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 *******
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful... Read More
Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
There are many ways in which you can prepare for,... Read More
Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
The large animal organizations and the public money.It is said... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Adopting a dog is a lot of fun, but it... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More
Pet |