Our Favorite DIY Outdoor Essential Oil
Spray for Dogs

If you've spent any time outside lately, you've probably noticed that spring and summer bring more than sunshine and fresh air. Around our house, they also bring plenty of tiny visitors we'd rather leave outside.

Living in the midwest means our dogs are always exploring, the kids are running through the grass, and we're usually outside working in the yard or enjoying family time.

I wouldn't trade that lifestyle for anything.

What I would gladly trade?

That moment when you feel something crawling on your arm after coming inside.

Over the years, I've learned that a little preparation helps me enjoy the outdoors a whole lot more.

One of the things I like to keep on hand is this
simple DIY essential oil spray for our dogs.

• It's quick to make

• smells wonderful

• and has become part of our family's outdoor routine.

Is it the only thing we do before heading outside? Absolutely not.

We also groom our dogs regularly, check everyone over after spending time outdoors, and try to keep the areas where we spend the most time well maintained.

For us, it's about creating simple habits that fit naturally into everyday life.

Why I Enjoy Making It

As a veterinary technician, I've seen just about every type of pet product available.

Every family has different preferences, and there are many options on the market. Personally, I enjoy making simple recipes at home whenever I can, especially when I already have the ingredients on hand.

I also love the fresh, clean aroma of this blend. It comes together in just a few minutes and has become one of those recipes I make again and again during outdoor season.

DIY Outdoor Essential Oil Spray

You'll Need

• 1 cup distilled water

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

• 5 drops lavender essential oil

• 5 drops cedarwood essential oil

• 3 drops lemongrass essential oil

• 3 drops geranium essential oil

• Amber glass spray bottle

Directions

1. Add the water and apple cider vinegar to your spray bottle.

2. Add the essential oils.

3. Shake well before each use.

4. Lightly mist your dog's coat before heading outdoors.

Around the face, I spray the mixture onto my hands first and gently smooth it onto the fur, taking care to avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth.

I also enjoy lightly freshening dog bedding and outdoor fabric items from time to time.

Why I Chose These Oils

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the aroma.

• Cedarwood adds a warm, woodsy scent.

• Lavender brings a soft floral note that balances the blend beautifully.

• Lemongrass adds a bright citrus aroma that makes everything smell fresh.

• Geranium rounds everything out with a light floral fragrance.

Together, they create a blend that has become one of my favorite outdoor scents.

Quality Matters

When choosing essential oils for our home, I pay close attention to quality.

I've personally used Young Living essential oils since 2007 and have visited their farms firsthand. Seeing the growing and distillation process gave me a greater appreciation for the care that goes into producing their oils.

Everyone should choose the products they feel comfortable using, but I always encourage people to purchase from companies that are transparent about their sourcing and quality standards.

If you're curious about the exact oils I use, I've linked them below to make it easy.

Shop the oils here →

Our Family's Outdoor Routine

This spray is just one small part of what we do.

Before and after spending time outdoors, we also try to:

• Check ourselves, the kids, and our dogs after being outside.

• Brush the dogs regularly.

• Keep grass and weeds trimmed around the areas where we spend the most time.

• Wash outdoor clothing after particularly adventurous days.

• Stay hydrated and make everyday wellness a priority.

None of these habits take very long, but together they've become part of our routine.

A Few Favorites We Keep on Hand

Along with this DIY recipe, we also keep a few other products nearby whenever we're spending lots of time outdoors.

These are simply products our family enjoys using and chooses to keep stocked throughout the season.

If you'd like to see exactly what we use, I've included links below.

Sulfurzyme® has been part of our family's wellness routine for years. We enjoy adding it to drinks because it's easy to use and fits naturally into our everyday habits. We also focus on eating a variety of whole foods, staying hydrated, and getting outside whenever we can.

See our outdoor favorites →

Before Your Next Adventure

At the end of the day, our goal isn't to avoid the outdoors—it's to enjoy it. A little preparation helps our family feel ready to spend more time exploring, hiking, gardening, and making memories together. If you'd like to see the products we personally use in our home, I've linked them below.

Some of our family's best memories have been made on hiking trails, around campfires, working in the garden, and watching the dogs run through the pasture.

A little preparation simply helps us head outside feeling ready for whatever the day brings.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create an outdoor routine that works well for your family too.

Happy adventuring!