Essential Oils – Natural Pain Relief for Dogs

Essential oils contain many healing properties and when used in the correct quantities, lots of them are safe for dog health care and wellbeing. 

From calming stressed and anxious dogs to easing symptoms of those living with cancer, there are several ailments that plant-based power can help with. 

Essential oils have been used for medicinal purposes dating back to the times of the Ancient Egyptians, however it was only in the early 2010’s that they became popular for dog care. 

As we now look to alternative methods to remove toxins from our daily lives and care for the planet better, more and more owners are turning to holistic based methods to care for their pets. 

Essential oils need to be prepared and used correctly; therefore, it is always advised to seek professional advice before embarking on this journey. 

Lisa, The Dog Witch is a qualified aromatherapist, specialising in canine care so is best placed to provided top tips on the use of essential oils for your dog. 

This Blog will mainly focus on four essential oils, which are safe to use for dogs, which can provide an element of natural pain relief. 

As with any new product, what suits one dog may not necessarily suit another so start small, patch test and if there are no reactions, then build up from there. 

Typical reactions would look like vomiting, excessive panting or salivating. 

If any of these things occur, stop use of the essential oil immediately and wipe the areas applied with a damp cloth. 

Four Essential oils for natural pain relief in dogs

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger essential oil offers several pain relief benefits for dogs due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and warming properties. 

Anti-Inflammatory Action

Ginger contains active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. This can be helpful for dogs living with:

• Arthritis
• Hip dysplasia
• Muscle stiffness
  By reducing inflammation, ginger oil may help improve mobility and reduce joint pain.

Pain Reduction

Ginger essential oil has natural analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. 

When applied topically in a diluted form, it may help ease chronic pain or discomfort in dogs, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis or post-exercise stiffness.

Improved Circulation

The warming effect of ginger helps improve blood flow to affected areas, promoting faster healing of muscles and relieving tension.

 This increased circulation can be especially beneficial for older dogs experiencing poor mobility or cold sensitivity.

Digestive Discomfort Relief

Although primarily used for musculoskeletal pain, ginger can also be helpful for dogs with digestive discomfort, its soothing effects on the digestive system can indirectly ease pain related to gastrointestinal issues.

Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is known for its calming and soothing properties, offering gentle pain relief benefits for dogs, particularly those with emotional and physical discomfort.

Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

Rose essential oil has mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects; therefore, it can help alleviate mild discomfort associated with:

• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Sore muscles

Its gentle action makes it suitable for dogs with a more sensitive disposition, who may react to other stronger oils.

Emotional Pain Relief

Pain in dogs can often be accompanied by stress or anxiety, for dogs experiencing pain-related anxiety, rose oil’s soothing aroma can help:

• Calm the nervous system
• Lower stress levels
• Improve overall well-being

This is especially beneficial for older dogs with chronic pain or dogs recovering from surgery.

    Skin Healing and Comfort

Rose oil contains compounds that promote skin healing and reduce irritation. 

If pain is related to skin conditions, such as wounds or irritations, rose can:

• Soothe the affected area
• Reduce redness
• Help with tissue regeneration

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is one of the safest and most versatile essential oils for dogs, known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

 It can be especially beneficial for dogs experiencing both physical pain and anxiety-related discomfort.

Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Lavender essential oil contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which possess mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

These compounds can help reduce:

• Muscle soreness
• Joint pain
• Minor skin irritations

By reducing inflammation, lavender oil can promote comfort in dogs suffering from mild conditions such as arthritis or muscle stiffness.

 Calming and Anxiety Relief

Pain in dogs often leads to stress or anxiety, which can add to their discomfort, Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming effects, making it useful for dogs who experience:

• Anxiety-related pain (e.g., post-surgical recovery or chronic pain)
• Tension headaches
• Restlessness due to discomfort#

Its ability to calm the nervous system can help dogs relax, making it easier for them to rest and heal

   Skin Healing and Wound Care

Lavender has antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, making it useful for dogs with pain caused by:

• Minor cuts or abrasions
• Hot spots
• Insect bites

Lavender oil can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote faster healing, while also providing mild pain relief.

Sleep Aid for Pain-Related Insomnia

For dogs with chronic pain or post-surgical discomfort, lavender oil can act as a natural sleep aid, its calming aroma promotes better sleep, which is essential for recovery.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, is a powerful natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and calming properties. 

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Frankincense contains active compounds such as boswellic acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties. 

This makes it especially beneficial for dogs with:

• Arthritis
• Joint inflammation
• Muscle stiffness

By reducing inflammation, it helps improve mobility and comfort in dogs suffering from chronic pain conditions.

Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Properties

Frankincense is known for its ability to relieve pain by acting directly on nerve endings and reducing the perception of pain. 

This can be helpful for dogs experiencing:

• Post-surgical pain
• Chronic pain disorders
• Muscle or joint injuries

Its gentle nature makes it a great option for sensitive dogs who may not tolerate stronger pain relief methods.

Emotional and Stress-Related Pain Relief

Pain often causes stress and anxiety in dogs; Frankincense has calming properties that can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. 

By calming the nervous system, it aids dogs in:

• Reducing pain-related anxiety
• Improving sleep
• Enhancing overall well-being

This makes it particularly effective for dogs who have difficulty resting or relaxing due to pain.

   Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

Frankincense is known to support tissue regeneration and reduce scarring; therefore, it can be applied to minor wounds or abrasions to:

• Promote faster healing
• Ease discomfort caused by skin irritation or injury
• Prevent infection due to its antimicrobial properties

All the essential oils above should be diluted and used correctly in accordance with the size and breed of each dog. 

Start small 2-4 drops of essential oil to every 20ml of carrier oil (use fractionated coconut oil or olive oil as these work best with dogs) 

A general rule of thumb is to use 1 drop of essential oil per 10kg of body weight and ensure that you are using 100% natural therapeutic grade essential oils only. 

Typically apply to the pads of the paws as these are the gateway to dog’s bloodstream, then massage into the areas which are sore or experiencing discomfort. 

If you require any advice, please reach out to Lisa or explore more about Holistic Dog Care

We hope you enjoyed this Blog, and we can’t wait to see you on the next one. 

Lisa and Zak xxxx

Team – The Dog Witch