Is Arnica Oil Safe for Dogs?
As essential oils gain popularity, you may be hearing more and more about arnica oil. Arnica oil has been used for centuries for its healing properties. But you might be surprised to learn that arnica oil has several benefits for dogs, too. Learn how this powerful plant can benefit your dog, and how to safely incorporate it into your dog’s lifestyle.
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What is Arnica Oil?
Arnica, also called Arnica montana, Wolf’s Bane, Leopard’s Bane, or mountain tobacco, is part of the sunflower family and grows primarily in Siberia, Central Europe, and North America. This yellow herb has been used for centuries for its healing properties. But you might be surprised to learn that arnica oil has several benefits for dogs, too.
Benefits of Arnica Oil for Dogs
Arnica oil has been used to alleviate a variety of issues in both people and pets. Some of the main benefits of using arnica oil topically for your pets include:
- Aids in healing of bruises and hematomas
- Aids in healing hematomas
- Reduces swelling and bruising
- Aids in healing abscesses
- Aids in healing closed tissue injuries
- Increases circulation
- Promotes hair regrowth
- Eases emotional upset
The benefits listed above extend to both pets and people, which is why arnica has become such a popular way to help so many issues.
Arnica oil contains fatty acids including linolenic, linoleic, palmitic, and myristic. Not only does it contain helpful fatty acids, but it also contains thymol which has been shown to possess antibacterial properties.
A study conducted by Northwestern University’s Department of Dermatology found topical application of arnica was more effective at reducing bruising than the more common option, low-concentrations of Vitamin K formulations. Another study, published in Rheumatology International, found topical arnica was equally as effective as NSAIDs for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
The thymol in arnica has also been found to be an effective vasodilator assisting in the transport of blood and other accumulations. This essentially acts as an anti-inflammatory to aid healing. Arnica stimulates the flow of white blood cells as well, to help disperse trapped fluid in muscles, joints, and bruised tissues.
Arnica Oil in our Topical CBD Salves for Pets
In addition to the numerous benefits of Arnica oil, it also works extremely well with full spectrum hemp CBD oil. Together, CBD and arnica oil can help provide relief for sore, achy muscles and can heal skin tumors, cysts, and more. CBD Dog Health’s Full Spectrum CBD Salves for Dogs and Horses, are formulated with arnica oil as well as Full Spectrum CBD Oil to help your pet.
Our REMEDY: CBD Salve for Dogs, blends arnica oil with Full Spectrum CBD oil, MCT oil, hemp seed oil, eucalyptus essential oil, and peppermint essential oil to give your pet the topical relief they need from a wide variety of painful conditions and ailments.
Our SOOTHE: CBD Salve for Dogs, blends arnica oil with Full Spectrum CBD oil, MCT oil, hemp seed oil, ginger, and honey, providing the perfect holistic solution to allergies and everyday irritants, such as hot spots and bug bites, that can frustrate and irritate your dog.
Our Nourish: CBD Salve for Dogs, blends arnica oil with Full Spectrum CBD oil, MCT oil, hemp seed oil, vanilla extract, and beeswax, to protect your pet’s paws and keep their skin moisturized when they start to suffer from dry skin, dry paws, sunburns, and more.
Side Effects of Arnica Oil for Dogs
Arnica oil can be extremely beneficial when used appropriately for both our pets and ourselves. Understanding the correct amount necessary for your dog is critical, as this particular oil should be used with caution to remain beneficial rather than toxic.
Arnica Montana is safe in small quantities, however, it should be noted that because of the toxic natural component helenalin, it can be dangerous to both pets and people if too much is used. The FDA has labeled Arnica Montana an unsafe herb for humans and pets, due to helenalin. However, with proper dilution, such as in our topical salves for pets, arnica oil can be perfectly safe to use. If you want to make your own arnica oil for topical application, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like MCT oil. Arnica also improves circulation, opening blood vessels, which can increase bleeding. Due to this, it shouldn’t be used prior to surgery. Before adding any essential oil to your pet’s diet for oral consumption, visit your holistic veterinarian.
Before Buying Arnica Oil for Dogs
Since there’s no regulation on essential oils, you should be certain to do your research prior to purchasing a product. You want to be sure you purchase a product that is actually pure plant oil, rather than synthetic or adulterated oils, which can be dangerous for your pet.
The best way to determine the purity of a product is to ask for the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer. The COA will show you what is and isn’t contained within that specific product. There are many companies that claim to have a pure product, but when you see the COA, there may be fillers, pesticides, or little to no purity in the product.
Research is the best way to make sure you’re choosing the best and safest products for your pet’s wellness. Learn more about the benefits of Arnica Oil and Full Spectrum CBD Salves for pets here.
