Lavender Flower for Dogs

(Lavandula angustifolia – dried flower, not essential oil)

Lavender flower is gentle, calming, and nervine-supportive when used properly in dogs. This refers to the whole dried flower, not concentrated essential oil.

 Benefits for Dogs

•  Calms nervous system (anxiety, restlessness, stress)

•  Supports better sleep

•  Mild antispasmodic (can help tension-related GI upset)

•  Soothes itchy, irritated skin (topical rinse)

•  Gentle anti-inflammatory support

•  Helpful for travel or noise sensitivity

Lavender flower works through the parasympathetic nervous system — helping shift the body out of “fight or flight.”

 Dose Chart (Dried Lavender Flower – Internal Use)

Use as a tea/infusion unless otherwise directed.

 Dogs

 Can divide into 1–2 daily servings
 Best given away from heavy meals for calming effect

 How to Make Lavender Tea

1 tsp dried lavender
1 cup hot (not boiling) water
Steep 10–15 minutes
Strain well

Cool completely before adding to food or offering by syringe.

 Topical Use (Safer & Often Preferred)

• Make a stronger tea (1 tbsp per cup water)

• Cool completely

• Use as a skin rinse for:

  • Itchy paws

  • Red legs

  • Hot spots (not open wounds)

  • Ear flap irritation (external only)

Do not pour into ear canal.

 Precautions

• Not for pregnant dogs (uterine stimulating in higher doses)

• Avoid in dogs with very low blood pressure

• Use cautiously with sedative medications

• Stop if GI upset occurs

• Always use flower, not essential oil internally

• Essential oil must be heavily diluted if used topically

 Not Recommended for Cats

Cats lack proper liver pathways (glucuronidation) to metabolize many volatile plant compounds.

• Do NOT use lavender essential oil on cats.

• Internal lavender flower use in cats is not recommended without professional supervision.

• Cats are more sensitive to aromatic compounds.

If calming support is needed for cats, safer options include:

• L-theanine
  

• Low-dose taurine support