Emotional Release for Dogs
Helping Your Dog Release Trauma with Essential Oils
Can Dogs Hold On to Emotional Trauma?
Just like us, dogs can carry deep-rooted emotional wounds. In fact, they often take on our emotional burdens, mirroring our stress, sadness, or anxiety. Some dogs have their own past traumas—abuse, abandonment, neglect, or major life changes—that leave a lasting impact on their behavior and well-being.
We at least have words to express our emotions, even if we struggle to do so. But imagine what it must be like for your dog—feeling emotions just as deeply but unable to put them into words.
Not all memories are clear or conscious, but there’s no doubt that dogs retain emotional imprints in their cellular memory. We see it in their behavior—grief, sadness, fear, stress, even anger. I’ve met many dogs who no longer know how to just be a dog. They’ve lost their spark. Picture a breeder mama whose life revolved around caring for her puppies, only to have that purpose suddenly gone. Or a sport or working dog, now retired or injured, struggling with a loss of identity.
Yes, I’m using human terms to describe these experiences, but that doesn’t make them any less real for our dogs. Sometimes we can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong—just like when we, as humans, struggle to put feelings into words.
The good news? There’s something we can do about it.
The Science Behind Essential Oils & Emotional Healing
Emotions, including trauma, are not just psychological experiences—they leave an imprint on the body, particularly in the nervous system. One of the most effective holistic tools for helping dogs process and release trauma is aromatherapy with essential oils.
At the core of emotional processing lies the limbic system, often called the emotional control center of the brain. This complex network includes structures such as the amygdala, responsible for processing fear and trauma, and the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory storage and emotional regulation.
When a dog inhales the aromatic molecules of essential oils, these compounds bypass the logical thinking brain and go directly to the limbic system, influencing emotions, memories, and physiological responses. Unlike verbal processing—which dogs obviously can’t do—scent-based healing works on a subconscious and energetic level, helping to release stored trauma in a way the body understands.
Essential oils can:
Trigger the release of stored emotions by calming the nervous system and activating the body’s natural ability to process trauma.
Shift the brain’s response to past experiences, helping dogs reframe their emotional reactions.
Support the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing fight-or-flight responses and promoting relaxation.
Encourage a sense of grounding and safety, which is essential for emotional healing.
Best Essential Oils for Releasing Trauma in Dogs
Not all essential oils are appropriate for emotional healing, and it’s important to choose therapeutic-grade oils that are safe for dogs (such as Young Living). Here are some of the most effective oils for trauma release:
Frankincense – Helps deepen relaxation, quiets fear-based responses, and supports cellular healing.
Lavender – Calms the nervous system, eases anxiety, and promotes emotional balance.
Confidence & Courage Blend – A powerful blend that instills courage and confidence in fearful or traumatized dogs.
Cedarwood – Grounds and strengthens the nervous system, encouraging emotional stability.
Roman Chamomile – Eases feelings of stress and fosters emotional resilience.
Helichrysum – Known for its deep emotional release properties, especially in cases of past trauma or grief.
Letting Go Blend – Supports the body’s ability to let go of stored emotional pain and tension.
How to Use Essential Oils for Trauma Release
There are a few safe and effective ways to introduce essential oils to a dog experiencing emotional distress:
Passive Diffusion – Add a drop or two to a diffuser in a well-ventilated room. Observe your dog’s response and ensure they can move away if they choose.
Hand Inhalation – Place a drop on your palm, rub hands together, and allow your dog to approach and inhale at their own pace.
Topical Application – Dilute properly with a carrier oil (such as fractionated coconut oil) and apply to the chest, back of the neck, or paws.
Raindrop Technique – A specialized essential oil application method using specific oils along the spine to support emotional and physical well-being.
Energetic Work & Massage – Pairing essential oils with Reiki, massage, or acupressure can help facilitate emotional release.
Signs of Emotional Release
When using essential oils for trauma healing, you may notice signs that your dog is processing emotions, including:
Deep sighing or yawning
Stretching or shaking off (a common way dogs reset their nervous system)
Licking and chewing
Sudden sleepiness
Seeking comfort or touch
These are all positive indicators that your dog is letting go of emotional burdens and transitioning toward a more balanced state.
Final Thoughts
Essential oils can be a powerful tool for helping dogs release trauma, but patience is key. Healing takes time, and every dog will respond differently. Combined with proper nutrition, energy work, and a stable, loving environment, essential oils provide a natural, non-invasive way to support emotional well-being.
If you're interested in learning more about how to incorporate essential oils safely into your dog’s wellness routine, let’s chat! I’d love to help guide you in choosing the best oils and methods for your dog's specific needs.
Emotional Release With Essential Oils
Using a technique and a selection of very specific essential oils, I can help you implement a supportive care option for your dog (or horse, or maybe even yourself!). The goal is reaching the limbic system and letting the oils do their work, tapping in to energy balancing techniques like Chakra Balancing or Reiki. When we support the body with natural solutions, better nutrition, and energy work — it can heal itself. I’ve seen this amazing work many times and I want to share it with you.
It could easily be the one thing you have not yet tried that moves your dog forward and helps him be a happier, healthier dog.
Join me in my members forum to learn more about essential oils, herbs, and homeopathy for supporting trauma release.