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.
******* (c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved
Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.
http://www.aromatherapysecret.com *******
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
A crate is a valuable and useful training tool. Its... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..When you get a new puppy it is imperative that... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
It is very important to decide whether to keep your... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
Pet |