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Complete Guide - Essential Oils for Your Pet.
The really awesome thing about essential oils is, that they work in supporting the body physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. They can also be used with great success instead of resorting to pharmaceutical medicines, which can cause adverse effects. This is because a pharmaceutical drug contains only one or a few of the many bioactive constituents found in an essential oil. Whereas the essential oil itself contains a complete range of bioactive constituents, making it very stable. Why don't you test it out for yourself; the next time you've got a headache try inhaling peppermint oil and putting a little on your temples and the back of your neck instead of reaching for the paracetamol. You'll be amazed at how well it works and as a double bonus, your liver will be smiling too at not having to break down the chemicals found in the drug. Nature is pretty awesome, eh!
Firstly, and importantly, did you know that not all oils are not created equally? Also, what can be used on you can't necessarily be used on your pet. Added to this, extra care is needed when using oils on either a cat or a dog as they have VERY different sensitivities and results will vary if you're applying them topically, for ingestion, inhalation or with a diffuser.
When using essential oils to improve wellness, you must make sure that the oil is of therapeutic quality; synthetic, adulterated or diluted essential oils do not offer the same healing power and can be more harmful. There is actually NO official governing body that regulates and certifies the grade of oils the industry uses. So be very wary of the term "pure" as extracts could be distilled from a poorly harvested crop, be exposed to cross contamination in production or have been oxidised by age and these reduce the overall quality of what we're lead to believe through as "pure".
There are numerous varieties of oils out there as they occur naturally within a plant; seeds, leaves, bark, roots or flowers. The makeup of the oils change not only from plant to plant, but through weather conditions, location, season and even when grown and harvested.
As Dr Robert Pappas President and Technical Director at the Essential Oil University, specialists in the production, chemistry and quality of essential oils says, "while many companies promote their own therapeutic grade standard, one should be aware that there is no universally accepted independent body that certifies essential oils as therapeutic grade." For more detailed information, check out his page https://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity/
So, what do you need to look out for when choosing an essential oil? What is the difference between a high quality grade oil and a low quality grade oil?
Some of the highest grade oils, are those that are certified organic essential oils. That are free of pesticides and chemicals and are tested frequently at independent laboratories for their medical application and quality.
If they're potentially toxic, why use them?
Essential oils are a much cheaper solution than pharmaceutical drugs and more importantly, have less side effects. Certain leading holistic vets are breaking new ground with treating illnesses in animals that have been classed as untreatable through common pharmaceutical drugs. Basically, essential oils are incredible!
"The beauty of essential oils is plants change, and so every single distillation of essential oils is slightly different from its predecessor. This is a benefit we don't receive from pharmaceutical drugs. Every batch of a medical drug must by law be identical to the batch that preceded it.
Plants, on the other hand, adapt and change with the tiniest variable in their environment, for example, a change in the water supply. So essential oils, created from ever-adapting plants, never reach a point where pathogens become resistant to them. They stay at least one step ahead – which makes them much smarter than anything we can create in a laboratory".
Wow! What can be better than that - Mother Nature, giving us everything we need to protect our wellness and that of our pets!!!
Do essential oils actually help?
As long as you have a good understanding of essential oils and how to use them, or as long as you are working with a veterinarian or animal professional who is qualified in using essential oils for animals, then in short, yes! However, to steal the words of holistic vet Randy Kidd, "All medicine works…some of the time…in some animals."
There are numerous therapies available today that can improve the wellness of your pet and essential oils are just one of them. Powerful they are and life-changing they can be, but a cure all they are not. When using essential oils to improve health, we must also choose to adopt an holistic approach to wellness otherwise you can run the risk of cancelling out any good that the oils are doing; looking in to the diet, exercise, environment and stress of your pet need to be considered also. Sometimes, it does no harm to "power up" the healing effect of the oils by using other therapies along side, such as massage, acupuncture, nutrition etc.The examples of how essential oils alone have supported pets (and other animals) across the globe is staggering; anything from speeding up the healing process of cuts and wounds to destroying life threatening diseases in an individual, such as cancer. There are examples of pets receiving pain relief, digestive support, improved appetite, incontinence, skin irritations, ear infections, cancers, internal bleeding, bacterial and viral infections, diarrhoea, noise phobias, trauma, aggression and fear, anxiety, hormone balance, pregnancy and birthing to name but a few. If your pet has a problem, whether physical, emotional or otherwise it really is worth considering how essential oils can support and improve your pet in returning it back to normal health.
Which, where, how? - Essential oils to get you started that can be used on both your cat and dog.
A cat should only ever be allowed to inhale an essential oil. Topical application or ingestion should be avoided. With dogs, all three routes can be used; inhalation, topical or ingestion, but NEVER add an essential oil to a dog's food or to items such as a collar or bed, unless you have been instructed to do so or unless the dog can move away from it if/when the oil is no longer needed.
If a dog wants to ingest an essential oil, then the dog will usually lick it, but allow this to be the dog's choice. If a dog wants to inhale the oil, they may move their nose to and from the bottle as they vary the distance they wish to work with the aroma; sometimes what appears to be a dog uninterested in the oil is actually the opposite, but the oil may be too close so the dog is adjusting the distance it would like to work with the essential oil. A dog may inhale an essential oil, move off and lie down. This is a sign that the dog is working with the oil. Other responses include the dog lying next to the essential oil and going in to a deep trance, falling asleep, blinking lots or closing eyes tight, yawning, gulping, whining, drooling, licking or changing its breathing rhythm.
Essential oils for stomach support.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). This oil not only provides anti-inflammatory support (see pain list) but can also aid in digestive issues and calm the stomach, especially where there may be nausea. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint can provide several health benefits. One of these is to provide support for the stomach, where there is discomfort and needs a soothing effect. If your pet is suffering with nerve pain DO NOT apply peppermint topically as peppermint excites neurons and can intensify nerve pain. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Fennel can support the stomach where there are muscular cramps, pains and provides a soothing effect to the smooth stomach muscles. It also stimulates digestion. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). As well as being a great oil for soothing muscular aches and pains, black pepper can also provide digestive support for the stomach. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Essential oils for inflammation/Pain.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). This oil can provide as a muscle rub and soothes aching muscles. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats. Your dog may wish to have black pepper applied topically on an area that is strained, bruised or aching.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint can be used to stimulate nerve endings that are causing numbness. It can also provide anti-inflammatory effects and soothe burns. If your pet is suffering with nerve pain DO NOT apply peppermint topically as peppermint excites neurons and can intensify nerve pain. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your pet if s/he has aches or discomfort. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). As well as having properties that can support your pet's emotional imbalances, Yarrow provides relief and support on burns and wounds. It also provides pain relief at much deeper levels of the body (e.g. tissue damage). This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). German Chamomile is similar to Yarrow in its support for relieving pain. It is also very good for soothing the skin or where there are other dermal irritations. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
There are some other essential oils that can have great anti-inflammatory effects. However, they are very potent and if used incorrectly may seriously hurt your pet. For this reason, they are not listed here.
Essential oils for bacterial.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Thyme is a very strong immune-stimulant, meaning it supports the immune system. It is also very good as an anti-bacterial. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Lemon (Citrus limon). This essential oil serves several health benefits. Not only can it support a dog emotionally but it is also an immune-stimulant and strong antibacterial. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats. This oil is photo-reactive, meaning it reacts in sunlight. Only apply topically if you are guided by a professional to do so.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia). Not only is this essential oil good for skin conditions but it is also an effective anti-bacterial. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats. This oil is photo-reactive, meaning it reacts in sunlight. Only apply topically if you are guided by a professional to do so.
There are some other essential oils that can have great anti-bacterial effects. However, they are very potent and if used incorrectly may seriously hurt your pet. For this reason, they are not listed here.
Essential oils for calming.
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). This oil provides a calming action for pets that are suffering with anxious or nervous behaviours, or for those animals who are consumed with worry. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Hops (Humulus lupulus). Hops can be an effective oil to help calm an animal who is anxious, nervous, or where irritability might be seen in your pet. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian root is a relaxant and mild sedative. It offers calming and soothing support for your pet where there is anxiety, panic or tension.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). Nutmeg can help to ground an animal who is anxious, hyperactive and where their energy is scattered. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Amongst its several uses, lavender can be used to sooth and comfort an animal who is suffering with distress and/or anxiety. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Essential oils for fear.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii). On its own, or with the support of other essential oils that help reduce emotions of fear in an animal, Frankincense can help distance an animal where there is stress and commotion. It can support a pet who is showing fear, on many levels and where a dog may be breathing heavily as a result of fear related issues. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Violet Leaf (Viola odorata). If an animal is shocked or showing hesitancy/wariness then violet leaf can support an animal who is expecting to see, hear, smell or be exposed to a bad experience. It can support an animal who is nervous and provides comfort and reassurance. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Linden Blossom (Tilia cordata). On its own, or with the support of other essential oils that can help a fearful animal, Linden blossom can provide a sense of feeling of trust and safety. It can support an animal who is fearful and who has suffered abuse. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum). As well as providing support at a physical level, Sandalwood can support animals who also have emotional imbalances, particularly where there is worry and uncertainty. It can be very effective on its own, or in combination with other essential oils. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Essential oils for skin.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). As well as having properties that can support your pet's emotional imbalances, Yarrow provides relief and support for skin issues and irritations. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). German Chamomile is similar to Yarrow in its support for the skin. It is also very good for soothing the skin or where there are other dermal irritations, including dermatitis or inflamed skin. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita). Peppermint can cool and soothe skin that is hot, itchy and irritated. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Essential oils for aggression.
Rose Otto (Rosa damascena). Rose Otto provides deep emotional support for animals that have been subject to suffering, trauma and/or neglect. It can sometimes be used to remove unwanted aggression that the animal displays. Rose Otto can often be a difficult essential oil for an abused, neglected or terrified animal to work with and it also comes with a caution; an animal may release unwanted negative behaviours when using Rose Otto, meaning an animal may react negatively and aggressively before positive results are seen. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides). Vetiver provides comfort and reassurance for an axious pet who may show aggression or where an animal is showing aggression through assertive behaviours towards another individual. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). This essential oil has comforting and nurturing qualities for an animal that has nervous tension or where the animal is displaying irritability and anger. Animals that have been known to bite can often use it or try and bite when they become irritated or angry. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea). Often used for female animals, it can also be used for males that show anger, mood swings and frustration. It provides relaxing, calming and soothing effects. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Along with its ability to heal physical imbalances, yarrow can work on its own or in combination with other oils to support an animal who has emotional imbalances through being over-sensitive or being at the hands of neglect and abuse. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Essential oils for cancer.
Seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus). Seaweed has many uses on the physical level pertaining to disease and infection. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Carrot Seed (Daucus carota). This oil has huge healing potential where an animal is very unwell. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Lemon (Citrus limon). Among its many healing properties along the physical level, Lemon essential oil can be effective in limiting the growth of cancer. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii). Amongst its ability to support an animal suffering with emotional imbalances, Frankincense can provide pain relief specific to pain that is being caused by tumours. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale). It is suggested that ginger can support a dog who has cancer, but this may be to provide support of feeling of nausea that the illness or medication may be causing. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
There are some other essential oils that can have great effects on killing cancer cells. However, they are very potent and if used incorrectly may seriously hurt your pet. For this reason, they are not listed here.
Essential oils for loneliness/sadness.
Neroli (Citrus aurantium). On its own or alongside Mimosa, this can often be a difficult essential oil for an animal to accept. It can offer support for an animal who is suffering with depression or has deep loss, sadness or loneliness. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Mimosa (Acacia decurrens). On its own or alongside Neroli, Mimosa offers feelings of comfort and support where an animal has been subject to loss and/or separation. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita). This oil has a calming effect and can help ease anxiety associated with, or a consequence of loneliness or sadness. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use); inhalation only for cats.
These are just some of the basic oils you can use to help your pet's well-being. There are some other essential oils that can have great healing effects, but they are very potent and if used incorrectly and may seriously hurt your pet. For this reason, they are not listed here.
Remember essential oils are very powerful so it's essential the oil you buy, is a high grade and preferably organic. Work with you pet, read his body language and importantly protect your beloved cat by only letting them inhale the oil never apply them topically.
NOW, we know we've covered a lot but we'd love to have YOUR feedback on your experience of using essential oils with your pets or if you've decided to give them a try. LEAVE A COMMENT and feel free to share this with people you think will love it.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website and articles are based on the opinions of the people at Authentica. The information contained within is not intended to replace that of your qualified vets or intended as medical advice. We are sharing knowledge and information but in no way should this pertain you from seeking proper professional medical/veterinary advice. We encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions on your pet's health in conjunction with your vet. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy of information. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements and those of your pet. If you become aware of any material on the website that you believe infringes your or any other person's copyright, please report this by email to info@authenticapets.com so we can immediately rectify the issue.
Resources:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/essential-oils-for-pets/
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/01/17/animaleo-essential-oils.aspx
http://doterra.com/US/en
http://www.weedemandreap.com/essential-oils-dogs/
www.oilyvets.com
https://draxe.com/section/natural-remedies/
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/howtobuyessentialoils.asp
https://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-palmquist-dvm/pet-aromatherapy_b_877199.html
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website and articles are based on the opinions of the people at Authentica. The information contained within is not intended to replace that of your qualified vets or intended as medical advice. We are sharing knowledge and information but in no way should this pertain you from seeking proper professional medical/veterinary advice. We encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions on your pet's health in conjunction with your vet. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy of information. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements and those of your pet. If you become aware of any material on the website that you believe infringes your or any other person's copyright, please report this by email to info@authenticapets.com so we can immediately rectify the issue.
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