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 *******
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Why is it that cats get no respect? Are they... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Wolves are magnificent and majestic creatures that have shared this... Read More
Like most dog owners, you probably take your dog with... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
Dogs make great loyal pets and are always pleased to... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More
Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
What does doing natural preventative care mean? I thought vaccinating,... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
Pet |