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Is it safe to add essential oils to my dog's shampoo for skin issues?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 4 days old | 9.48 lbs

Is it safe to add a few drops of essential oil like citronella or peppermint or both to an existing organic shampoo? He is using human nature's shampoo for pets.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2017

I wouldn't recommend adding either of these essential oils to your pets shampoo because they don't provide any health benefits for your dog. Also there is no literature to suggest what is a safe dosage that can be applied to your pet, if at all.
If your pet has some skin condition then I would encourage buying a shampoo that is already formulated and tested as safe for Boovs to have. The Duoxo shampoo line (available on line through amazon.com) is a safe and effective alternative that can help if Boovs has a certain skin condition. If he doesn't have a skin condition then a regular over the counter aloe based or oatmeal based puppy shampoo is adequate. The haircoat is most affected by what the pet eats than what is applied topically. Feeding a high quality puppy food such as Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Evo, or Eukanuba are best.
Best wishes with Boovs and his skin. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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