Aromatherapy for Animals

What Are Essential Oils? Essential oil are the subtle, aromatic and volatile liquids extracted from the flowers, seeds, leaves, stems, bark and roots of herbs, bushes, shrubs, and tress, through distillation. According to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils thousands of years before Christ to heal the sick. They are the oldest form of remedies and cosmetics known to man and were considered more valuable than gold. There are 188 references to oils in the Bible. Science is only now beginning to investigate the incredible healing properties of essential oils.

Supports a Healthy Immune System
Repel Virus
Repel Bacteria and other microbes
Mood Elevating
Antiseptic
Oxygenating
High in Antioxidants

Pets can suffer from ailments in the same way as humans. If problems such as abscesses, coughs, and cuts do not improve after several days, veterinary advice will be necessary.

Use only pure unadulterated "Genuine & Authentic" or "Grade A" oils. Most people think the words PURE or 100% PURE on the label of an essential oil mean it's a good oil. That is far from true.

More information on essential oil quality CLICK HERE

Read “Holistic Care For Animals Pamphlet - Using 100% PURE Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils” by Reverend Leigh »

Veterinary Medicine

Essential oils have been used very successfully on many different kinds of animals from kittens to 2,000 pound draft horses.  Animals generally respond to essential oils in much the same way as humans do.

How Much Should I Use?

Most animals are even more sensitive to the effects of the oils than humans.  They often seem to have a natural affinity to the healing influence of the oils.  Adjust dosage proportionately, based on body weight.  If the protocol for a human being (at about 160 lbs.) calls for 3-5 drops, then a horse (at 1600 lbs or more) could use as much as 10 times that amount, while a dog (at 16 lbs) would use as little as one tenth that amount.  Generally speaking, if you have never put oils on an animal before, you should start carefully, applying them only to the feet, paws or hooves (on the frog and cornet bands) at first.

In the cases of cats and small dogs, essential oils should ALWAYS be diluted before applying, because they are actually MORE sensitive to the biochemicals in the oils than humans.  Be careful to avoid high phenol oils, such as Oregano, Clove, Thyme, cinnamon, Mountain Savory, Tarragon, on cats because they can be extremely sensitive to these stronger oils.  They should only be used in high rates of dilution (90%) and the diluted oil should only be applied to the paws.

General Guidelines:

For small animals: (cats and small dogs) Apply 3-5 drops DILUTED (80-90%) oil mixture per application.

For larger animals: (large dogs) Apply 3-5 drops NEAT (undiluted or straight from the bottle) per application.

For large animals: (cattle and horses) Apply 20-30 drops NEAT per application.

How to Administer Essential Oils Internally

For internal use (ingestion), essential oils can be put into a capsule and mixed with the feed.

On large animals, the animal's bottom lip can be pulled out and (for example, in the case of a horse) 10 or 15 drops of oil put in.  The animal will feel the effect quickly because capillaries in the lip will carry the oil into the bloodstream immediately.  For a large dog, 1 to 3 drops is sufficient.

When treating animals with essential oils internally, make certain the oils are pure and free of chemicals, solvents and adulterants.  More information on essential oil quality CLICK HERE.  Always seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before allowing the animals to ingest essential oils.

Other Helpful Tips:

• When treating large animals for viral or bacterial infection, arthritis, or bone injury, generally use the same oils and protocol recommended for humans.
• For applying to large open wounds or hard-to-reach areas, it helps to put the oils in a spray bottle and spray them directly on location.
• After an oil application to an open would, cover the wound with Animals Scents Ointment to seal it and protect it from further infection.  The ointment will also prevent the essential oils from evaporating into the air.
• There is no right or wrong way to apply essential oils.  Every animal is different.  Use common sense and good judgment as you experiment with different methods.  Observe carefully how the animal responds to the treatment.
• Take special care not to get essential oils in the animal's eyes.
• Make sure the animal is drinking pure water.  Chlorinated water will suppress thyroid and immune function in animals even quicker than in humans, and when that happens, you will suppress the healing process of that animal whether it is a dog, a horse or a cat.
• Quality protein is vitally important to promote healing, which makes the use of organic feed essential.  Unfortunately, many commercial feeds contain bovine byproducts that have high risk for BSE disease and make them unfit for animal care.  Avoid these at all costs.  Enzymes are also essential to maximize digestion and protein assimilation.

Where to Apply Essential Oils to Animals

For non-ungulate animals (not having hooves) such as dogs or cats, oils (neat or diluted) can be applied to the paws for faster absorption.  For hoofed animals, sprinkle a few drops on the spine or flanks and massage them in.  Also apply on the gums, tongue or underneath the top lip; also apply on the frog and cornet bands of the hooves.  These are all good locations for oils to be applied to cows, horses, etc..., all animals with hooves.  Oils can also be applied to auricular points of the ears.

When the Animal is Jittery and Resists

If you have a high-spirited, jittery animal that won't be still to receive the application, apply Peace & Calming and/or Valor on yourself first.  As you approach the animal, it will react it perceives the aroma.  Kneel down or squat beside the animal and remain still for several minutes, so that it can become accustomed to the smell.  As the animal breathes in the fragrances, it will become calmer and easier to manage.

Read “Holistic Care For Animals Pamphlet - Using 100% PURE Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils” by Reverend Leigh »

Essential Oils First Aid Kit for Animals
Recommended oils, and their uses, to ALWAYS have on hand!

Read “Holistic Care For Animals Pamphlet - Using 100% PURE Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils” by Reverend Leigh »

Young Living Independent Distributor #827420
Bree Weasner
1-888-895-9668

* * * * * * Disclaimer * * * * * *

*The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease. The decision to use, or not to use, any of this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration
and the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association).