The Power of Essential Oils: Natural Relief fo Skin Allergies in Dogs

The Power of Essential Oils: Natural Relief fo Skin Allergies in Dogs

Dogs are not just our pets, they are our family. As loving and responsible dog owners, we want to make sure our furry friends are healthy, happy, and comfortable. Unfortunately, our dogs can suffer from a variety of skin allergies, causing them discomfort, itchiness, and hair loss. 

Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can help alleviate these symptoms. Two essential oils that have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties are chamomile and tea tree oil. The properties of chamomile and tea tree oils for skin allergies  are discussed below and we will provide some recipes that may help soothe and treat skin allergies in dogs.

Chamomile oil is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Chamomile oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. It is also a natural sedative, which can help calm anxious or nervous dogs.

In terms of skin allergies, chamomile oil can help reduce inflammation and irritation. It also has a cooling effect that can soothe itchy skin. In addition, chamomile oil can help speed up the healing process of wounds and prevent infections especially those caused by excessive scratching from itching.

Australian Tea Tree Oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree, which is native to Australia, known to be the most potent type of tea tree available today. Tea tree oil has been used for centuries for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. What makes tea tree stand out from other oils as a natural remedy is the fact that it can be used undiluted in humans directly on the skin, as it doesn’t irritate the skin like lavender, peppermint and other popular oils that MUST be always diluted. However, tea tree oil should always be diluted when applied to pets’ skin. 

When it comes to treating skin allergies in dogs, tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin. It can also help prevent infections caused by scratching and biting. However, it is important to note that tea tree oil should be used with caution as it can be toxic to dogs in high concentrations.

Here are some well researched studies that show the effectiveness of tea tree oil for skin allergies in dogs.

  1. Topical treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with 2% topical tea tree oil: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study" (2004) by H. J. Kwon and S. H. Yeom: This study found that topical application of 2% tea tree oil on dogs with atopic dermatitis was effective in reducing itching, redness, and inflammation.
  2. "In vitro and in vivo efficacy of tea tree oil against Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis" (2017) by J. M. Fourie, et al.: This study evaluated the effectiveness of tea tree oil against the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, which is a common cause of skin allergies in dogs. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in killing the mites in vitro and in vivo.
  3. "In vitro antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (also known as Australian tea tree oil) against Malassezia pachydermatis" (2016) by C. Cafarchia, et al.: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of tea tree oil against the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, which is a common cause of skin allergies in dogs. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of the yeast.
  4. "Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its components against oral pathogens and macrophages" (2017) by T. Silva, et al.: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil against oral pathogens and macrophages. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

These studies suggest that tea tree oil may be effective in treating skin allergies in dogs. However, it is important to note that tea tree oil should be used with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian, as it can be toxic if ingested or applied incorrectly.


Here are some recipes for dogs with skin allergies that can help:

1. Chamomile Tea Soak:

(use 2-3 times/week as prevention and maintenance):

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of brewed chamomile tea
  • 1 cup of cool water

Instructions:

  1. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix the chamomile tea with cool water.
  3. Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and apply it to your dog's itchy skin for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Repeat the process as needed.

Chamomile tea soak can help soothe your dog's itchy skin and reduce inflammation. It is also a gentle and natural way to clean your dog's skin.

  1. Tea Tree Oil Spray

    (use 2-3 times/week as prevention and maintenance):

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1.In a spray bottle, mix water and tea tree oil.

  1. Shake well before each use.

Spray the mixture onto your dog's itchy skin as needed.

  1. Tea Tree Oil with Aloe Vera Shooting Spray

    (use for very irritated, itchy skin):

Here's a recipe that uses tea tree oil and aloe vera, well know for its calming properties, that may be helpful for dogs with skin allergies to restore skin health.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
  • 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  • 10 drops tea tree essential oil

Directions:

  1. In a spray bottle, combine the distilled water, aloe vera gel, and witch hazel.
  2. Add the tea tree essential oil and shake well to combine.
  3. Store the spray bottle in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
  4. To use the spray, shake well and spray directly onto your dog's affected skin areas. Avoid getting the spray in your dog's eyes or mouth.
  5. You can also use a clean cloth to apply the spray to your dog's skin.
  6. Use this spray as often as needed to soothe and moisturize your dog's skin.

Note: Always test a small area of your dog's skin before applying the spray more widely, as some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to tea tree oil. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort or irritation, discontinue use of the spray and consult with your veterinarian.

MORE TIPS for helping your dog’s skin health

  1. You can  add our Organic Australian Tea Tree oil into your dog’s regular shampoo bottle (about 10 drop for 10 oz shampoo bottle). And don’t forget to shake the shampoo bottle well before each wash as the tea tree oil will separate from the liquid. My dog used to have dry skin and since I’ve personally started to use  this tip for my dog during the last 8 years of his life, he never had any skin allergies or dry skin ever since, so it worked for him! 
  2. In addition, you can diffuse chamomile or Australian tea tree oil with your nebulizer in the room your dogs spends the most time so that the oil particles in the air will eventually penetrate the dog’s skin while he’s playing or sleeping. This is another method that is very easy to implement into your pet’s routine especially for those times when you’re very busy. 

Tea tree oil spray can help reduce inflammation, soothe itchy skin, and prevent infections. However, it is important to use a low concentration of tea tree oil as high concentrations can be toxic to dogs.

In conclusion, taking care of our furry friends can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with the help of natural remedies like chamomile and tea tree oil, it can be a breeze! Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treatments to your pup's routine, and to keep an eye out for any adverse reactions. 

Let's all give our dogs the love and care they deserve, and keep them happy and healthy for years to come. Woof woof!

When you get our USDA organic TEA TREE OIL , it comes with a  free e-guide:  87 Uses & Benefits of Tea Tree Oil filled with practical recipes on how to use this miraculous nature’s “medicine” oil. 


Scientific References:

  1. Koulivand, P. H., Ghadiri, M. K., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
  2. Reuter, J., Merfort, I., & Schempp, C. M. (2010). Botanicals in dermatology: an evidence-based review. American journal of clinical dermatology, 11(4), 247–267. https://doi.org/10.2165/11536930

  3. "Topical treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with 2% topical tea tree oil: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study" (2004) by H. J. Kwon and S. H. Yeom: This study found that topical application of 2% tea tree oil on dogs with atopic dermatitis was effective in reducing itching, redness, and inflammation.

  4. "In vitro and in vivo efficacy of tea tree oil against Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis" (2017) by J. M. Fourie, et al.: This study evaluated the effectiveness of tea tree oil against the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis, which is a common cause of skin allergies in dogs. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in killing the mites in vitro and in vivo.

  5. "In vitro antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil against Malassezia pachydermatis" (2016) by C. Cafarchia, et al.: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of tea tree oil against the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis, which is a common cause of skin allergies in dogs. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of the yeast.

  6. "Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its components against oral pathogens and macrophages" (2017) by T. Silva, et al.: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil against oral pathogens and macrophages. The study found that tea tree oil was effective in reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

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