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Aromatherapy For Dogs

Essential oils using in aromatherapy work on several different levels. Physically, essential oils can help alleviate medical conditions and traumas such as bruises, infections, motion sickness and fatigue, and offer antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Emotionally, they can help center an animal suffering from stress, anxiety, irritability and compulsive behavior. When inhaled, they affect the most primitive part of the brain - the limbic system, which controls feelings and emotions.

While essential oils can be inhaled that isn't the only way they can be administered. Using an electronic glass diffuser is particularly effective, as it will disperse the ionized oil into the air in a mist of suspended droplets that can then be absorbed through the nasal passages. When topical application is appropriate, practitioners often recommend dabbing the diluted oil behind the ears, where the dog cannot lick it. Some oils are safe to apply topically on larger areas of the skin to help treat everything from wounds to mange to skin irritations. And a handful of others, such as peppermint, can be taken internally -with appropriate care and supervision.

Essential oils, like any natural remedy, should be used with understanding, and always in moderation.

Some animals handle essential oils better than others. Cats, for example, have different metabolic processes, and the oils can so easily approach toxic levels in their bodies that they are to be used with extreme caution, if at all. While most dogs are not as sensitive, caveats still apply.

When it comes to the safety of essential oils opinions vary, in particular along cultural lines. The French, for example, tend to use essential oils "neat," or undiluted, and are more comfortable with using them internally. The British, by comparison, are more conservative, using the oils for massage and topical application, and stressing the importance of diluting them in a carrier oil such as sweet almond or hazelnut.

Another huge area of concern with essential oils is quality. Since there is no association or body that governs essential oil standards, "buyer beware" is an understatement. Essential oil labels can be information-challenged at best, and misleading at worst. The word "pure" on a label is meaningless, and it is difficult to tell if a particular oil has been adulterated with a cheaper oil or a nature-identical chemical, which is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring component of the oil. Rose oil, for example, is very expensive, and a manufacturer might cut it with rose geranium or rosewood oil because they smell very similar. While an experienced aromatherapist might be able to tell the difference at first sniff, you won't.

There are many grades of essential oils, and the vast majority of those sold commercially are too adulterated for therapeutic use. The very best essential oils often are handmade by quality-conscious small-scale producers.

Don't mix oils without doing research, as some do not combine well. Instead, beginners should buy premade combinations, or blends, from a reputable source. Many practitioners believe most oils work best when used in combination, enabling them to work in synergy. If you want to use several individual oils topically, you can layer them separately; that is, you can apply one properly diluted oil, wait at least half an hour for it to evaporate, and then apply another.
Do check contraindications for every essential oil. Some, such as birch, thuja and wintergreen, should never be used without professional supervision. Some cannot be used on pregnant or epileptic animals. Others can cause photosensitivity or skin reactions. Be very careful with dogs who have chronic, debilitating conditions such as cardiac and kidney problems. Consult a veterinarian or qualified practitioner when using them on very sick or weak animals, especially topically.
Don't use essential oils near the eyes or mucous membranes. For oils that are safe to apply topically when diluted, behind the ears is a common application site - anywhere that a dog cannot reach to lick.
Don't use water to wash oil away from an inappropriate area; it will only intensify the effects of the oil and drive it deeper into the skin. Instead, use another type of oil, such as vegetable oil, to dilute the essential oil. In a pinch, butter, whole milk or any type of fat or mayonnaise will do.
Don't give essential oils internally unless you do so under the supervision and direction of an experienced practitioner.

Essential oils are as diverse as the plants from which they come. Here are some individual essential oils and ways in which they can be used. As with any holistic modality, seek out a professional before trying any of these oils on your dog.

Eucalyptus: A powerful expectorant, eucalyptus can be used for respiratory problems such as bronchitis and sinusitis. Eucalyptus radiate is an especially gentle cultivar, and it is recommended for use with animals.
Frankincense: This immune system booster has been used for anointing and healing for thousands of years. Topically, it can be used with care to treat external tumors and warts. Also consider it for dogs who will be exposed to stressful situations (such as dog shows and dog runs) where lots of unknown dogs-and diseases-congregate.
Helichrysum: Also called Immortelle, this essential oil is helpful for conditions that affect the nervous system and to help heal sites where nerve damage has occurred. It is also useful for healing old scar tissue.
Lavender: A must-have, lavender is a calming agent, helping to soothe an animal both emotionally and physically. Exceedingly gentle, this oil can aid in healing skin wounds, especially burns and cuts.
Oregano: Its powerful antibacterial qualities make oregano an excellent choice for battling infections, including staph.
Lemon: An oil with cleansing properties that can help boost immune function, lemon can also be used to ward off insects.
Niaouli: Niaouli is gentler and less prone to cause skin irritations than tea tree oil. It's often used for skin allergies and for cleaning ears and treating ear infections.
Peppermint: This is a popular digestive aid that helps prevent motion sickness and nausea. It's one of the few oils that some practitioners feel comfortable recommending for internal use - with common sense, of course. For an upset stomach, dilute the peppermint essential oil in an equal amount of carrier oil, then dab it on a spot where the dog will lick. A mental picker-upper, peppermint is another good insect repellent.

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