Have you watched that episode of "The Dog Whisperer" where Cesar Millán instantly soothed a stressed animal with therapeutic-grade essential oil of lavender?
It was not so unusual, as animal lovers adopt healthier lifestyles they are also seeking for holistic, natural alternatives for their animal companions so essential oils are an exciting way for everyone in the household, including pets, to achieve a greater well-being.
Essential oils and pets, 3 excellent reasons
The first is that therapeutic properties of plants are a fabulous resource for all living creatures, and these properties are found in its essential oils in greater quantity and quality.
The second is that, although the human sense of smell is important, this faculty is even greater in animals. A research published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science In 2013 gives an example of this; horses with high heart rate due to stress were divided into two groups. One of the groups was exposed, using a diffuser, to the scent of lavender essential oil, whereas the other was exposed to only humidified air. The group where lavender was used, resulted in a much faster recovery from stress.
And the third reason is the overload of various chemicals due to the using of grooming products as well as products to protect their health and even in their medicines. This is the case of dogs and their problems with mites, fleas and ticks; pets often develop high resistance to these synthetic components, which also tend to provoke negative side effects.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency EPA has been warning about an increase in the report of adverse reactions to topical anti flea and tick products, including skin irritations, vomiting and seizures.
The good news is that more and more veterinary research scientists are certifying the enormous potential of essential oils to address this situation.
There is plenty of scientific research published. One of these appeared in 2014 in the Journal of Medical Mycology, revealing that a blend of essential oils of lavender, orange, oregano, marjoram, peppermint and helichrysum combined with coconut and almond oils, and administered for a month in dogs with the fungal infection called Malassezia dermatitis, produced the same improvement and for the same period of time, on dogs from another group treated with conventional drugs.
Suggestions and tips that can help
Use only oils 100% reliable, without foreign or harmful substances, that is to say use only therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Animals respond faster to the action of the oils so be careful and prudent, take a step-by-step approach and from less to more. One or two drops at a time are enough for most pets but always take into account the size of the animal.
When choosing the oil, consider that cats and dogs are always licking themselves so it will be safer if the oil is suitable for consumption.
Note that there are differences between races and even within them since each animal is unique. If your pet refuses a particular oil, do not force him, it can cause rejection to all essential oils.
It is recommended to use base oil such as coconut especially when used in large areas of the body of the pet; it is also desirable to dilute essential oils for small animals, like cats. Never dilute essential oils in water
Cats: You must be extremely careful, because they are even more sensitive to oils and also their aromas, so you'd better consult previously and do not exaggerate, not even with the aromatic diffusers. Never use oils of melaleuca (tea tree), or eucalyptus, unless a veterinarian experienced in oils recommends so.
Dogs: for flea use lemongrass oil, adding one or two drops to the shampoo. For ticks, a purifying mix with lemon, lime, pine, citronella, melaleuca and cilantro, placing a drop of mixture directly onto the tick, or diluting it first and then applying it to the wound. For dermatitis, use melaleuca topically. And at the end of a hot, long walk, put 1 drop of peppermint oil in the water, it will cool him off quickly.
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