YES!!! There are some guidelines to follow, however, essential oils can be used on your dogs, cats and other furry companions as well as birds reptiles and fish. Essential oils have been used throughout time. There are many references to oils in ancient texts being used to heal the body. With the development of Modern Medicine, oils and other more natural approaches started to fade away. With more and more medications having serious side effects, some people are turning back to the more natural approach.
Dr. Mary Hess DVM, wrote in one of her books that there are 20 ways animals benefit from essential oils. By the way, people do as well.
- They support the immune system
- Provide antimicrobial protection
- Ease or eliminate pain
- Provide anti-inflammatory protection
- Reduce stress
- Restore sleep habits
- Improve coat and skin
- Minimize upper and lower respiratory infection
- Help with digestion
- Promotes cardiac health
- Balances the endocrine system
- Supports urinary tract health
- Helps heal wounds
- Supports muscle and bones
- Improves oral and dental health
- Increases alertness
- Protects against cancer
- A safe cleaning agent
- Slows bleeding
- Eliminates odors
Wow! With a list like that you may want to dive right in. But first you need to answer a few questions.
Which oils should I use? There are a lot of oils out there and the price range can vary. You want to get oils that are a pure as possible. Many companies use chemicals to extract the oils to save money. This leaves the essential oil you want contaminated with toxins. There are several companies out there that provide good quality oils. I am most familiar with Young Living Oils, so I will usually reference them. Whoever you choose to get your oils from, be sure to research where the oil comes from to ensure quality.
How do I choose which oils to use? When choosing which oils to use, you need to consider what you are trying to accomplish. Some oils are anti-microbial. Some are anti-fungal. Others support bodily functions such as digestion or immune system. It is a good idea to read up on the particular oil you want to use and to find someone who is experienced in using oils so you can ask questions. Also, you want to consult with your veterinarian to make sure that there are no side effects or drug interactions with the oils you want to use. They will also want to know if you are using oils in case they need to prescribe medication in the future.
How much oil do I use? This is a great question. You need to think of your furry friend as a small human. When you read about using oils to treat or prevent a condition, are they referring to an adult human? Most essential oils will need to be diluted.
More and more essential oils are being used as an alternative to modern medicine. I do not think they should replace it, however I do believe that oils can achieve many of the same results without the harmful chemical side effects. Please check back for ideas and suggestions on how to use oils with your furry companions, and if you have a specific question, contact me and I will send you some information and maybe use it as a topic for another article. To order oils from Young Living follow this link.