Pet Articles
Aromatherapy for Pets
Author: Liz Santher
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much
as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and
giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve
many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune
system, fighting off bacteria and viruses, preventing the growth
of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.
Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to
trea mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear
infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness.
Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing
effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps
kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or
content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection
as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.
Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies.
However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets,
keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they
are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond
oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a
few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is
needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to
three drops of the essential oil.
Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted
onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few
drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of
aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional
recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces
of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be
toxic to the pet.
Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the
bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the
tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are
dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or
essential oil directly.
Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and
are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot
of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella,
lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been
components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many
years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by
combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces
of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being
careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be
sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug
infestation.
When using essential oils it is also essential for you to
remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute
than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too
overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or
whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub
their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets
also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile
is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for
both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a
mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the
first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.
About the author:
******* (c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved
Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.
http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com
