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The truth is, essential oils, in all their aromatic glory, have far greater benefits for you and your pets than you might think.
- Calming
- Soothing
- Relaxing
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Emotional Support
- Mental Clarity
- Digestion Support
- Parasite removal (more specifically relating to pets, here)
- The list goes on, you get the point
When you’re using essential oils on or around your pet, I cannot stress caution enough. Research indicates dogs are generally able to metabolize an essential oil much easier; however, cats have an especially sensitive metabolism which may not respond as well. Your feline friends are especially sensitive to lavender and peppermint oil. Like humans, each animal is unique and may react differently to different oils. This is why there are a couple of rules every pet owner should follow when introducing essential oils:
- If diffusing oils, allow your pet to leave and return the room freely. Pets will absorb oils through their fur, which will then be licked or absorbed into the bloodstream. Trapping or preventing your pet from roaming freely will increase the amount of oil they absorb.
- If you are applying oil to your pets topically DILUTE! Or use in small quantities. A pet’s adverse reaction to a particular oil could be caused by the quantity or quality used and not necessarily the oil itself.
- When selecting essential oils to the members of your family, especially the furry ones, choose quality over quantity. Make sure you know and trust the company you purchase from. There is a difference in the standards and grades of essential oils. You want 100% pure, unadulterated essential oils.
- If your pet shows signs of poor health prior to usage, it’s important to be extremely cautious introducing them to essential oils. It may be best to wait until they are in good health again.
Introducing your pet to essential oils:
- Don’t expose or introduce oils to your pets during a time of high stress, unless using specifically for the stress symptoms.
- Allow your pet to sniff the oil and watch for their reaction. If they sneeze or snort, consider putting this oil aside, at least for the time being.
- Try adding a couple of drops to your skin, specifically your wrists, about 15-20 minutes before you walk into a room where the animal will be exposed. Again, watch for their response. It’s easier to wash the oil off your skin than to clear it out of a room.
- Add one drop of oil to your hands and allow your pet to sniff the oil about 4-6 inches from their face. If they lean in, you’re on the right track!
- After you find out what the like, you can put a couple of drops into a diffuser or dilute and apply to their paws or back of their ears. Just remember cats are more prone to adverse reactions!
- Never confine your pet in a room with essential oils.
- For small pets, gerbils, hamsters and the like, one drop of oil will go a very long way. Be on the lookout for reactions or signs of distress.
- Always make sure your furkid has plenty of access to water.
- Watch their behaviors. Look for excessive scratching, backing up, lip licking, lifting a paw, excessive sleeping, excessive water consumption, excessive urination, or aggression.
These tips were provided by Lindsey Elmore, Pharmacist & Young Living Brand Ambassador. A few additional suggestions were added based on advice and experience of other pet owners.
Eden Holt, Young Living Distributor# 14672839
Avid essential oil user, advocate, and educator. Animal lover. Cat Mom
Want to learn more about essential oils? Click here or email me at Eden.holt8068@gmail.com