Essential Oils For Pets
Essential oils for pets are becoming more and more popular, especially for dogs; in fact, they offer numerous and varied benefits. Aromatherapy recipes contribute to their well-being, especially in case of allergies, stress, anxiety, muscle aches, digestive disorders, wounds, among many other ailments.
It is also a simple, natural and very safe way to help our four-legged friends to calm their annoyances so as to make them happier. However, it is important to choose good quality oils and to know how to mix them for good results.
Essential oils for animals to keep close at hand
Essential oils for animals must always be 100% natural, as this is a fundamental feature to be sure of their safety and effectiveness. While you can find a wide variety of oils on the market, there are five essential oils for pets to use.
The first is yarrow oil, from the scientific name Achillea millefolium . It is a very effective oil for fighting allergies and itching in the skin of dogs. It is also useful for healing wounds and stopping bleeding, as well as for infections or inflammation.
The second oil that cannot be missing in the kit for our pets is that of Italian helichrysum ( Helichrysium italicum ). It is used to calm irritation, on a physical and emotional level ; it serves to ease anger or resentment, as well as to relieve swelling. It is also effective as an antiseptic, antiviral and to improve the functionality of the digestive system.
The third is the popular lavender oil, whose scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia . This oil is widely used as a sedative, not only for dogs, but also for humans. In addition to its relaxing effect, it is effective in case of burns, bruises, wounds and scars; it also comes as a very effective antihistamine.
Lemon oil ( Citrus limon ) occupies the fourth position in the list of essential oils that cannot be missing in the care of our pets. It is stimulant, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal.
Finally, the fifth essential oil is the one based on Atlas cedar ( Cedrus atlantica ). This product contains powerful repellent properties, which is why it is very helpful in keeping pests away.
It is also useful in case of respiratory problems, as it acts as an expectorant. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and helps fight the pain caused by arthritis.
Treating pet allergies with essential oils
Dogs often suffer from some allergies and essential oils can be the best allies to fight them. They possess extraordinary qualities that make them very powerful.
These oils are a natural and safe way to help our pets relieve the annoying symptoms of allergies. They can be applied topically or orally, the latter method must always be under the supervision of the veterinarian.
The aforementioned lavender oil is one of the most used in case of allergies, in fact this product is used almost for everything, being undoubtedly the king of essential oils. It can be administered topically or olfactory.
Roman chamomile oil has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it is an antibacterial and pesticide to be applied topically or orally.
The essential oils of elemi and myrrh offer antiseptic properties and help fight infections. The former is also used as a sedative, it can be administered topically, orally and olfactory. Myrrh oil also possesses astringent properties and can only be applied topically.
Finally, peppermint essential oil can be very useful if we want to calm our pets’ allergies. It has analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can be applied topically, as long as its intense cold effect is taken into account. It can also be administered orally, under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Some precautions
Dogs have a much more developed sense of smell than humans. It is for this reason that when we decide to use essential oils for animals, we must keep in mind some additional precautions regarding the quantity of the product used.
It is also extremely important to remember never to inject essential oils and always use quality and certified products.
These oils should not be applied to mucous membranes and eyes nor used pure in the ears or the anogenital area. It is also good to avoid that the animal licks the area on which the oil has been applied.
