Will Lavender Calm Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Science
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Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal, therapeutic, and aromatic properties. They’re even being used more frequently in modern society as a way to improve health and well-being. When you own a canine companion, it is easy to take note of the olfactory benefits that an essential oil can provide. This is where lavender oil may hypothetically come into play.
Dogs are more sensitive to scents than humans are. Lavender has long been known as an essential oil that is thought to elicit a calming response in humans, dogs, and cats. However, it is important to ask whether or not lavender is safe for dogs in addition to calming them.
Does Lavender Calm Dogs?
There is no unequivocal proof that lavender can calm dogs down in stressful situations. In addition, lavender is toxic for dogs (and cats) if ingested, and therefore, it is not safe or advisable to use lavender in an attempt to calm your dog.
Though a study 1 has attempted to ascertain the effectiveness of lavender as a calming agent for dogs, they couldn’t definitively prove this to be the case. In this study, the lavender was applied behind the dogs’ ears and their heart rates and activity levels were observed. Though the application of lavender oil did initially lower their heart rates, the same dogs were later on more hyperactive than dogs in the control group. Therefore, the study concluded that additional research was needed before such claims about lavender could be made.
Is Lavender Safe for Dogs?
The lavender plant (Lavendula angustifolia) is toxic to dogs, so dogs shouldn’t be allowed to ingest it. The same thing goes for lavender essential oils, which are made from chemical compounds found in the lavender plant.
However, most lavender products geared toward reducing anxiety in dogs aren’t meant to be ingested. They are meant for topical use, meaning that they should be sprayed or rubbed directly onto your dog’s skin. By being used in this sense, it is generally thought that these products are safe for dogs.
But it is important when using these products that you don’t allow your dog to lick themselves afterward. Licking could cause them to ingest the lavender essential oils, which can make them sick. You may wish to use a cone when applying lavender products to your dog, or you may have to apply them to an area your dog cannot lick. Keep in mind though that there is no proof of these products actually being able to calm your dog down; their effectiveness relies entirely on your belief system.
Summing Up
With so many perceived benefits, it is easy to see why essential oils like lavender are making a comeback in modern society. However, lavender isn’t proven to be effective in calming dogs and is toxic when ingested. Therefore, it should not be used if you suspect that your dog is experiencing stress. Instead, you should take your dog to see a veterinarian or work with a dog trainer to ascertain the cause of your dog’s stress.
Though the world of essential oils and herbs is definitely fascinating, it is important to keep in mind that our dogs are different from us, and the benefits we perceive from these products may not necessarily be transferable to our pets. In addition, though these products are natural, it doesn’t automatically mean they are safe, and definitely not something you should mix into your dog’s food or apply to their skin without first asking a veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: Mouse23, Pixabay
