Using essential oils for your pets is a smart way to soothe the minor things that ail them from the comfort of your home. Often, it is also a cheaper solution than going to the vet.
Remember, while essential oils can be great for pets, not all are safe for them. Always consult with a veterinarian before trying an essential oil on your pet for the first time, and make sure you get clear directions on dilution (usually in a base oil such as coconut oil) and how to apply, beforehand.
Here is a short list of some essential oils and what they can do for your pets.
- Lavender oil is used for calming and soothing the skin, plus relieves itching It also may help with allergies, burns, ulcers, insomnia, car ride anxiety and car sickness. Lavender is a universal oil, and is very gentle.
- Peppermint oil is great as an insect repellent. It also promotes circulation, and may reduce allergy symptoms.
- Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial properties, may aid in pain relief, and may provide a boost to the immune system.
- Rosemary oil helps with fur and skin irritation.
- Geranium oil is an antibacterial oil that helps boost healing.
Here are some other uses for essential oils.
Shampoo
Combine all the ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake it up, mixing all the oils together.
- 12 ounces water
- 1 tablespoons of castile soap
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
Grab your pooch, wet him down, lather him up, and rinse. If you need a more soothing shampoo for his skin, replace 2 ounces of water with 2 ounce of pure aloe vera.
Ear infection
Apply diluted peppermint oil along the outside of the ear and on the fur down the tube of the ear. Do not apply this internally, as this will burn the ear. Note: Always consult a vet before doing this at home.
Another home remedy for an ear infection
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of melaleuca essential oil
- 5 drops of geranium essential oil
Combine the three oils in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil and mix together.
After cleaning the ear with a natural cleaner, using a cotton swab, rub the essential oil mixture around the inside ear crevices. Be careful not to put the cotton swab in past where you can see it, and do not put the oil in the ear canal.
Do this twice a day until the infection clears up. Again, only do this with an okay from a vet.
Skin soother
You can smooth your dog’s dry, itchy skin by mixing two tablespoon of coconut oil and 10 drops of lavender oil together, and massaging into your pooch’s fur. This will relieve the itch and help kill bacteria – plus, the lavender will calm his nerves.
Doggie deodorizer
This is actually a house deodorizer from your smelly dog. You will need bergamot oil (10-15 drops of it) and 8 ounces of water. Pour them into a spray bottle and spritz your stinky dog 2 or 3 times a week. Your nose will thank you for it.
It is important that you use pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from reputable companies and again, always dilute them. Also, never give the oils internally, which means do not put the oil in the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and anus of your pet.
If you’re thinking about essential oils for your cat, it’s a good idea to check with your vet. Cats can have a bad reaction to the oils because they metabolize them differently than dogs. To be extra safe, though, check first when it comes to dogs, too.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/05/homemade-remedies-for-pets-using-essential-oils.html
http://www.weedemandreap.com/essential-oils-dogs
