7 Jan | Posted by Carmelina Tortorelli | no comments |
Essential oils are widely used by a range of people and they can have very beneficial effects, so you may be interested to know if you can use essential oils to benefit your dog. Well the good news is that there are quite a number of essential oils for dogs that can be used to great effect
Lavender Oil For Dogs
Lavender is reputed to be a wonderfully calming essential oil for humans and the same is true for dogs. Placing a few drops on a blanket or pillow can help to calm your dog, which can help to lessen the anxiety caused by fireworks, or by traveling in the car. You can use lavender oil as part of aromatherapy for dogs, and in doing so help them to associate an area of your home with feelings of calm and safety.
Peppermint Oil For Dogs
Peppermint oil has been reported to be a natural deterrent for fleas. If you are looking for a natural remedy to prevent your dog from getting fleas then peppermint oil is something you could try. Some veterinarians also believe that peppermint oil stimulate circulation in older dogs, so can give them a boost to their overall health as well as helping to deter fleas.
Thyme Oil For Dogs
Thyme oil can offer pain relief for dogs suffering from arthritis and rheumatism. It is also a known antibacterial agent, as well as being effective in combating fungal infections and skin infections.
Spearmint Oil For Dogs
Spearmint oil is a great choice for dogs that have digestive issues, whether this is colic, diarrhea or nausea. It has also been reported to work well for helping dogs to maintain a healthy weight as it can stimulate their bodies to develop a well-balanced metabolism. A word of warning though you should avoid using spearmint oil if you have cats in the house.
Eucalyptus Oil For Dogs
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most popular oils for use with dogs, not least because it is effective at covering up natural dog odors in your home. It also has benefits for dogs with respiratory problems and can provide relief for the symptoms of sinus infections and bronchitis.
Tips On Aromatherapy For Dogs
Key points to remember:
DILUTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS
Before topical application to a pet’s skin, Essential Oils should always be diluted. A safe ratio is 1 drop of Essential Oil for 1.5 tablespoon (approx. 445 drops) of Carrier Oil. This equates to a dilution of approximately 0.25%, which is considered to be be mild and likely agreeable for pets.
A patch test can be done by applying a dime-size amount of the diluted Essential Oil to an insensitive part of the pet’s body, which depends on the pet. Likewise, if diffusing an Essential Oil, ensure that a test-run is conducted by diffusing 1-2 drops of an oil that is vet-approved to be pet-friendly for only 10-15 minutes.
Both types of safety tests should be performed in a large, open space or a large, airy room. During both tests, watch your pet for any irritation, discomfort, or reactions, which may take up to 24 hours to occur and could potentially appear in the form of skin irritation, pawing at the face, coughing, sneezing, drooling, difficulty walking/staggering, slowed breathing, low body temperature, weakness, slow reflexes, gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, liver damage, muscle tremors, aspiration pneumonia, and self-mutilation. In the absence of a reaction, it is said to be safe to proceed with normal application of the diluted Essential Oil.
When diluting, keep in mind that the pet’s size is a significant factor to take into consideration; a safe dilution for a large dog will not necessarily be safe for a smaller dog, and the same applies to other species. Furthermore, the amount of oil that is recommended to be given to animals that are feeble, old, pregnant, or unwell will not be same as the amount recommended for healthy animals of the same size.
USES & TIPS FOR PET-FRIENDLY ESSENTIAL OIL APPLICATION
Essential Oils should be handled in the same manner as other products that can pose potential dangers if mistreated. They should be stored in in an area that is cool, dark, and out of the reach of pets, and they should be used in accordance with their instructions and expiry dates.
DIFFUSER | HOW TO USE |
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BENEFITS |
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CAUTIONS |
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ROOM SPRAY | HOW TO USE |
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BENEFITS |
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CAUTIONS |
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TOPICAL APPLICATION | HOW TO USE |
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BENEFITS | May provide extended period of comfort | |
CAUTIONS |
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PROBLEM | RECOMMENDED OILS |
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Skin Irritation Fleas Skin Allergy Skin Infection/Hot Spots Fur/Coat Health |
Chamomile (German) Cedarwood Marjoram (Sweet) Jojoba Coconut Aloe Vera Sunflower Apricot Kernel Sweet Almond Grapeseed Kukui Nut |
Aggression Emotional Distress Lethargy Insecurity |
Cedarwood Chamomile Marjoram (Sweet) Valerian |
Joint Discomfort | Chamomile (Roman) Marjoram (Sweet) Frankincense Ginger |
Nausea Vomiting |
Cardamom Chamomile (Roman) Ginger Lavender Tarragon |
Hyperactivity | Apricot Kernel Sweet Almond Kukui Nut Chamomile (Roman) Clary Sage Marjoram (Sweet) Valerian |
Caution: It is strongly recommended consulting with a veterinarian before considering applying any Essential Oil or Carrier Oil listed in the chart above. What is safe for one pet might not be safe for another pet; ensure that any Essential Oil or Carrier Oil used will not be unsafe for the other pets or family members.