Using essential oils with animals (not yet a blog)

About my credentials as I address the topic of using essential oils with pets and other animals. First, you should know that I am not a veterinary healthcare professional. When sharing my personal knowledge of using essential oils with pets and other animals, be advised that it comes from research and from two professional veterinary sources, Dr. Janet Roark, DVM and Dr. Mia Frezzo, DVM. I have followed them for years and use their publications and online resources as my primary references. Personally, I can also share anecdotal evidence for the safe and effective use of essential oils for my dogs and farm animals. For almost 2 years I was the assistant manager for a 48-acre ranch that was home to over 60 free-range horses, donkeys, goats, and more.

My classes and webinars relating to the Use of Essential Oils for Animals is intended to be used as an introduction and information about how to use and where to find 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.

Both Dr. Roark and Frezzo have published guide books, under $20, for those families that use or would like to explore how to use medicinal grade essential oils for health and wellness. Go to Aromatools.com or click on the images below to directly link.
Click on the images to link directly to Aromatools

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.
 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 (by the batch) 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. Remember the Safety Basics 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, using a carrier oil for topical use, unless specified otherwise by your veterinary professional
  • Use water diffusers for aromatic use and always provide an exit for them to leave the room (never diffuse in an enclosed area)
  • DO NOT use on or near sensitive areas including eyes, ears, nose, and genitals
  • DO NOT use oils topically when your pet is using a topical medication or dermal patch (including flea-tick patches)
  • 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

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.
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