Is Frankincense Safe For Dogs? Essential Oil For Dogs

Rhea Nischal
Nov 01, 2022 By Rhea Nischal
Originally Published on Nov 10, 2021
Edited by Monisha Kochhar
Fact-checked by Gowri Rao
Is frankincense safe for dogs? Read on to discover the interesting answer!

Frankincense oil is popularly used by humans to reduce asthma and to improve digestion and oral health.

But what about our furry friends? Does frankincense oil provide any benefit to them?

The answer is yes. Frankincense oil does prove to be beneficial to pets if used in moderate amounts.

It is less lethal to dogs as compared to other essential oils. It is a natural holistic oil that can benefit dogs in the aspects of antibacterial healing, behavior improvement, wound care, and anxiety.

Owners can treat their pet dog with this oil by giving it to them orally, topically, or by diffusing it. Read on to learn more about the benefits of frankincense oil and other essential oils safe for dogs!

If you enjoy this article, why not also read about is lavender plant safe for dogs and is gum bad for dogs here on Kidadl?

How to give frankincense to a dog?

Frankincense is an essential oil that can be given to your dog orally, topically, and even by a diffuser. However, one must keep in mind that all essential oils aid in the mental and physical health improvement of pups, but they are very strong.

Getting a consultation from an aromatherapy professional is recommended so that the dog's health does not get compromised.

One must also be aware of the fact that a dog's smelling sense is a lot more sensitive than that of humans. Thus, one must only use diluted oils safely when it comes to their dog.

The dilution of frankincense oil for topical use is essential as this decreases the strength of essential oils. The strength of essential oils is based on the size of humans, and the majority of dogs are smaller than the average human size.

This is why dilution is important before using frankincense oil on your furry friend. The skin of pups is also very sensitive and only finds dilute frankincense oil harmless.

The oil must be diluted with any suitable carrier oil. The ratio for topical use on medium to large-sized dogs is one drop of frankincense oil per 10 drops of carrier oil, and for small dogs, it is one drop of frankincense essential oil per 25 drops of carrier oil.

This mixture can be massaged directly on your dog's skin. This will be calming for your dog.

A diffuser can also be used to diffuse frankincense oil. Diffusing it, you and your pooch will be able to smell the spicy and woody smell of the oil.

However, you must remember that the sense of smell of your dog is more sensitive than yours. Adding just one to two drops of the oil to the diffuser would be sufficient.

You must also clear the way for your dog if it doesn't like it. If your pooch doesn't react positively to the oil, do not force them to stay.

Your pet dog can also consume frankincense orally. However, you must consult with your vet to be sure that it is okay for your pet to consume it, as different pets have different health conditions.

You must also purchase therapeutic-grade essential oil only as it is of good quality. You can add one to two drops of diluted frankincense oil to the food or water of your pet dog.

You must not forget that a tiny bit is sufficient for your dog. Essential oils must not be given in large quantities, even in diluted form.

Frankincense Oil For Dog Tumors

Frankincense is among the most widely used essential oils and is used to treat pooches that are suffering from cancer. Treating pups with frankincense has benefited them as it strengthens the immune systems and diminishes external ulcers and tumors.

It also improves the supply of blood to the dog's brain. However, it must be used moderately as it may cause hypertension.

Frankincense is a powerful plant that possesses many beneficial qualities that can improve your pup's overall well-being. It provides animals as well as people with numerous benefits. Frankincense has a calming effect and acts as an anti-depressant to improve mental well-being.

It can also benefit the immune system, significantly decrease pain and inflammation, and ease gastrointestinal discomfort. It also possesses antibacterial properties and can diminish imperfections of the skin when applied topically. It has also proved to kill cancer and reduce tumors.

Is frankincense safe for dogs' skin?

Yes, frankincense oil is safe for the skin of your pup. However, this essential oil is only harmless if it is diluted first. The skin of a pup is very sensitive as compared to that of humans, thus, all essential oils must be used on pets with great caution.

Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the fragrant Boswellia trees, which grow in Africa, the Middle East, and India's mountainous dry regions. This oil is also mentioned in the Bible and was one of the three gifts that were given to baby Jesus.

It has a rich history and has been utilized by people of many cultures over more than a thousand years!

Your dog can reap the benefits of frankincense oil if you apply it topically after safely diluting it. If you apply the oil in high concentrations or directly, it could possibly irritate your dog's skin.

What essential oils are safe for dogs?

Essential oils for dogs is a widely discussed topic of recent times as essential oils have proven to improve many ailments, from separation anxiety to arthritis in animals. There are numerous advantages of essential oils for humans, but there are also many advantages for dogs. Essential oils are quite popular among dog owners.

Why? Because not only do they improve the condition of dogs suffering from diseases, they also improve mood.

Essential oils even have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils can be very healthy additions to your pup's life. Essential oils are quite strong and small amounts of them can have a strong effect on your pup's body, including the nervous system and the respiratory system.

It is vital for you to consult with your holistic veterinarian before you treat your dog with essential oils. Your vet must also be aware of any natural products that you are currently using on your pooch. There are many essential oils for dogs that are harmless if used as a first-aid or used for a short-term.

Lavender oil can have a calming effect on the brain of the dog. Lavender oil must be used in small amounts and has proven to be helpful in traveling situations to make a nervous pup calm and sleepy.

It eradicates stress effectively. Lavender oil can be used in diluted form to help with motion sickness, car ride stress, insomnia, ulcers, burns, and allergies.

Helichrysum is another essential oil that possesses anti-bacterial properties. It can be used on a dog that underwent an accident to reduce bleeding. It aids in the regeneration of skin as well as in the repair of nerves. It has also proved to be helpful in healing cardiac disease.

Spearmint oil aids in stimulating the gallbladder, balancing metabolism, as well as in reducing weight. It has also been beneficial in treating nausea, diarrhea, and colic.

Peppermint oil is another useful essential oil that can be used on pups when they overheat, especially dark-coated pups. Peppermint can cool the body of your pooch internally if it is added to their water in a very small amount.

Some of the other essential oils for dogs that are commonly used are black pepper, cardamom, carrot seed, coriander, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ginger, geranium, and grapefruits.

Many people learn about the amazing benefits of essential oils and start to diffuse them without having appropriate dosage information and being unaware of the possible side effects that their pets may experience later.

The sensitive species of dogs may also experience kidney or liver toxicity due to essential oils, such as diffusing tea tree oil can lead to liver failure in dogs.

It is necessary to consult with your pup's veterinarian before using oils.

However, one must not live under the impression that essential oils are safe as they're natural. Essential oils of poor quality can cause adverse reactions in pets.

Due to the popularity of essential oils, many manufacturers produce them with low quality and with poor standards. Some of these oils may also contain adulterants as well as contaminants that can prove to be very harmful to people and animals. Thus, it is advised to purchase essential oils only from reputed manufacturers.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for is frankincense safe for dogs then why not take a look at is eucalyptus safe for dogs, or French bulldog facts?

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rhea Nischal

Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Management

Rhea Nischal picture

Rhea NischalBachelor of Business Administration specializing in Management

A background in Business Administration and Management from MCM DAV College, Rhea has led her to work for her father's global business. However, her passion for content production, where she manages operations to ensure all processes run smoothly. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano and spending time with her one-year-old nephew.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Gowri Rao

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

Gowri Rao picture

Gowri RaoBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics

With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Krea University, Gowri is a highly skilled data analyst and an expert in regression and causation modeling. Her interests in economic trends, finance, and investment research complement her professional expertise. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gowri enjoys swimming, running, and playing the drums, and she is also a talented tutor.

Read full bio >