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Oregano oil for dogs can be a confusing topic for pet owners.
Some people say that it can be toxic to dogs. Some say it's good.
So, which is true?
Well, the problem with oregano oil is its name. ‘Oregano oil' can cause confusion for people.
So as pet owners, we must know how to differentiate the oil of oregano from oregano essential oil and oregano oil.
Hold up, Mitch. Those are different?
Yep, they are.
Don't worry; in this article, we're going to discuss the difference among those three, as well as:
- the benefits of oregano oil to dogs
- how should you give oregano oil to your dog
- which kind of oregano oil should you give your dog
Let's get to it!
Which kind of Oregano Oil Should I use?
There are a lot of confusion around whether oregano oil can benefit our dogs.
Oregano oil can be safe for dogs if applied and diluted properly. If not careful, it has the potential to burn.
Similarly to other medications or supplements, oregano oil is best administered with the help and guidance of your most trusted vet.
Fido should also be monitored closely after administration to prevent negative side effects.
The use of oregano oil should be stopped if your dog is exhibiting signs of distress and these signs:
- Excessive drooling
- Squinting
- Vocalization
- Shaking
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Consult with your vet right away if your dog shows the symptoms above.
To ensure the safety of our dogs, you should know the difference between the three types of oregano oils below:
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano, also called oregano extract or oregano oil (confusing, isn't it?), is the one you should choose!
It contains carvacrol and can be used topically or orally for healing.
The oil of oregano is a concentrated extract from various parts of the oregano plant that's prediluted in carrier oil.
Oregano oil has been used in folk medicine for centuries to prevent illness.
Oregano Essential Oil
Dogs can also have oregano essential oil, but it has to be properly diluted.
Similar to the oil of oregano, oregano essential oil is a concentrated extract from the oregano plant and also contains carvacrol; however, it is much more potent.
It is safe for aromatherapy or topical application if it’s diluted with carrier oil.
Oregano essential oil also offers positive benefits.
However, it's best advised to consult with a professional or your vet if you're trying to introduce a food, supplement, or any new item to your pets.
Oregano Oil
Now, here's the confusing part.
There's oregano oil (oil of oregano) that is extracted from oregano, and there is oregano oil that is oil infused with oregano.
It doesn't give any medicinal benefits for dogs.
This oil is used for cooking to add delicious flavors to our foods. It can be found at the grocery and other food stores.
Oil of oregano, however, can also be found in grocery stores, but it is usually located together with the vitamins and other supplements area.
IMPORTANT: As for the remainder of the article, keep in mind that when we say Oregano oil, we are referring to the Oil of Oregano.
Benefits of Oregano Oil for Dogs
There are many ways dogs can benefit from oregano oil.
Oregano oil can be safely ingested, inhaled, and used topically on dogs.
It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and even anti-inflammatory properties.
Oil of oregano can also promote good digestion in dogs and can fight certain parasites, viruses, and ear infections caused by bacteria.
Yes, it helps fight some of our dogs' most common health problems!
Below, we've compiled a short list of the benefits of oregano oil for dogs.
Kills Bacteria
Because of carvacrol, oregano oil is claimed to be a natural antibiotic.
Studies show that carvacrol helps stop the growth of different kinds of bacteria.
So, what exactly is carvacrol?
Carvacrol is an organic compound also called phenol. It gives oregano its taste and aroma.
Even though there are many phenols found in the oil of oregano, carvacol is the most ample.
Antioxidants
Oregano oil can be a great source of antioxidants.
Carvacrol is not your simple antibiotic. It also serves as one of three major antioxidants found in oregano.
The other two antioxidants are thymol and rosmarinic acid.
According to a study, out of 39 commonly used herbs, oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants.
Fights Parasites
Oregano oil can also aid in fighting off parasites in dogs.
According to studies, oregano oil has helped reduce parasites in human candidates. It can also help for giardia and as a dewormer.
Fights Yeasts
The oil of oregano also works as a natural yeast fighter.
Carvacrol and thymol are both found in oregano, which are natural antifungals.
Yeast overgrowth is also connected to ear infections and skin and gut issues.
Oregano oil is both an antifungal and antibiotic that can also help eliminate microorganisms responsible for skin and ear infections.
On the other hand, oregano essential oil can also help with ringworm due to its antifungal properties.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Oregano oil can also help prevent cancer!
How, you ask?
Well, we've mentioned that oregano oil has antioxidants that help prevent free radicals that increase cancer risk.
A test tube study showed that carvacrol helped inhibit cell growth and raised cancer cell death.
Improve Gut Health
Leaky guy has been pretty common in dogs.
This happens when the intestinal lining of the dog's guts is damaged and lets foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, leak into its bloodstream.
When these invaders stay over time, they can cause allergies, inflammation, and even chronic diseases.
Oil of oregano can also help your dog improve his gut health.
How To Use Oil Of Oregano For Your Dog
Most oregano oil that you can buy is already prediluted and should be safe for internal use.
However, we must be cautious and double-check the bottle carefully. Look for products that contain a carrier oil.
How to give your dog Oil of Oregano Internally
If you plan to give your dog oregano oil internally, add a drop or two to your dog's meal.
This can help fight off bacteria and other fungal infections.
In addition, you can also add it to your dog's toothpaste to aid with their oral health.
Oregano oil will be able to eliminate or reduce bacteria that are lurking in your dog's mouth.
This can be extremely helpful since bacteria that cause gum disease can be connected or lead to heart problems.
Oregano essential oil should not be used internally without the recommendation and guidance of your vet.
How to give your dog Oil of Oregano Topically
You can use oregano essential oil topically if you dilute it first.
If you plan on doing this, add 1 to 3 drops of oregano essential oil to a teaspoon of olive, almond, or any other carrier oil that is safe for dogs.
You can apply this to the skin 3 to 4 times daily.
For their ears, add oregano essential oil to 1oz of warm aloe vera juice or use prediluted oil of oregano.
Damp a cotton ball into the oil and clean only the visible parts of the dog's ears.
What Dogs Should Avoid Oregano Oil?
Never forget to dilute your oregano essential oil since it can burn and make your dog sick.
Dogs suffering from seizures must also avoid oil of oregano and oregano essential oils.
Never let essential oils be around your pet's eyes, nose, and genitals. Don't add essential oils to your dog's food or water.
Essential oils must also be avoided by puppies under 10 weeks old and pregnant or nursing dogs.
Oregano oil is a powerful natural remedy that can benefit dogs only if used properly.
How to Choose Oregano Oil for Dogs
If you're having difficulty choosing oregano oil for your pet, it's best advised to work with your most trusted vet.
Your vet can examine your dog's condition and suggest the right oregano oil to use for your dog.
A lot of vets have plenty of experience using these kinds of products.
Avoid essential oils sold at grocery stores because even though they are labelled organic, it doesn't mean it is safe for pet consumption.
With oil of oregano, the quality of the plant is what leads to an effective oil.
Choose a brand that's transparent about its ingredients.
Research if they have full control of the making process, from seed selection to bottling and to labelling.
Check if the product has carvacrol. A great oregano oil should have 60-75% carvacrol.
Pet owners should develop a habit of working side-by-side with their vet to determine if a specific item or medicine is right for their pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential oils are safe for dogs?
Besides oregano oil, there are still plenty of essential oils that can benefit your dog.
If you want to use natural oil or oil supplements, consult first with your vet so that he can identify the right oil-based treatment.
Below, we've compiled a short list of safe essential oils for dogs:
- Lavender oil
- Chamomile oil
- Myrrh oil
- Frankincense oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Rosemary oil
- Cornmint oil
- Ginger oil
- Bergamot oil
How is oregano good for dogs?
Oregano has plenty of positive benefits for dogs.
For instance, it has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that can help prevent the spread of bacteria and other viruses.
Oregano also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help dogs reduce the risk of developing inflammatory illnesses.
Oregano Oil for Dogs Before You Go…
Oregano oil for dogs is a very confusing topic for many pet owners. The main problem is the name itself.
Oregano oil, also known as oil of oregano, is a concentrated extract from the oregano plant that's prediluted in carrier oil.
It is safe and can benefit dogs.
However, there's also an ‘oregano oil' that is used for cooking, and this kind of ‘oregano oil' is harmful to dogs.
In addition, oregano essential oil is also safe for dogs as long as it is properly diluted.
If you plan to administer something new to your pup, it's best to ask your vet or a professional before doing so.
Oil of oregano or oregano extract can help dogs as it contains antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and even anti-inflammatory properties.
It also has carvacrol that can stop the growth of many different bacteria.
Oregano oil can help prevent cancer and ear and skin infections. It can also fight off parasites and yeasts.
Have you tried using oregano oil to your dogs? How did it go? Let us know in the comments section!
Also, check out our recommended articles below if you want to read more about dog safety.
