The growth of aromatherapy and essential oil use has filtered over to use with dogs. Using essential oils with dogs can be done safely and effectively, but there are important things to consider. Do not just follow a random recipe you found online please!
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The loyalty of a dog
Today the pet-care industry has grown to over $72 billion dollars. The dog is a cherished member of the family enjoying many luxuries such as doggie day care, chiropractic care, and numerous other options available. The bond between an owner and a dog is rewarding for the love, affection and loyalty they offer us. It is important that we do our best to return that love by using products that are safe for them.
Sharing aromatherapy
As we have expanded our own knowledge of using essential oils many of us what to share that joy with our animals. It is important to understand how essential oils work with animals and the safety of it before you dive in though. Throughout this article I will share a few essential oils and hydrosols that can be used safely, but take your time to really understand your pet and the oils first.
Since your pet can’t tell you how they feel you need to pay attention to their reactions. Your bond with your pet is going to be your best indicator for how they are handling the use of essential oils or hydrosols.
There are aromatherapist in the UK that use kinesiology to interpret an animal’s response to an essential oil fragrance as their need for that scent. Some of this is based on the premise of self-medicating. While animals throughout history have been known to choose herbs to care for themselves, I would caution you from reading too much into this. Domesticated animals can show an intense interest in any fragrance they are offered.
Dog aromatherapy
The idea of animal aromatherapy is gaining popularity and not always in the safest way. You can walk into many superstores and find lavender scented shampoo or natural spray products to deter fleas. Many of these products can contain lemongrass and other harsh essential oils. The downside to these products can be that the fragrances are synthetic or the formulation is not safe for animals. While these products may smell nice to us remember our dogs sense of smell is 50-100 times greater than ours.
Make sure you are looking for products made by reputable companies, usually small family run business. Amrita Aromatherapy puts out a Bug BeGone product that you can test to see if it will work for your dog.
Humans and dogs do share some physiological similarities so we can use those to help with our formulations. An important thing to take into consideration is the physique of your dog. Dilutions need to be much lower when you are blending for a Chihuahua versus a Saint Bernard. You also can not view a 150 lbs Saint Bernard as being similar to a 150 lb human. The dilution and final product dosage are going to differ.
As with any use of essential oils DILUTION is key. In this article you can read about some safe carrier oils that you can use to dilute your essential oils.
Basic Oils to Start
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) you may be tired of seeing lavender as a recommendation, but it is a powerhouse plant. This oil is good for using in blends for skin conditions and first aid. Lavender is well known for its antibacterial and regenerative properties. In humans it acts as a sedative on the central nervous system and seems to have a calming effect on animals too.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a powerful skin soothing anti-inflammatory oil. The chamazulene in this oil makes the oil a unique blue color. The oil is gentle and can be used to calm burns, allergic reactions and other skin irritations.
Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica) is beneficial for all types of dermatitis. The oil stimulates the circulation helping to heal skin issues. It can be useful in deodorizing blends and fleas appear to have a strong distaste for it.
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) is an amazing healing oil. It is excellent for skin conditions. The oil is also known as Immortelle or Everlasting. (It has good antiaging effects for humans). The properties that are beneficial to animals are that it is analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) although peppermint essential oil is primarily distilled for industrial or pharmaceutical purposes. Because of this it is important to ensure you are purchasing a quality essential oil. This oil can stimulate circulation so is good for creating massage blends for injuries, sprains and arthritis. It can also be useful in blends to repel insects.
Other Aromatic Botanicals
If you are unsure of your ability to safely work with essential oils you can use other aromatic botanicals. Hydrosols are a product created in the similar way as essential oils, but provide a powerful gentle medicine that we can use without formulating anything.
Flower essences are a vibrational, energy healing option that was made famous by Dr. Edward Bach. These products do not have a scent, but can be a powerful tool for animals. I have used the Bach Rescue Remedy to sooth many animals suffering from emotional trauma.
Herbs are another powerful ally. I enjoy growing my own herbs and creating infused oils to add to my herbal first aid kit.
As you expand your use of essential oils take your time to work. Explore one plant at a time, learn how both your and your animal enjoy the item before you move on. Also, although your veterinarian may not understand essential oils always share that you have use them with your animals. If your animal ever experiences a problem this could be key information.
Enjoy your aromatic exploration.
