Kirsten Aromatherapy for pets: Educational guide
Aromatherapy for pets is the skilled and intentional use of aromatic plant extracts to support an animal’s emotional balance, comfort and overall wellbeing. When practised with knowledge, sensitivity and respect for the animal, aromatherapy offers a gentle and non-invasive way to support animals through a variety of everyday challenges and life transitions.
Animals experience the world primarily through their senses, and scent plays a particularly significant role in how they interpret their environment. Their heightened olfactory awareness, combined with species-specific physiology and behavioural communication, means that aromatherapy for animals must be approached differently from human aromatherapy. Professional animal aromatherapy is therefore grounded in observation, minimal intervention, and responsiveness to the individual animal.
This guide is provided for educational purposes and reflects contemporary professional animal aromatherapy practice. Aromatherapy is intended to complement other aspects of animal care and is most effective when used as part of a holistic approach to wellbeing that considers the animal’s physical, emotional and environmental needs.
Understanding aromatherapy in an animal context
Aromatherapy for animals is shaped by the way animals naturally interact with their surroundings. Unlike humans, animals do not seek out scent for novelty or enjoyment in the same way. Scent is functional, meaningful and deeply embedded in communication, emotional regulation and survival. Understanding this distinction is central to ethical and effective animal aromatherapy practice.
Animals rely heavily on olfactory input to assess safety, recognise individuals, navigate territory and regulate emotional responses. The olfactory system is closely linked to the limbic system, which governs emotion, memory and behaviour. As a result, even very subtle aromatic input can influence how an animal feels and responds to their environment.
Because animals do not consciously choose aromatherapy, responsibility rests with the practitioner or caregiver to ensure that exposure is appropriate and respectful. Aromatic support should never overwhelm an animal’s sensory space. Instead, it should exist as a gentle option within the environment, allowing the animal to engage with or disengage from the scent as they choose.
Professional animal aromatherapy differs from human aromatherapy not only in dilution and application, but also in philosophy. It prioritises restraint over intensity, simplicity over complexity, and observation over assumption. Rather than following rigid formulas, animal aromatherapy adapts to the individual animal, their life stage, health status, environment and current circumstances.
Animals vary widely in their responses to aromatic compounds. Species differences, breed tendencies, previous experiences and current emotional states all influence tolerance and preference. What supports one animal may be neutral or unwanted by another. This variability is not a limitation, but a reminder that aromatherapy works best when it is flexible, responsive and guided by the animal’s behaviour.
When integrated thoughtfully into daily care, aromatherapy can enhance an animal’s sense of safety, support emotional regulation and contribute to overall wellbeing without disrupting natural behaviours.
The role of aromatherapy in animal wellbeing
Aromatherapy supports an animal’s innate capacity to maintain balance and adapt to change. Its effects are subtle and cumulative rather than immediate or forceful. For this reason, it is best viewed as a supportive modality that works alongside good husbandry, predictable routines, appropriate enrichment and calm handling.
In professional practice, aromatherapy may be used to:
- Support calm and emotional resilience
- Ease stress associated with environmental or routine changes
- Encourage relaxation and rest
- Support skin and coat comfort
- Improve the emotional tone of an animal’s living space
Rather than acting on the animal, aromatherapy works with the animal. The animal’s responses guide ongoing use, ensuring that aromatic support remains appropriate and welcome.
Ways aromatherapy may support animals
Emotional and behavioural support
Emotional balance is one of the most common areas where aromatherapy is applied in animals. Changes to routine, environment or social structure can create emotional stress, even when physical needs are well met. Situations that may challenge an animal emotionally include relocation, travel, changes within the household, introduction of new animals, confinement, recovery periods or exposure to unfamiliar environments.
Aromatherapy may support these transitions by providing a consistent and calming sensory presence. When combined with predictable routines and gentle handling, aromatic support can help animals settle more easily and maintain emotional stability.
It is important to recognise that behaviour is a form of communication. Aromatherapy is not used to suppress behaviour, but to support the animal’s nervous system so that behaviour can naturally regulate as stress reduces.
Skin and coat comfort
In carefully diluted topical applications, aromatherapy may support skin comfort and overall coat condition, including in cases of sensitivity or irritation. Topical preparations should be selected thoughtfully, with consideration given to the animal’s individual skin response, grooming habits and overall tolerance.
Topical aromatherapy is most effective when used as part of a broader approach to skin health that also considers nutrition, grooming routines and environmental influences.
Environmental and sensory support
Environmental aromatherapy focuses on gently influencing the emotional atmosphere of a space rather than applying products directly to the animal. This approach is particularly useful in multi-animal households, rescue or foster settings, and for animals that are sensitive to touch.
Subtle aromatic support within the environment can contribute to a calmer emotional tone, supporting animals as they rest, settle or adapt to changes.
Broader wellbeing support
Within professional practice, aromatherapy may also form part of broader wellbeing strategies supporting areas such as digestive comfort, muscular tension, respiratory ease, immune resilience and parasite management programs. In these contexts, aromatherapy is used as one element within a wider, integrated approach tailored to the individual animal.
Understanding basic essential oil chemistry
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts composed of many naturally occurring chemical constituents. These compounds determine both the scent and functional properties of each oil.
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, their effects are dose-dependent. In animal aromatherapy, effectiveness comes from precision and appropriateness rather than strength.
Common chemical families include:
- Monoterpene alcohols are commonly associated with gentle antimicrobial activity and supportive effects on immune function, making them widely used in aromatic formulations.
- Esters contribute to many of the calming, balancing and harmonising qualities found in essential oils. In animal and livestock applications, these compounds are valued for their soothing influence and have been examined for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic characteristics.
- Aldehydes are recognised for their calming and anti-inflammatory attributes and for their strong, distinctive aromatic profiles. Due to their intensity, they are typically selected and applied with care in animal formulations.
- Phenols are highly active aromatic compounds associated with strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In animal aromatherapy, their use is generally limited and highly selective, particularly when working with more sensitive species such as cats.
- Ketones are a diverse group of aromatic compounds often discussed in relation to their effects on tissue repair, respiratory support and nervous system regulation. In animal aromatherapy, ketone-containing oils are approached thoughtfully, with attention to species, life stage and formulation context, and are typically used at low concentrations as part of carefully considered blends.
Understanding essential oil chemistry allows for informed selection and formulation that aligns with an animal’s tolerance and needs.
Species-specific considerations
Animals process aromatic compounds differently depending on species, body size, metabolism and organ function. These factors influence how aromatic compounds are absorbed, distributed and eliminated.
Cats, birds and small mammals require particular consideration due to metabolic and respiratory sensitivities. For these species, hydrosols are often a more suitable and well-tolerated option.
Life stage is also relevant. Young animals, elderly animals and pregnant animals benefit from especially gentle approaches and minimal aromatic exposure.
Safety and precautions
Safety is the most critical aspect of aromatherapy for animals. Even natural substances can cause harm if misused. The following principles form the foundation of safe practice:
- Aromatherapy is complementary and must never replace veterinary care.
- Essential oils should never be added to an animal’s food or water.
- Ingestion of essential oils is not recommended for animals.
- Animals must always be able to move away from aromatic exposure.
- Diffusion should be intermittent, minimal and well ventilated.
- Use should be discontinued immediately if any adverse reaction occurs.
- Extra caution is required for cats, birds and small mammals.
- Hydrosols are generally a gentler and more appropriate option for sensitive species.
Recognising signs of sensitivity
Because animals cannot communicate discomfort verbally, caregivers must be vigilant for signs of sensitivity or adverse reaction. These may include avoidance behaviour, restlessness, agitation, excessive grooming, drooling, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, changes in breathing, or unusual behavioural changes. Any of these signs warrant immediate discontinuation and consultation with a veterinarian.
More information about essential oil safety with pets can be read here:
Essential oil safety and pets
Quality of essential oils
The quality of essential oils is directly linked to both safety and effectiveness. Oils intended for use around animals should meet stringent quality criteria:
- 100% pure, with no synthetic fragrances or additives
- Clearly labelled with the botanical (Latin) name
- Sourced from reputable suppliers with transparent batch testing
- Properly stored in dark glass containers away from heat and light
Products marketed as “fragrance oils” or “aroma oils” are not suitable for therapeutic or aromatherapy use with animals, as they often contain synthetic compounds that may be harmful.
Application methods
Aromatic use (diffusion)
Diffusion is one of the most commonly used methods in animal aromatherapy, but it must be approached conservatively. Only very small amounts should be used, and diffusion sessions should be short and infrequent. Continuous diffusion or use in confined spaces is not recommended.
A ultrasonic diffuser with an intermittent setting is recommended. Animals should always have the ability to leave the area, and diffusion should be discontinued if avoidance or distress is observed.
Topical application
Topical use involves applying diluted essential oils to the skin. This method carries higher risk due to potential skin sensitivity and the likelihood of ingestion through grooming. Topical application should only be used under professional guidance, at very low dilutions, and on appropriate areas of the body where licking is unlikely.
Patch testing is essential before any broader application. See below for skin sensitivity and patch testing.
Choice-based aromatherapy
Choice-based aromatherapy respects an animal’s autonomy by allowing them to approach or avoid a scent. This approach reduces stress and provides valuable feedback about the animal’s preferences and tolerance. It aligns closely with ethical animal care principles and is considered best practice in many professional settings.void a scent respects their autonomy, reduces stress, and guides safe use.
Sensitivity and skin patch testing
Before any topical use, a patch test should be conducted. A small amount of a properly diluted preparation is applied to a discreet area, such as the inside of the ear or a small patch of skin. The area should be observed for at least 24 hours for signs of redness, swelling, itching or behavioural changes. Any adverse response requires immediate discontinuation.
Dilution and carrier oils
Proper dilution is essential in animal aromatherapy. Animals typically require significantly lower concentrations than humans. Dilution rates may range from 0.25% to 5%, depending on species, size, age, health status and the purpose of use.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and reduce the risk of irritation. Commonly used carrier oils include sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil and apricot kernel oil. Carrier oils should be fresh, appropriate for the animal’s skin type and patch tested before use.
Hydrosols for cats and small pets
Hydrosols, also known as floral waters or herbal distillates, are the water-based byproducts of essential oil steam distillation. They contain small amounts of water-soluble aromatic compounds, making them far gentler than essential oils.
Hydrosols may be used for mild topical application, environmental misting or as a safer aromatic option for sensitive species such as cats, birds and small mammals. As with all aromatic products, quality and appropriate use are essential.
Professional guidance
Ethical animal aromatherapy is grounded in education, observation and respect for professional scope. Individual consultations allow approaches and formulations to be tailored to each animal’s species, age, health history, environment and sensitivity.
Some situations benefit from collaborative care with other animal health professionals, supporting the animal’s overall wellbeing in a holistic and considered way.
Future aromatherapy consultations and products
From 2026, Purple Tree Pets will offer individual aromatherapy consultations for pets, along with a limited range of aromatherapy-based products formulated specifically for animals. These services will be designed to support each animal’s unique needs, with careful consideration of species, life stage and sensitivity.
Further details will be shared closer to the 2026 launch.
References and further reading
- Battaglia, S. (2018). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (3rd ed.). Perfect Potion Publishing.
- Bell, K. L. (2012). Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Animals.
- Crowther, A. (2019). Animal Aromatherapy. International Association of Animal Therapists.
- National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). Essential Oil Safety Guidelines.
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals (2nd ed.).
- Wynn, S. G., & Fougere, B. (2007). Veterinary Herbal Medicine.
- Australian Veterinary Association. Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Therapies – Position Statements.
- Purple Tree Pets – Essential oil safety and pets.
Disclaimer : The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. The traditional and suggested uses listed here are for reference only and under no circumstances should they be taken as recommendations for cures or treatments for diseases or medical conditions. Purple Tree Pets shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information. Therapeutic oils are used to support natural body functions and work in harmony with our body’s physiology. The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for medical counselling with a veterinarian or other health professional. Always keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and consult a medical practitioner before use during pregnancy or other medical conditions. If misuse of essential oils occurs please phone your vet or the poisons information centre straight away – 13 11 26
