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Using essential oils with animals: NYBP (not yet a blog post)
When sharing my knowledge of using essential oils with family pets, it's important that I share my two most valued professional veterinary sources, Dr. Janet Roark and Dr. Mia Frezzo. I have followed them for years, taken their courses and used their publications and online resources as my primary references.
Where appropriate, I will share anecdotal evidence for the safe and effective use of essential oils for my dogs and other animals. While in San Diego county, I worked on a 48-acre free-range ranch that was home to more than 60 horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, dogs, cats, peacocks, chickens, guineafowl, and more.
The Use of Essential Oils for Animals series of classes and webinars will help guide you on how to use and get the highest quality essential oils for your family pets and animals. With every class, you can expect to learn (beyond the basics) how to safely use specific essential oils to support the health and wellbeing of your pets, and you will learn where to go to learn more.
Please contact me if you would like to attend or host one of my classes or online webinars on this topic--get the inside scoop to access resources and professional advice for free.
Where appropriate, I will share anecdotal evidence for the safe and effective use of essential oils for my dogs and other animals. While in San Diego county, I worked on a 48-acre free-range ranch that was home to more than 60 horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, dogs, cats, peacocks, chickens, guineafowl, and more.
The Use of Essential Oils for Animals series of classes and webinars will help guide you on how to use and get the highest quality essential oils for your family pets and animals. With every class, you can expect to learn (beyond the basics) how to safely use specific essential oils to support the health and wellbeing of your pets, and you will learn where to go to learn more.
Please contact me if you would like to attend or host one of my classes or online webinars on this topic--get the inside scoop to access resources and professional advice for free.
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Click on the images to link directly to Aromatools
Go to Aromatools.com or click on either image above and link directly to check out two of my favorite publications by Drs. Roark and Frezzo. Both books are under $20 and a must-have for families that use or would like to explore the use of medicinal grade essential oils for happy, healthy pets and animals.
The basics
Remember safety first when using essential oils with pets:
- Only use Pure, therapeutic or medicinal-grade essential oils
- Know your pet's health status and history--consult with your veterinary professionals for specific uses of essential oils for health-related purposes
- Always dilute essential oils, using carrier oils or water for topical use, unless specified otherwise by your veterinary professional
- Use water diffusers for aromatic use and always provide a quick, easy exit for them to leave the room (never, never diffuse in an enclosed area where there is a pet)
- DO NOT use in or near sensitive areas including eyes, ears, nose, or genitals
- DO NOT use oils topically when your pet is being treated with topical medication or a dermal patch (including flea-tick patches)
- NEVER touch the nose of an animal with the top of an open bottle -- even a small dab of essential oil can be extremely intense for an animal
- Be aware, especially with outdoor animals, that some essential oils (citrus oils and blends, cumin, and others) are photosensitive or phototoxic when used topically -- avoid exposure to sunlight and UV rays for 12-24 hours; click here to learn more
- Consult your veterinary professional when using essential oils with or around animals that are pregnant, nursing, young, or on certain medications
- Watch your pet's reaction to essential oils and always allow them to walk away from any application or remedy
How to select
Please consult a publication, online source, or talk to a trusted healthcare provider or specialist before using essential oils with pets. Animals react very differently to essential oils and should be used with care and caution. Weight, size, species, breeds, safety and other factors will affect your selection. Some essential oils that are safe to use for humans, may be toxic to certain species. Using Cats as an example, essential oils that contain phenols and eugenols should be avoided.
My favorite method is Self-selection encourages the animal to choose as they would in the wild. Never chase them to apply essential oils or force smelling. There is no need to take the cap off a bottle that has been previously opened -- there will be enough residual oil on the bottle. Hold the bottle or place the bottle(s) on the ground or floor with a good amount of space between the bottles. When there is interest you may see them rub up against it, lick the air, smile (showing teeth). They may walk away to let you know they are not interested -- they are saying "No." But wait. They may circle back one or two times -- their way of saying "Yes" or "Maybe."
Coming -- more on Self-selection and maybe a video or mini-class.
My favorite method is Self-selection encourages the animal to choose as they would in the wild. Never chase them to apply essential oils or force smelling. There is no need to take the cap off a bottle that has been previously opened -- there will be enough residual oil on the bottle. Hold the bottle or place the bottle(s) on the ground or floor with a good amount of space between the bottles. When there is interest you may see them rub up against it, lick the air, smile (showing teeth). They may walk away to let you know they are not interested -- they are saying "No." But wait. They may circle back one or two times -- their way of saying "Yes" or "Maybe."
Coming -- more on Self-selection and maybe a video or mini-class.
Dogs
Pure, medical grade essential oils are safe for families with dogs when used properly. Not only should you feel comfortable using them on yourself, but they can also be used to support the health of your pet. The following information was extracted, with edits for easier reading, from Dr. Roark's Facebook group. Click here to view Dr. Roark's original content.
Cats
Pure, medical grade essential oils are safe for families with cats when used properly. Not only should you feel comfortable using them on yourself, but they can also be used to support the health of your pet. The following information was extracted, with edits for easier reading, from Dr. Roark's Facebook group. Click here to view Dr. Roark's original content.
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Which oils do you stay away from using with cats?
The oils to avoid for direct application, topically or internally, are essential oils that are high in phenols and eugenols including: Basil, Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Fennel, Melaleuca (Tea tree), Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, Wintergreen, and citrus oils. Ask your veterinary professional for an alternative--there is very likely another essential oil that can be used as a safe substitute. Instead of Peppermint for repelling insects, an essential oil like Arborvitae could be used. Most medical grade oils that are thoroughly tested (meaning, every batch is tested for purity and potency -- and not spot checked) are so pure that they can be used occasionally -- topically, in a highly diluted form (as you would for an infant). Daily use of essential oils for cats, topically or internally, is generally not recommended with the exceptions of Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Lavender that may be used daily, as needed, for cats. |
When we talk about essential oils to avoid with cats, we are referring to the direct application. It doesn't mean that you should avoid using them on yourself.
Not yet a blog post (NYBP)--share the spirit, not the content
I hope this NYBP is helpful and perhaps thought-provoking as you explore the many ways of bringing essential oils into every aspect of your holistic lifestyle. Since these NYBPs live within the private pages of my website, I ask that you request permission before using the content within.
Coming!
Hydrosols compared to straight-up essential oils: how to make your own
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joanlucci@gmail.com or joan@KidsCampLive.com
san diego, santa fe, baja california
505-920-2385
joanlucci@gmail.com or joan@KidsCampLive.com
san diego, santa fe, baja california
505-920-2385