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 *******
shuttle from O'Hare Orland Park .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareBetta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
So what does it mean to float a horse's teeth?... Read More
Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
'I named all kittens, although they were all stillborn.' 'My... Read More
Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More
House rabbits are a perfect pet for many people, regardless... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Thanks to Disney's Motion Picture 'Finding Nemo,' almost everybody is... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More
Their scientific name is Cavia Tschuldi and their nickname in... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
Settling a puppy into a new home successful is often... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More
Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More
I'm sure you're aware of the bad reputation Pitbulls have.... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Pet |