Using Essential Oils For Grief
Dogs form deep emotional bonds—not just with their humans, but also with other animals in their home. When they experience loss, whether through the passing of a companion, rehoming, or even a major change in routine, they grieve.
Grief in dogs doesn’t always look the same as it does in humans. Some dogs express it outwardly, while others suppress their sadness, manifesting it as lethargy, anxiety, or even physical ailments. The key to helping a grieving dog isn’t just comforting them but supporting their emotional release, allowing them to process their feelings in a natural and healthy way.
How Grief Affects Dogs
Some dogs process loss quietly, while others show obvious signs of distress. Common signs of grief in dogs include:
Loss of appetite
Lethargy or excessive sleep
Clinginess or withdrawal
Searching for the lost companion
Changes in vocalization—whining, howling, or unusual barking
Restlessness or pacing
Behavioral changes, including anxiety or depression
Grief is an emotional energy that needs to move through the body. Suppressing it—whether in humans or dogs—only prolongs the pain. The goal is not to distract them from their grief but to support their ability to release it naturally.
5 Ways to Help Dogs Release Grief
Dogs don’t have words to express their feelings, but they have natural ways to process grief. Here’s how you can support their emotional release:
encourage Physical Movement
Dogs often process emotions through movement. Gentle walks, sniffing games, and even light play can help them work through their sadness.
Allow Emotional Expression
Some dogs may vocalize—whining, howling, or sighing—while others may withdraw. Let them express their emotions without forcing them to "get over it."
Use Essential Oils for Emotional Support
Essential oils work on the limbic system, helping dogs release emotional tension and find balance. (See recommended oils below.)
Consider Homeopathy for Deep-Seated Grief
Homeopathic remedies can help dogs process grief, especially when they appear stuck in sadness or become withdrawn.
Provide Comfort and Stability
Routine and structure help grieving dogs feel safe. Keep feeding, walks, and bedtime consistent to give them a sense of normalcy.
Essential Oils to Support a Grieving Dog
Scent is tied to memory and emotion, making essential oils a powerful tool for helping dogs move through grief.
Why Essential Oils Work for Emotional Healing
Essential oils are powerful tools for emotional support because they bypass conscious thought and work directly on the brain’s limbic system—the area that controls emotions, memories, and stress responses.
How Essential Oils Affect the Brain
When a dog inhales an essential oil, the scent molecules travel through the nose and stimulate the olfactory bulb, which sends messages to the limbic system. This region of the brain controls:
Emotional responses (grief, fear, anxiety, joy)
Hormonal balance (cortisol, serotonin, dopamine)
Memory processing (associating scents with experiences)
This is why certain scents can trigger deep emotional responses—they reach the subconscious mind faster than words or actions ever could.
For grieving dogs, essential oils can help:
Encourage emotional release (Frankincense, Bergamot)
Reduce stress hormones (Lavender, Cedarwood)
Bring a sense of comfort and grounding (Ylang Ylang, Rose)
Single Essential Oils for Grief
Frankincense – Grounds emotions and promotes a sense of peace.
Lavender – Calms anxiety and emotional distress.
Bergamot – Encourages emotional release and lightness.
Ylang Ylang – Supports the heart and eases deep sorrow.
Cedarwood – Instills a sense of security and connection.
Rose – Helps heal deep heartache and loss.
Blends for Grief Support
Young Living’s "Release" – Supports emotional release of sadness and grief.
Key ingredients: Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Sandalwood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense
Young Living’s "Valor" – Encourages emotional strength during times of loss.
Key ingredients: Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor, Frankincense, Geranium
Young Living’s "Forgiveness" – Helps with unresolved emotions surrounding loss.
Key ingredients: Melissa, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Geranium, Ylang Ylang
DIY Comfort Blend – A simple, effective blend you can make at home.
Key ingredients: Frankincense, Lavender, and Bergamot in a carrier oil for topical application or diffusion.
How to Use Essential Oils for Grief
Diffusion – Let your dog inhale the aroma in an open space.
Topical Application – Dilute and apply to the chest, ears, or spine.
Scent Association – If an oil was used in happy times, its familiar scent can bring comfort.
Top 5 Things to Do Today to Help a Grieving Dog
Maintain routines – Stability provides security.
Encourage movement – Walks, sniffing games, and gentle play help emotional processing.
Use essential oils – Diffuse or apply diluted blends to support healing.
Try homeopathy – Remedies like Ignatia or Nat Mur can help them move through grief.
Be patient – Healing takes time. Offer comfort, understanding, and space for them to process.
Grief is a natural process for both humans and animals. With patience, love, and the right support, your dog can release emotional pain and find joy again.
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