Is Rose Essential Oil Safe For Dogs?

To many people, the rose is a pleasantly-smelling flower that ignites feelings of passion.

However, there’s more to roses than then their fragrant scents and beauty.

These cute flowers also produce rose essential oil used for a range of health benefits for both humans and their pets.

Studies show that it improves acne, relieves anxiety, balances hormones, improves depression, and increases libido.

For centuries, people have also utilized the oil to treat coughs, headaches, allergies, nervous tension, and deal with grief.

Rose essential oil is extracted through both steam distillation and solvent extraction.

The former method produces oil used for its healing benefits while the latter is frequently used in perfumes, cosmetics, and skincare products.

The oil has a sweet, floral scent just like the flower itself.

Despite having many benefits, dog owners have to be careful with essential oils. Some of these aromatic compounds are toxic to your little furry friend.

 Is rose essential oil among them?

Let’s find out…

Is Rose Essential Safe For Dogs?

First things first, most essential oils are extremely potent and contain a host of biologically active compounds—functionalized derivatives of ketones, phenols, esters, etc—all of which can present potential challenges when it comes to our canine friends.

In particular, these compounds can readily get absorbed into your dog’s system—whether they are applied topically or ingested—and metabolized by the liver.

So, using the wrong essential oil (or using the right one inappropriately) on your pup can be detrimental to his health.

Let’s focus on rose essential now…where does it stand? Is it toxic to dogs? How should it be used around dogs?

The short answer is: when used in moderation and cautiously, rose essential oil is not only safe but also beneficial to dogs.

In fact, here are some of the top benefits of rose essential oil for dogs:

I. Reduction Of Stress Levels

Aromatherapy is increasingly being used as a natural way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

While the practice has primarily been used with humans, there is growing evidence that it can also be effective with animals.

One study found that rosemary essential oil was effective in reducing stress levels in dogs.

The study took place over a couple of days, during which time the dogs were exposed to the scent of rosemary essential oil every day.

The results showed that the dogs had significantly lower levels of stress hormones at the end of the study.

This suggests that rose essential oil could be an effective way to reduce stress in dogs.

However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

II. Healthy Coat

Yes, rose essential oil can be beneficial for the skin and coat of dogs.

Rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin, and it also has antioxidant properties that can help to protect the skin from damage.

In addition, rose essential oil can help to moisturize the skin and coat of your dog, keeping it soft and healthy.

III. Heal Wounds

If your dog has a scratch or minor cut, you do not have to take him to the vet.

Such minor injuries can be managed at home. As long as you know what you are doing, your dog will recover in no time.

One age-old remedy is using rose essential oil to not only soothe but also heal minor wounds.

IV. Natural Tick Repellant

One of the most effective natural tick repellents out there is rose essential oil.

Rose essential oil contains compounds that are toxic to ticks, and it can be safely applied to your dog’s coat.

In addition, the pleasant fragrance of rose essential oil is surprisingly a turnoff for those annoying pests.

Using this essential oil will therefore not only make your dog smell great but also get rid of ticks and other parasites.

Potential Risks of Giving your Dog Rose Essential Oils

As aforementioned, because of the potency of essential oils, there are a few risks to be aware of when giving or using rose essential oil on your pup for the first time.

One of the most common risks is if your Fido has an allergic reaction. If your dog happens to be allergic to rose oil or essential oils in general, he could suffer severe reactions.

 Some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for include itchy and inflamed skin, difficulties in breathing, and chronic infections.

Check the following posts to learn more about allergic reactions in dogs:

Your dog may also be at risk of essential poisoning if he ingests too much of the rose oil.

While rose essential oil is safe for your dog when used moderately, ingesting copious amounts of the oil could make him sick.

Avoid these risks by:  

A. Using Limited Amounts Of Rose Oil

The more the amount of rose essential oil used on your pet, the higher the risk of toxicity.

 If you must use the oil on your dog, use a little of it at a time to limit its effects on the dog.

When applying it to the dog, be sure to do that on areas that the dog will not lick it off.

Ingesting the essential oil is not a great idea as it can trigger a stomach upset.

B. Diluting the oil

Dogs smell things on a higher scale than we do. According to PetMD, a dog’s scent is 10,000 times better than that of humans.

What smells strong for you is easily too much for your furball’s little nose

As such, you may want to dilute the rose essential oil before giving it to the dog.

Doing this cuts the potency of the oil so it doesn’t irritate your pooch.

You can dilute the oil by using a cold-pressed carrier oil, vegetable butter, or water.

C. Using quality oils

Rose essential oils aren’t equal in design. Some are quality oils with good therapeutic values while others are adulterated oils of poor quality.

These have odorless substances that save the manufacturer money at the expense of the buyer.

Examples of adulterants include extenders, harmful chemicals, and diluents – all of which affect the end result in one way or another.

Before shopping for your rose essential oil, choose 100% quality oils from reputable suppliers.

D. Diffusing the Oil

 One of the less dangerous ways of using rose essential oil is by diffusing it.

ASPCA claims that using a diffuser for some time in an open space is less likely to cause any harm to your dog.

As long as you use quality diluted oils and keep them away from your pet’s reach, you should be fine.

Take extra caution if your dog has breathing issues or ailments.  

Caution: Rose Essential Oil May Not Be Safe For Your Feline Baby

Even though rose essential oil is safe for dogs, it may not be safe to use on or around your feline baby.

This is because rose essential oil is toxic to cats. When inhaled or absorbed through the skin of your cat, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure.

For this reason, it’s important to keep products containing rose essential oil out of reach of cats.

If you suspect your cat has been exposed to the oil, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Summary:  Rose Essential Oil Is Safe To Dogs When Used In Moderation

Rose essential oil is safe for dogs as long as it is used in moderation and properly.

You can use it to boost the mood of your dog, soothe wounds as well as give your dog a healthy coat.

However, there are certain risks that you should be aware of before using rose essential oil on your pup.

Rose oil is also unsafe for cats so you may want to think about your other housemates before using it.

By using the essential oil in moderation and cautiously, you can mitigate these risks and help protect your pup’s health.  

Most importantly, before using any essential oil (or any new product) on your dog, always consult with your veterinarian.

What other essential oils are safe to your pup? Find out from the following posts: