Carrier oils play an essential role in the use of essential oils on animals. They are fatty or greasy oils that are used to dilute essential oils and help them spread over the skin easily.
Carrier oils are also known as fixed or vegetable oils and are usually derived from nuts, seeds, or fruits. Different carrier oils have different characteristics, and some become rancid more quickly than others. It is crucial to choose the right carrier oil that is safe for your pet, as they will be encountering it through contact with their skin or fur.
At our Woof Oil, we use a combination of two carrier oils in our blends - Grapeseed oil and Hempseed oil.
- Grapeseed oil is well absorbed through the skin and joints and is commonly used in human markets. While grape pulp and skin are toxic to dogs the seed is not.
- Hempseed oil, on the other hand, is different from CBD or THC oil and does not have any psychoactive effects (your dog will not get high). It is soothing to the skin, has anti-inflammatory properties, supports the immune system, and may help heal burns.
Shelton, M. (2018) The animal desk reference II: Essential oils for animals. San Bernardino, CA.