Aromatherapy Can Also Benefit Pets

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 by: Jo Hartley
Tags: aromatherapy, health news, Natural News

(NewsTarget) Aromatherapy can be as enjoyable and beneficial for pets as it can for humans. Not only will the essential oils help to eliminate bad odors and help your pet to smell pleasant, essential oils also can help your pet by improving their immune system. This means your pet will be better able to fight off bacteria and viruses and your pet will be able to resist yeast infections, mold, and many kinds of insects.

Aromatherapy is now being recognized by pet groomers and salons as an effective way to treat ailments like skin inflammations, ear infections, rashes, flatulence, halitosis, and motion sickness. The same essential oils that help humans relax and feel calm can also have similar effects on animals. Lavender oil can help cats feel drowsy. Chamomile can help treat a dog's ear infection or help a dog feel more relaxed if they are experiencing pain.

Essential oils are effective home remedies for helping to solve many pet ailments. It is important to remember, however, that essential oils must be diluted before they are used on a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Common base oils include almond oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. A few drop of essential oil is added to approximately one ounce of base oil.

Alternatively, essential oils can be diluted in a spray bottle and lightly sprayed onto the pet directly or on the pet's bedding. To do this, dilute a few drops of essential oil in distilled water. Witch hazel or cider vinegar can also be used. The usual recommendation is 20-30 drops of essential oil per eight ounces of liquid. If less is used the effectiveness will be diminished and if more is used the mixture may be toxic.

In addition, essential oils can be diluted in vodka or brandy and a small amount can be placed on the bottom of the pet's paws. This is particularly effective if your pet is panicky for some reason. Do be advised, though, that pets should never be fed alcohol or essential oils directly.

Essential oils are also very effective flea and tick repellants. This natural method is almost as effective as the toxic sprays and chemicals that are widely used. Herbal flea sprays and flea collars have contained oils like peppermint, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, geranium, myrrh, and bay for some time now. These flea and tick remedies can easily be made at home. Combine 25 drops of any of these oils with eight ounces of water. Shake well and spray it on the pet. Avoid spraying the eyes. Spraying this mixture in areas where you suspect infestation is also effective.

One thing to be aware of is that dogs and cats have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. This is why it is important not to overwhelm their senses with an aromatherapy treatment that is too strong. If your pet has tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing, or whining you should stop. Other signs that the aromas are too strong are cats licking themselves profusely and dogs rubbing their heads on the ground in an effort to escape the scents.

Often pets have allergies to essential oils, too. One common allergy is for both pets and humans to be allergic to chamomile because it is closely related to ragweed. Using a mild solution initially and watching carefully is important to make sure that your pet can tolerate aromatherapy treatments with specific essential oils.

Source: http://www.hhnews.com/aroma_pets.htm

About the author

Jo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
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