Pets & Essential Oils
Thoughtful Thursday
“We love our pets! They are family members and they deserve only the best. We strive to give our pets the longest, healthiest lives possible and believe that the key to longevity is prevention of illness and maintenance of good health.” ~SpOIL Your Pet, A Practical Guide to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats, by Mia K. Frezzo, DVM and Jan C. Jeremias, MSc.
Just as YOUR body knows how to interpret and use essential oils, so does your pet’s body!
Our animals are totally helpless and are dependent on us to provide for all their needs. Our choices directly affect their experience. What are the ways you love your pet family? Creating pet health is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Do you want a natural way to help your pet deal with anxiety, fear and stress?
What is your pet’s reaction to going to the veterinarian or during a thunderstorm? How did they react to the fireworks over Fourth of July weekend? Most pets experience much stress and anxiety during these situations. They react by causing damage to the home or themselves, relentlessly licking their paws or leg, hiding, becoming destructive or having indoor bathroom accidents.
The use of aromatic compounds, like essential oils, can have a positive effect on your pet’s mood. This is because a dog’s olfactory system is much more sensitive than ours. Humans have about 5 million scent receptors in their nose; the average dog has 200-250 million in their nose!
Lavender essential oil (or a calming or grounding blend) can be very effective to calm and soothe your pet during these moments. Directly apply the essential oil or blend behind the ears, on the back of the neck at base of skull or between the back toes.
Going to the groomer? Apply a few drops to their favorite blanket, bed or toy a few days before their appointment. Essential oils can also be added to the shampoo or rinse to keep them calm during their grooming session. Take your essential oils to the groomer with you and ask them to use it!
Some pets do not like certain smells so introduce them slowly to help them be more comfortable as you complement their daily routine with essential oils. Create a good positive experience and a long term associative relationship with the aromas you want to use on your pet. Offer their favorite treat as a reward for allowing you to use the essential oils on them.
2. Are you concerned about the effects of chemical flea and tick repellents?
You can safely shield your pet from fleas and ticks with natural solutions! Below is a DIY Natural Flea & Tick Collar. What will you need: Nylon collar, 4oz distilled water and 30 drops of essential oils.
The best essential oils to use are Geranium, Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass (especially good for repelling ticks), Rosemary and any citrus oil (repels fleas). Soak the nylon collar in the essential oil solution for 20 minutes. Allow the collar to dry thoroughly. Re-soak the collar every 2 weeks (or more often if necessary).
3. Are you looking for safe, natural options to reduce unnecessary veterinary visits and medications which can be expensive, have side effects and don’t provide sufficient help?
Most people have experienced the challenge of getting medications into their pets! There are many different tricks to use…with essential oils, you have alternatives that are less challenging. Diffuse an essential oil, apply it topically and yes, you can easily swipe the essential oil in your pet’s mouth or hide it in a capsule (in a treat) before your pet knows what you are up to!
Nature’s solutions are a powerful “go-to” as your first alternative. They are safe, effective and very affordable. However, not all essential oils are created equal! There is no industry standard that validates statements of purity and even those labeled “organic” may not be pure or a therapeutic grade. Essential oils easily absorb into our skin and diffuse quickly into the bloodstream. Therefore, it is very important to be an educated consumer and use only certified pure, therapeutic grade essential oils on you and your pets!
The use of essential oils and natural solutions can help you create long, healthy lives and be part of your routine for the prevention of illnesses and maintenance of good health for your pets!
To experience a basic selection of essential oils for your pets, contact Terri for more information. Mention this article to receive a Pet Sampler goodie bag.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~Anatole France
Watch for more articles sharing resources and solutions to help you build your foundation for health, one belief, one goal, one experience at a time! You are invited to follow me on my substack blog to make sure you don’t miss articles as they are published.
Essential oils are safe, effective and very affordable. However, not all essential oils are created equal! Be an educated consumer and use only certified pure, tested grade essential oils for your family!