explore whether patchouli is safe for dogs and its potential effects and benefits. Keep reading…
Overview of Patchouli
Patchouli essential oil is also known as Pogostemon cablin and is a plant native to tropical regions like Indonesia. The plant belongs to the mint family and it has a distinct woody scent and fragrance. The leaves of the patchouli plant are steam-distilled to extract patchouli essential oil.
The oil is used for various applications, including aromatherapy, skincare products, and cosmetics including perfumes.
People have been using this oil to improve and renew their collagen as well as treat eczema and athlete’s foot. Additionally, the oil has great anti-aging properties so you can use it for young-looking skin.
So, is Patchouli Essential Oil Safe for Dogs
While there are so many conflicting theories as to whether this oil is safe for dogs, it’s also true that most essential oils are harmful to dogs.
However, patchouli essential oil is safe for dogs. If you love to use this oil in your house, prepare a safe space or allow your pets to leave the room by leaving windows and doors open.
Since dogs are sensitive to strong scents, you should exercise caution when using essential oils. Some people claim the oil helps their dogs and others claim it can cause adverse reactions.
To avoid causing adverse reactions to your dog, ensure proper ventilation and never allow your dog to ingest the oil. Here are some benefits your dog may enjoy from the scent of patchouli oil.
Benefits of Patchouli for Dogs
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Patchouli can offer several potential benefits for your dog if you use it properly.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Do you know that dogs also experience inflammation as you do? It’s true. They can get inflammation from food, an infection, or when playing. Patchouli essential oil contains antibacterial properties. The oil can help reduce swelling, rashes, and infections.
2. Soothing and calming properties
Patchouli oil induces calmness and has a grounding balancing aroma. When you diffuse this oil in an essential oil diffuser, it may help your dog to relax, stay calm and reduce stress-related behaviors.
2. Repelling fleas and ticks
Certain compounds found in patchouli oil, such as patchouli alcohol, can repel fleas, ticks, and other pests. In fact, a combination of patchouli and nutmeg showed great results against ticks. And patchouli was even more effective at 171.9%
This makes it a potential natural alternative to chemical-based pest repellents.
3. Supporting skin health
Since patchouli oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties it can help to treat dogs with bacterial skin infections such as pyoderma.
Pyoderma tends to affect dogs with short fur and the most common symptoms include erythema, hair loss(alopecia), blisters, scabs, itching, ulceration, skin discoloration, pustules, and purulent lesions.
Patchouli oil and tea tree oil can help reduce these problems and soothe skin irritations and promote a shiny coat.
4. Reducing anxiety and stress
Dogs like humans sometimes struggle with stress and anxiety, do you agree? Some dogs will run and hide at the sound of thunderstorms and noises outside the house.
Some dogs also struggle with separation and loneliness. The good news is, just as much as these oils help you deal with anxiety, they also can help your dogs. This oil can calm your dog, help reduce anxiety and make them feel comfortable.
Allergic Reactions to Patchouli
While patchouli is beneficial to your dog, you should pay close attention to potential allergic reactions. The oil contains certain components that can trigger allergies in dogs.
And the most common allergens found in patchouli oil include patchouli alcohol and terpenes.
Symptoms of Allergies in Dogs
These are the most common symptoms of poisoning and essential oil poisoning to look out for in your dog when using patchouli oil.
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Redness or rashes
- Excessive scratching or licking
- Swelling or hives
- Sneezing or coughing/ respiratory issues
- Watery eyes
- Others include gastrointestinal issues and liver damage
If you notice any of these signs, consult a veterinarian to avoid poisoning. The vet, for example, may recommend treatments such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or topical creams to alleviate symptoms.
To prevent harmful effects, avoid exposing your dog to patchouli or any products containing patchouli oil.
Sense of Smell and Effects on Dogs
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Dogs have a heightened sense of smell therefore they are more sensitive to strong scents than humans. They possess millions of olfactory receptors in their noses which allow them to quickly detect different scents.
For this reason, strong aromatic compounds may quickly absorb into their body and cause an adverse reaction.
However, if you dilute the patchouli essential oil before diffusing your dog will be safe. Also, ensure there’s proper ventilation and flow of air to minimize the risk of these aromatic substances like patchouli on our canine companions.
The Aromatic Effects of Patchouli on Dogs
The aromatic effects of patchouli on dogs vary depending on your dog’s sensitivity, exposure level, and overall health.
While some dogs find the scent pleasant or neutral, others might react differently. Therefore, observe your dog’s behavior and responses when diffusing patchouli essential oil to determine its tolerance.
Adverse Reactions to Patchouli Oil in Dogs
Apart from allergic reactions, patchouli oil may cause other adverse effects in dogs, if undiluted.
Skin Irritations
Patchouli oil can cause irritation, redness, and burns to your dog’s skin if undiluted. This is especially so for dogs with sensitive or compromised skin conditions.
Is Patchouli Oil Poisonous to Dogs?
Patchouli oil is safe for dogs when used properly and in a diluted form. However, when using it around your dog avoid excessive exposure and wipe spillages to prevent your dog from ingesting the oil. If the dog ingests the oil, it may cause gastrointestinal problems and other adverse reactions.
How to Use Patchouli Oil Around Dogs
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To ensure you’re using patchouli oil safely around your dogs, follow these guidelines:
- Dilute the patchouli oil before applying it topically to your dogs.
- Avoid direct application of undiluted patchouli oil on your dog’s skin.
- When diffusing patchouli oil, ensure proper ventilation in your house and monitor your dog’s behavior for any signs of discomfort or sensitivity.
Essential Oils Safe for Pets
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If you worry about using patchouli oil around your dog, there are several other essential oils you can use that are safe for pets. They include;
- Lavender essential oil
- Chamomile oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Peppermint oil
These oils can offer similar benefits without the risk of poisoning.
Also, read Is lemon essential oil safe for dogs?
How to Use Essential Oils Safely Around Dogs
When using essential oils around your dog or pets, prioritize their safety. Here are some tips you can follow:
- Consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils on or around your dog.
- Test the oil sensitivity by diluting the oil and applying a small amount to a small area of your dog’s skin. And look out for any adverse reactions in 12 to 48 hours.
- Store essential oils out of your dog’s reach.
- Wipe spilled oil immediately to avoid poisoning in dogs via ingestion
- And follow product instructions and guidelines for safety.
Conclusion
Patchouli oil is safe for dogs and it offers various benefits for dogs when used safely and appropriately.
However, use it with caution and dilute it to avoid potential allergic reactions. Also, consult with a veterinarian and always consider using “dog-safe” essential oils.
What essential oils do you use around your dogs and cats? Let me know in the comments.