ssential oils can have many healing and nurturing effects, not only on us humans but our dogs too. Dogs with generalised anxiety, noise phobias or separation anxiety may benefit from aromatherapy – specifically lavender essential oil. It’s important to only use essential oils that are 100% pure and to choose essential oils that are safe for your dog. These treatments are no substitute for quality veterinary care, and you should consult with your vet before using any essential oil. When home-making grooming products for your dog, it is important to remember that essential oils can be potent. A dog’s sense of smell, or olfaction, is much stronger than a human’s; they have up to 300m olfactory receptors, which is about 40 times more than we humans have. This means we need to be extremely careful not to add too many drops of essential oils. Some of these wellness recipes include essential oils, but only the oils that are deemed safe for dogs, which we selected in consultation with Dr Michelle Quintner, veterinary surgeon. In each, we add just a few drops of each essential oil at the most. Soothing paw balm Dogs can do with some soothing, hydrating balm, not just in summer when they have to deal with hot asphalt footpaths, but also in winter because ice and cold weather can be especially hard on their paws. This is a beautiful firm paw salve with healing essential oils. Prep 20 minutes Makes 55g 15g beeswax 1 tbsp coconut oil 20ml olive oil 2 drops lavender essential oil 2 drops chamomile essential oil 2 drops citronella essential oil Add the beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil to a glass jar. Sit the jar in a small saucepan and fill the pan halfway with water to create a water bath. Gently simmer for 10 minutes over a low heat, stirring with a wooden skewer or chopstick until the ingredients are well combined. Carefully remove the jar and allow the balm to cool slightly, then add the essential oils and stir to mix in. When completely cold, cover the jar with its lid and store in a cool place. This keeps for at least one year. To use, rub on your dog’s paws as regularly as needed. Bath bombs Active prep 10 mins Setting time 30 mins and a further 24 hours to cure Makes 12 (depending on what mould or cutter you use) 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted 10 drops lavender essential oil 1 drop natural food colouring of your choice (optional) 300g bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) 110g Epsom salts 70g oatmeal In a medium bowl, use a metal whisk to combine the coconut oil, essential oil and food colouring (if using) with two tablespoons cold water, until the colour is blended evenly through the liquids. Add the bicarbonate of soda, Epsom salts and oatmeal. The mixture will be quite stiff, requiring plenty of firm mixing with a wooden spoon for a couple of minutes. You are after a consistency of wet sand. Spoon the mixture into your chosen moulds. Alternatively, push the bath bomb mixture firmly into cookie cutters on a baking tray or flat surface so that it compacts. Allow to set. Soothing massage oil The combination of these essential oils works well to alleviate symptoms of arthritis and achy joints. Prep 5 mins Makes 125ml (4 fl oz) 125ml vegetable oil 1 drop rosemary essential oil 1 drop ginger essential oil 1 drop chamomile essential oil Pour all the ingredients into a glass jar that has been thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water. Using a small metal whisk, or a fork, whisk together until emulsified. Seal with the lid. Allow to infuse for 24 hours before massaging on to sore areas or joints. Japanese rice water treatment Rice water is rich in vital amino acids, antioxidants, protein and vitamins B, C and E. It also contains inositol, which has been found to help restore hair strength. This treatment follows the traditional Japanese yu-su-ru haircare practice and is a beautiful way to finish off your dog’s bath time. It soothes itchy skin and promotes a glossy, soft coat. For best results, apply as a post-shampoo leave-in treatment and gently massage into your dog’s coat and skin before brushing it through and leaving it to dry. Prep 35 minutes Makes 400ml 2 tbsp brown rice 1 drop rosemary essential oil 1 drop citronella essential oil First, wash the rice several times under running water to rinse out any impurities. In a food processor, combine the washed rice with 500ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) water. Whiz for a few seconds to break up the rice grains; the rice water will become milky. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes. Using a fine sieve and a funnel, pour the rice water into a spray bottle and discard the broken rice grains. Add the essential oils and shake to emulsify. Allow to infuse for 24 hours before using. Tip: Plain rice water can also help with tummy upsets and diarrhoea. This is an edited extract from My Dog Eats Better Than Me by Fiona Rigg and Jacqui Melville, published by Hardie Grant Books ($29.99). Photographer: Melanie Faith Dove