It Helps with Respiratory Infections
Similar to other (essential) oils, tea tree oil can be used as part of aromatherapy for helping to deal with a number of respiratory issues in dogs.
However, any issues with the respiratory system in dogs should result in an immediate trip to the veterinarian without hesitation.
Do not attempt to treat any such health problems by yourself without consulting with a vet, since they can be fatal.
You’ll know if your dogs are suffering from respiratory problems and diseases if they show some or these or all the symptoms below:
While your vet will be equipped to run tests and pinpoint what is ailing your dog as well as develop a treatment plan, you may incorporate the benefits of tea tree oil for dogs in addition to following their recommended instructions.
An oil diffuser with a few drops of tea tree oil is an aromatherapy resource that will help fight off internal infection as well as soothe inflammation in the nasal cavities.
Additionally, other essential oils work well with tea tree oil for dogs, such as eucalyptus and peppermint which help to open and clear out the nasal canals with their bright, herbal scent and provide relief for the dog.
It Fights Ringworm Infections
An infectious, fungal infection, ringworm is not the result of any kind of worm.
Ringworm is a colloquialism for a variety of fungal infections (tinea pedis, tinea corpus, tinea unguium) which is gained from its appearance – a red, circular (or ring) found on the skin.
Ringworm in dogs may also look like a random bald patch or scaly, dry skin.
Tea tree oil for dogs has antifungal properties, and it may also kill ringworm fungi.
While theres no clear evidence one way or the other due to lack of studies, theres some low quality proof that ringworm in dogs may be treated with TTO.
A 2004 review of seven clinical trials found that its a promising treatment for ringworm.
More specifically, 70% success rate was found in a 2002 study, while an older 1992 study showed how using tea tree oil versus placebo significantly improves the fungal conditions.
Applying a diluted concoction of tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and water twice a day for seven days may help clear up your dog’s ringworm infection naturally.
Spray the infected site with this recipe or for a more controlled application, moisten a cloth with it and dab the area. Additionally, you can pour this mixture into your dog’s bath.
It Helps with Hot Spots
Hot spots have a number of causes: allergies, lack of grooming or over-grooming, result of pest bites, as well as boredom which causes the dog to create hot spots with excessive biting and licking on their own skin.
The discomfort that comes with dry, itchy skin is enough to drive a dog mad, sometimes even causing them to itch, bite, and gnaw at the area to the point of breaking skin and potentially causing infection.
Although tea tree oil for dogs has no medicinal pain-relieving properties related to hot spots and theres no current research specifically on using tea tree oil for dogs hot spots, given that its a natural anti-inflammatory, it may ease and relieve itchiness in dogs.
Not only that, but TTOs pungent scent is typically enough to deter your pet from wanting to lick or bite their hot spots.
Additionally, coconut oil used in the below recipe hydrates dry skin so its likely to ease discomfort and itching.
For this recipe, use the same concepts mentioned above for mixing TTO with other oils. Application should occur no more than twice a day.
Essential Oils To Treat Dog Allergies (Dogs Itchy Skin, Ear Infection and Inflammation – Recipes)
According to some veterinarians and animal experts, tea tree oil may be toxic for dogs when its ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is also suspected that using tea tree oil for dogs may also cause liver damage. Accidental ingestion of tea tree oil may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs as well. Additionally, there have been reports of dogs suffering from neurological damage from the use of this oil.
Essential oils are generally not recommended for use on dogs, as these highly concentrated products can have harmful effects, especially to a small animal. Some experts claim that using tea tree oil shampoo is safe for dogs, but maintain it should be used with caution. Many veterinarians do not recommend the use of any tea tree oil product on small animals, including cats and dogs.
Many experts believe the oil can lead to serious damage to a dogs respiratory system and liver. By ingesting tea tree oil, neurological disturbances can damage a dogs balance and coordination. Some dogs have also experienced seizures after being exposed to tea tree oil products over a period of time.
In severe cases of toxicity, a dog may suffer from paralysis or coma. In reported cases, these symptoms had occurred from the use of undiluted tea tree oil. Experts generally agree that this oil should never be used in an undiluted form, either for pets or for humans.
As with any medicated or herbal product, tea tree oil used topically on dogs may produce allergic reactions. Even in a diluted form, the oil has the potential to cause symptoms in animals with sensitivity issues or allergies. Some symptoms of allergic reaction to tea tree oil for dogs include sneezing, hives, rash, and breathing difficulties. A dog that experiences any of these symptoms after being exposed to tea tree oil products should receive prompt veterinary care.
Tea tree oil is often used as an effective flea repellant, and it can be found in other dog care products as well. When used often, the toxins from the oil may accumulate at a gradual rate, not causing noticeable symptoms early on. The early symptoms of toxicity from tea tree oil are lethargy and loss of appetite. When such symptoms become apparent, the dog may have already suffered damage to major organs.