Essential Oils I Use Around the Sanctuary
- Dawn Mimnaugh
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Natural support for senior dogs, fresher air, and gentle pest deterrence
At Woody's Place Senior German Shepherd Sanctuary, creating a healthy environment for senior dogs is always my priority. Many of our residents arrive with chronic health conditions, allergies, arthritis, or weakened immune systems. Because of that, I'm very mindful of what I bring into their environment.
One tool I like to use here at the sanctuary is essential oils. When used properly, certain oils can help support a calm atmosphere, fresher indoor air, and even mild natural pest deterrence.
But before we go any further, an important note:
Essential oils should never replace veterinary care, and they must always be used carefully around animals. Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and some oils can be irritating or even toxic if used improperly.
At Woody's Place:
Oils are primarily used in diffusers or diluted environmental sprays
Dogs always have the ability to leave the area
Oils are used very lightly
I avoid oils that are known to be unsafe for dogs
With that in mind, here are eight essential oils I use most often around the sanctuary.
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is probably the best-known and most widely used essential oil for dogs when used properly.
Many senior dogs experience anxiety—especially those who came from unstable situations before arriving here.
Lavender helps promote a calm and relaxing environment, which can be beneficial during:
thunderstorms
stressful transitions
nighttime restlessness
How I use it at the sanctuary:
A few drops in a water-based diffuser
Diluted in a light bedding spray
Occasionally added to cleaning solutions
Lavender is also known for its skin-soothing properties, which can be helpful for dogs prone to mild itching or allergies.
2. Frankincense (Boswellia)
Frankincense has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties.
For aging dogs, inflammation often plays a role in conditions like:
arthritis
chronic immune stress
joint discomfort
While essential oils are never a medical treatment, frankincense can contribute to a calm, grounding atmosphere for senior dogs.
How I use it:
Diffused during quiet evening hours
Blended with lavender in environmental sprays
Occasionally used in resting areas
Its scent is deep, earthy, and grounding.
3. Lemon (Citrus limon)
Running a sanctuary with multiple large dogs means there is always cleaning to do.
Lemon essential oil is one of my favorite oils because it works well as a natural deodorizer.
It leaves a space smelling fresh and clean without synthetic fragrances, which can irritate dogs with allergies.
How I use it:
Added to vinegar-based cleaning solutions
A few drops in diffusers during the day
Diluted in odor-neutralizing sprays
(Citrus oils should never be applied directly to dogs.)
4. Chamomile (Roman or German)
Chamomile is a very gentle oil known for its calming and soothing properties.
Senior dogs often struggle with:
itchy skin
environmental allergies
nighttime anxiety
Chamomile helps support a relaxed environment.
How I use it:
Diffused lightly in resting areas
Blended with lavender in calming sprays
Used occasionally in bedding areas
5. Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Cedarwood is one of my favorites for natural pest deterrence.
Living on a farm means we deal with insects regularly, especially during warmer months.
Cedarwood is known to help repel fleas, ticks, and some other insects.
How I use it:
Diffused lightly indoors
Added to natural deodorizing sprays
Used in outdoor dog play areas
On a bandana placed on a dog
It has a warm, woodsy scent that blends well with lavender.
6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)
Lemongrass is well known for its natural insect-repelling properties.
It may help discourage:
fleas
ticks
mosquitoes
Because it is stronger than many oils, I use it very sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas.
How I use it:
In outdoor sprays around dog play areas
Occasionally blended with cedarwood in environmental sprays
On a bandana placed on a dog
7. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium oil is often used as a natural flea and tick deterrent.
It has a soft floral scent and blends well with other oils used for pest control.
How I use it:
In diluted outdoor sprays
Blended with cedarwood or lavender
On a bandana placed on a dog
8. Eucalyptus (used cautiously)
Eucalyptus can help improve air quality and deter insects, but it must be used carefully.
Because it is stronger than many oils, I use it only occasionally and in small amounts.
How I use it:
Diffused briefly in well-ventilated areas
Used outdoors more often than indoors
Essential Oil Safety Around Dogs
Because the residents of Woody's Place are senior dogs, safety always comes first.
Guidelines I follow:
Use 100% pure essential oils
Diffuse only in well-ventilated spaces
Allow dogs to leave the room freely
Never apply oils directly to dogs unless approved by a veterinarian
Use very small amounts
Some oils should never be used around dogs, including:
tea tree (melaleuca)
pennyroyal
wintergreen
clove in high concentrations
certain citrus oils in strong concentrations
Always consult your veterinarian before using essential oils directly with pets.
The Essential Oil Brand I Prefer
Over the years, I have tried many of the big-name essential oil companies. There are several good ones out there, but the brand I personally prefer right now is Revive Essential Oils.
One of the main reasons I like Revive is that it is widely considered a high-quality but more affordable alternative to companies like dōTERRA.
Many users report that Revive oils offer similar therapeutic potency and aroma, but without the higher prices often associated with multi-level marketing companies.
Why I Like Revive Essential Oils
Comparable quality. Many people feel Revive oils are comparable in quality to dōTERRA oils. Like any product, opinions vary, but many users report excellent results and consistency.
More affordable pricing. Revive is typically significantly less expensive because it is not a multi-level marketing (MLM) company. Instead of paying distributor commissions, the company sells directly to customers.
Third-party testing: Revive states that its oils are 100% pure, therapeutic-grade, and publishes third-party GC/MS testing reports for transparency.
Similar to popular oils, Revive also offers blends designed to match well-known dōTERRA blends. For example, Revive’s Protect blend is comparable to dōTERRA’s On Guard.
My Personal Philosophy
At the sanctuary, the brand matters less to me than purity, safety, and responsible use. No essential oil should ever replace proper veterinary care, and oils should always be used carefully around animals.
But if you are looking for a quality oil that doesn’t cost a fortune, Revive has been a brand that I’ve been very happy with.
This is NOT a brand endorsement, I just truly believe in these products:
A Holistic Environment for Aging Dogs
At the sanctuary, essential oils are just one small part of creating a comfortable and healthy environment for senior dogs.
The real foundation of wellness comes from:
fresh air
sunshine
good nutrition
daily movement
mental stimulation
calm routines
But when used thoughtfully, essential oils can help support a cleaner, calmer environment for the dogs who call Woody's Place home.
And when you're caring for older dogs, those small comforts can make a meaningful difference.
Learn More About Herbal Support for Dogs
A while back, I had the pleasure of hosting clinical canine herbalist Rita Hogan on the Life With Old Dogs Podcast.
Rita is the author of the excellent book The Herbal Dog: Holistic Canine Herbalism Applications and Practice, and she is widely respected for her work in canine herbalism and holistic dog wellness. In both her book and her clinical practice, she focuses on helping dog guardians better understand how herbs can gently and naturally support the body.
During the episode, Rita shares her deep knowledge about:
How herbs interact with the canine body
safe herbal practices for dogs
Common conditions herbs can support
Why a holistic approach can be so beneficial for long-term wellness
If you are interested in learning more about natural support for dogs, I highly recommend both the podcast episode and her book.
You can listen to the podcast episode here: https://www.wpsgss.org/lifewitholddogspodcast/episode/7c709f1a/rita-hogan-or-the-canine-herbalist-or-the-herbal-dog
You can purchase her book here: https://a.co/d/01qlYpeN
Her work is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in supporting their dog’s health through herbs, nutrition, and holistic care.
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