Today I am going to discuss guidelines for using aromatherapy with canines, felines, and equines. As a naturopathic doctor and animal consultant I have encountered instances when people have inflicted harm upon their animals through the improper use of essential oils. However, with proper knowledge, understanding, and application of aromatherapy, the animal kingdom can greatly benefit from the healing properties of aromatherapy oils. Essential oils balance the body, mind, and spirit of the animal. They possess restorative properties which create a state of harmony in the body so that healing can take place. They can be used to treat a variety of states including respiratory infections, circulatory problems, digestive disorders, anxiety, skin infections, stress, muscular pain, and parasites. Essential oils can build and restore a healthy immune system. The conjunction of aromatherapy with holistic veterinary medicine has become a common practice in both France and Germany. The United States is in the pioneering stages of using aromatherapy with veterinary medicine.
A crucial component in the treatment of animals with essential oils lies in the method of administration. One method is the use of the diffuser in which essential oils are released into the air. The diffuser has proven extremely beneficial in kennels and horse stables. Essential oils may be diluted in a base oil for skin contact and/or massage. They can be added to food, water, and taken internally; it is always wise to be cautious when using essential oils internally. Essential oils can be added to green clay poultice for a deep cleansing and healing effect on the animal's body. Other ways to administer aromatherapy include adding essential oils to a spray bottle, combining them with flower remedies, and using them with a candle.
Aromatherapy is one of the most powerful forms of plant therapy, which is why it is absolutely critical for the proper dosage to be used when administering essential oils to animals. One must exercise extreme caution when partaking in the art of animal aromatherapy. Even the most minute amount of essential oil can be highly toxic if not fatal to an animal. In addition to the cautionary measures needed to treat an animal with aromatherapy, one must also consider the individuality of each animal species. Canines, felines, and equines must be treated in accordance with the needs of their own species. In addition, the treatment of individual animals, even within the same species, may vary. For example, one dog may be more sensitive to a particular oil than another dog. When you first begin using essential oils on your pet it is important to only use one essential oil at a time. Canines and equines can tolerate some full strength essential oils that are applied neat, as well as certain diluted aromatherapy oils. I recommend substituting hydrosols for essential oils when treating felines. Because of their thin skin and sensitive metabolism, essential oils will absorb rapidly into their bloodstream which can be extremely dangerous. I have used blue chamomile, lavender, rose, sandalwood, and clove, diluted in a base oil, on my own felines with much success; I do not recommend this for the non-professional. I also recommend substituting hydrosols for small dogs, puppies, yearlings, pregnant and breeding animals, very ill animals, and animals with weak Qi. Never use aromatherapy with seizure prone animals unless you are working with an aromatherapist who specializes in animal care.
When formulating the dosage of essential oils for the animal, it is important to remember that dilution is the key. Before I decide on the dosage I am going to use for an animal, I study the animal's Qi (their life force), weight, the type of animal, and the particular ailment they are experiencing. Aromatherapy is always measured in drops when working with animals. When I use aromatherapy with my animal clients I begin by using one drop of essential oil measured with an eye dropper. For dogs that are six pounds and under, hydrosols should be substituted for an essential oil. For medium and large sized dogs use one to two drops of essential oil diluted in two to three tablespoons of base oil. For equines you can use 10-15 drops of essential oil in three ounces of base oil. Remember that these dosage amounts are not absolute. They may vary depending on the individual animal, the species of the animal, and the particular malady of the animal.
Hydrosols are one of the safest ways to administer aromatherapy to domesticated animals. A hydrosol consists of the first twenty liters of hydrolat or floral waters. They are produced by a distillation process. Although diluted, they have significant healing properties because they retain the fragrant soluble components of the leaves, roots, and blossoms of the plant. Hydrosols can be administered internally, added to food and water, sprayed in the air, and applied to the animal's skin. When introducing hydrosols to your feline or canine start by spritzing the hydrosol in the air. This allows the animal to become accustomed to its scent and leave the vicinity if it is bothered by the smell. Never keep your pet confined in a locked or unventilated room when using any form of aromatherapy. Suzanne Catty, who is one of the leading experts in hydrosol therapy, recommends adding ¼ teaspoon of hydrosol per cup of drinking water. Full strength hydrosols can be added to the animal's food at one drop per pound of body weight, per day. For chronic conditions she recommends using two drops per pound per day for three weeks, and then one week off. This will allow the animal's body to adjust to the healing process that is occurring. It is important to remember that not all hydrosols are safe for internal consumption. As with all other forms of aromatherapy, hydrosol therapy must be used with caution.
Aromatherapy may be used in conjunction with other methods to further enhance the powerful healing effects of essential oils. Specifically, essential oils may be combined with flower remedies, acupressure, or acupuncture to form a triangle or trinity. This means that when these modalities are conjoined with one another, they intensify each other's healing effects, allowing for a deeper, more penetrating treatment. Utilization of this method works on the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the animal's being. When using this trinity method use only one essential oil at a time. Add one drop of essential oil to 25-50 drops of a base oil. You may also substitute a hydrosol for an essential oil for felines and other animals who cannot tolerate essential oils. I also recommend hydrosol substitution for oils which are too toxic to be used in a base oil on animals. You can then blend this with two to three drops of flower essences. With each individual mixture you may use as many as four different kinds of flower essences at one time. Once you have formulated your mixture you may apply one to two drops of it to the acupressure or acupuncture point being worked on. Then, you can gently massage the oil into the acupressure or acupuncture point and allow the trinity method to exercise its powerful healing effects.
There are seven primary essential oils that I would recommend using with animals, they are Lavender, Roman and German Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Bergamot, and Myrrh. Lavender (Langustifolia) is the rescue remedy of essential oils. It should be in every first aid kit. Almost all animals can tolerate lavender essential oil in some form. It has both cooling and relaxing qualities. It helps to reduce heat, inflammation, pain, and spasm. Lavender supports the Qi-energy of the heart. It helps with palpitations, nervous tension, fear, and stress. This oil is especially beneficial for all animals who perform in races, shows, and training events. Lavender is highly effective in treating burns. Skin conditions such as dermatitis, hot spots, ringworm, abscesses, persistent sores that won't heal, and fungal infections can be treated with lavender. Lavender is also an insect repellent. One to two drops of lavender essential oil, applied neat, can be added to a grooming tool, of a canine or equine, to reduce fleas. For felines, you may substitute lavender essential oil with a lavender hydrosol and place one to two drops on the grooming tool. Lavender is extremely beneficial in treating respiratory conditions in animals. It can be administered by a diffuser and used in stables and kennels to reduce anxiety, stress, and infection. Lavender may be applied neat or added to a base oil to treat muscular stiffness, swollen joints, hip dysplasia, and arthritic conditions. Generally, lavender is good for all kinds of pain. It also neutralizes the venom in insect bites and stings. Lavender proves very beneficial when combined with other healing modalities. Lavender is truly the universal essential oil for animals.
Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) exhibit two main actions. They smooth the flow of the body's Qi-energy. They also clear heat and reduce inflammation. Chamomile relaxes the nervous system and eases pain and spasm. It is one of the main essential oils used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and constipation. It helps to relieve nervous indigestion, colic, and nausea. Chamomile is especially beneficial for all jittery horses. It may be applied topically to treat burns, cuts, abscesses, wounds, and infections. German chamomile can be combined with lavender to treat hot spots, itching skin, and improve an animal's mane. Chamomile is wonderful for relieving tension, anxiety, fear, and depression in all animals. Roman chamomile can be added to a green clay poultice to treat animals who have been poisoned. One of my cats was poisoned several years ago. She had a distended stomach, she was in severe pain, and on the verge of death. I quickly made a green clay poultice and added one drop of Roman chamomile, one drop of lavender, and one drop of rose, as well as seven drops of Bach Rescue Remedy to the poultice. I then placed the poultice on her stomach. Instantly, the poultice helped to ease her horrible stomach pain and spasms; it helped to bring her back into her body. The combination of clay and chamomile saved her life.
Rose (Rosa damascena) is the queen of the flowers. This essential oil lifts the animal's spirits. It is cool and moist. Rose helps to clear heat and inflammation from the body. It works well with lavender and chamomile in treating inflamed, toxic, infectious, and poisonous conditions. Rose also combines well with a green clay poultice to remove toxins from the body. It has a stabilizing and strengthening effect on animals when they are suffering from a chronic or terminal illness. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including dermatitis, hot spots, fungal infections, and persistent sores that do not respond to other treatments. Rose water hydrosol is excellent for restoring and conditioning the animal's coat. Rose is a tonic for the heart on a psychological level. It helps animals who suffer from depression, sadness, and loneliness. Often times animals will mirror the emotional state of their caretakers. Rose nourishes the heart and restores balance on a deep emotional level of the animal's being. It is the main essential oil for animals who do not have access to the outdoors, live in stables or kennels, and are left alone for long periods of time. Rose is especially beneficial for equines who spend much of their time in stables. Horses are animals that need to be outside to smell the earth and feel the air in order to be grounded and emotionally happy, otherwise they will develop a heavy heart. Rose helps to counteract this situation. Rose is a wonderful essential oil which works on many levels to heal all animals.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) is another highly tolerable oil which can be used
to treat animals. It helps to treat dryness, irritation, itching, inflammation,
and cracked skin. Sandalwood has a cooling, calming, and toning effect on the
nervous system. It can be used when the animal is in an agitated emotional state.
This essential oil is especially good for horses who suffer from nervous exhaustion.
It has a grounding effect on the horse, helping to bring the animal back into
its body. Diffused into the air, it helps to treat bronchial or respiratory
infections, kennel coughs, and other persistent coughs. Sandalwood is very effective
in treating intestinal and genitourinary conditions that require a cooling effect,
such as burning diarrhea, and mucous colitis. Sandalwood can be combined with
angelica essential oil to help the animal have an easier transition in death.
It is a soothing, mild oil that is very beneficial for animals.
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) is an essential oil with strengthening qualities.
It helps to restore Qi-energy that is depleted, as well as circulate stuck energy.
Clary sage is excellent for animals who have been suffering from long term chronic
conditions. It may be combined with lavender to treat muscular stiffness, spasm,
and hip dysplasia. Sandalwood can be administered in a diffuser to treat respiratory
problems. It helps to alleviate anxiety, nervousness, and tension within the
animal's being. Clary sage is a powerfully diverse essential oil which simultaneously
invigorates and relaxes the animal.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is a member of the citrus oil family
and therefore retains many of the qualities of citrus oils. It is cooling and
is an anti-depressive. It helps to harmonize the liver-Qi, which in turn helps
to maintain an even flow of vital energy throughout the animal's body. Bergamot
helps to relieve colic and stomach or intestinal cramps. It helps with nervous
indigestion, loss of appetite, and anorexia. Bergamot can expel worms from the
body. Its cooling properties help to reduce high fevers. One drop of Bergamot
essential oil can be mixed with 40-50 drops of water and applied as a cold compress.
It may also be mixed with a base oil and added to a green clay poultice. Bergamot
is deeply calming, thus it helps to relieve nervous tension and anxiety. Bergamot
must be diluted before being applied to the animal's bare skin because it can
make the skin photosensitive. It is important to remember that no essential
oils are 100 percent safe.
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) essential oil possesses a warm, dry energy. It helps
animals who are cold, lethargic, or congested. It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
and anti-inflammatory actions. Ringworm and other fungal infections can be healed
with preparations containing Myrrh. Myrrh can also be used to treat gum and
mouth infections. This essential oil has a soothing quality and can help to
relax your pet. Myrrh essential oil, like all essential oils, has the ability
to treat many different states of the animal.
Now I am going to discuss animal emergency care for your pet. An emergency
situation may arise at any time and being prepared can help save your animal's
life. Every first aid kit must include lavender essential oil and Bach Rescue
Remedy. Canines, felines, and equines all have a shock point on the tip of their
ears. This point can be massaged to help bring the animal back into its body.
If your animal is in shock you should mix one drop of lavender essential oil
with five drops of Bach Rescue Remedy and rub this on the shock point to help
revive the animal. You may also rub this formula in the middle of the animal's
forehead to induce a calming effect. Administer Rescue Remedy internally every
second until your animal is out of danger. You may also rub the lavender and
Rescue Remedy formula down the legs and on the soles of the animal's feet to
help stabilize your animal. This formula is truly a lifesaver and should be
administered in all emergency situations.
Essential oils work on all level's of the animal's being if administered properly.
In the future animal aromatherapy will become commonplace in treating pain,
skin problems, injuries, viruses, and bacterial infections. In our over-populated
and over-polluted world animals are suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression.
Just a few drops of an essential oil can lift an animal's spirits and soothe
the nerves. Aromatherapy is one of the most healing forms of plant therapy that
has been bestowed upon this earth to treat animals and humans.
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