Aromatherapy and Pets

March 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Aromatherapy

As we enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy, so can pets. If you are like me and love pets (I have two dogs), the most common use on pets is to eliminate bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant smell, boosting their immune system and, repelling insects and fighting off bacteria. In fact a lot of pet enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons use aromatherapy to treat mild ailments such as ear infections, rashes, skin inflammations, bad breath, motion sickness and more. Essential oils can be diluted in a spray bottle and sprayed onto the pet. They are also commonly used as home remedies, however you must be sure that the oils have to be diluted before they are applied directly on your pet’s skin or coat. Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of pet’s paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is usually the technique used to deal with panic-stricken pets. Be sure never to directly feed your pet essential oil or alcohol. As mentioned previously, essential oils are effective flea and tick repellents and are sometimes as effective as sprays and powders which contain numerous toxic chemicals. Oils such as lavender, citronella, pepperming, geranium, bay, lemon, eucalyptus and myrrh have all been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for countless years. It is unusually simple to make your own flea and tick spray by combining roughly 25 drops of any of the listed oils above into eight ounces of water. Shake the bottle well, and spray it onto your pet, but be careful to shield its eyes from the mist. This can also be sprayed anywhere that you may suspect a breeding bug infection in the house or outdoors. While using aromatherapy with pets it is eminent to consider that a cat or dog’s sense of smell is much more deeply perceptive than a human. If your pet has tearing eyes, is sneezing, pacing or whining the aromatherapy treatment may be too overwhelming for them. Many pets (like us humans!) have allergies to essential oils. So… A sure way to practice safely on your pet is to use mild solutions at first and observe your pets reaction to decide whether you are using the appropriate mixture according to your pet’s condition. And of course if you are allergic to certain essential oils although your pet is not, it is unsensible to use it in your own household, simply find a substance that suits your pet and yourself the same.