AFFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging and social media activities, I may receive monetary compensation for links to products from this post. However, I only recommend products that I personally love and use myself!.
My dog Sirius loves to go on adventures with me, whether it be hiking in the woods or kayaking on a river, he is down to play. I am currently planning a solo backpacking trip down the Lone Star Hiking Trail (100 mi) and intend to bring him along, to keep me company. It goes without saying, the trouble that dogs can get themselves into. They are after all, just as excited as we are to get outside and play! Sometimes that means you have to step into Mom/Dad mode and take care of them when they need you the most.
A natural antibacterial owie cream for dogs
When dogs get hurt, just like humans, they need proper cleaning and wound care to keep the wound free from infection. Many vets would simply hand you an antibacterial cream to apply to the wound, much like that of Neosporin, but I am always trying to avoid the use of products containing antibiotics in them, so I created a natural antibacterial owie cream just for dogs! I call it Fido's Boo-Boo Balm! The great things about this salve, for dogs, is that it is so universal that you can use it for all sorts of issues, including:
- cuts/scrapes/open wounds
- bites/stings
- dry skin
- dry/cracked paw pads
- rashes
- hot spots
- burns
- fungal infections
Essential oil safety for dogs
The topic of essential oil safety is one that I love to preach on this blog, and for good reason! These concentrated herbal goodies have amazing healing properties, but when used incorrectly, they can cause medical problems that can sometimes even lead to death. Dogs are like children. They are smaller and therefore need a lot less to get the job done. They also have extremely sensitive noses and overwhelming their olfactories with intense scents will only make them sick! I like to use very small amounts, similar to the ratios you would use on babies and small children. Dogs have very thin skin that can be easily irritated. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using them topically on a dog. While there are uses for essential oils internally, they are so concentrated that they can easily poison your dog. Never give dogs essential oils in their water or food. It is best to leave internal applications to the medical professionals who know how each oil will interact with your dog's system!
Diluting essential oils for dogs
It is crucial to DILUTE essential oils before using them topically on dogs, to avoid any skin irritation. Essential oils should not be used on pregnant animals or animals under the age of 10 weeks. Avoid the use of essential oils around cats, fish, reptiles, birds, and rodents.
- 0.25-0.5% dilution for dogs weighing less than 25 lbs.
- 0.5-0.75% dilution for dogs weighing between 25 lbs. to 50 lbs.
- 0.75%-1% dilution for dogs weighing more than 50 lbs.
| DILUTION | EO DROPS | CARRIER |
| 0.25% | 2 | 2 Tbsp. |
| 0.50% | 3 | 4 tsp. |
| 0.75% | 6 | 2 Tbsp. |
| 1% | 3 | 2 tsp. |
Essential oils to AVOID using on your dog
It is important to note that there are essential oils that are toxic to dogs. Some information that floats around the internet makes it sound like the culprit is simply the quality of essential oils that you use, but the fact of the matter is, though quality essential oils are something we should think about for ALL applications human or not, the reason is because specific chemical compounds are toxic to dogs, no matter the quality of the essential oils. According to the book Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals, some of these essential oils to avoid using on your dogs are:
| Anise | Mugwort |
| Birch | Mustard |
| Bitter Almond | Oregano |
| Boldo | Pennyroyal |
| Calamus | Thyme |
| Camphor | Rue |
| Cassia | Santalina |
| Chenopodium | Sassafras |
| Clove Leaf and Bud | Savory |
| Crested Lavender | Tansy |
| Garlic | Terebinth |
| Goosefoot | Thuja |
| Horseradish | Wintergreen |
| Hyssop | Wormwood |
| Juniper | Yarrow |
DIY Fido's Boo-Boo Balm
(FOR DOGS ONLY)
Don't have time to create this salve yourself? Plant Therapy has you covered with their new Paw Balm!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup Magic Healing Herbal Infused Oil (or simply use unrefined coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup unrefined shea butter
- 1/4 cup beeswax pastilles
- 5 drops palmarosa essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
DIRECTIONS
- In a double boiler (or your pyrex measuring cup in a pan with about an inch of water in it) melt the Magic Healing Herbal Infused Oil, beeswax, and shea butter together.
- Once completely melted, remove from heat and add the essential oil blend. Stir until completely combined.
- Pour into (4) 2 oz. metal tins to share or take on the go. Pour into (1) 8 oz. mason jar container to use all for yourself.
- If stored in a cool dark location, this salve will keep for 9 months to a year.
TO USE
Apply to CLEAN wounds, cuts, dry skin/paw pads, hot spots, bites/stings, rashes, burns, and more. If your dog is prone to licking wounds, you might want to put the cone of shame on them for serious wounds, to help them heal faster. This salve is safe to be licked in small amounts.
