I love animals because they exude an air of unconditional love, innocence and happiness to their people. Our animal friends love being a part of our lives and we love to have them with us.
However, ever once in a while, a "crazy" one enters our lives! But we still love them so much!
Example, the cat who runs and hides whenever your best friend visits. Or, the pup who wont go outside if it's raining. Or, what about the dog with separation issues that completely wrecks your house when you're working? Any of these sound familiar?
My cat's, Sammie and Max, love to hang out on our screened-in patio. But whenever the garbage truck comes rolling in, they flee for their lives!
Your animals' fears might sound crazy to us, but they are completely real for your animal.
Applying essential oils to our pets can help lessen their anxieties.
Animals have heightened scenes and because of this, they respond very well to the use of essential oils. In the wild, animals know which plants will heal them. But, in captivity, they don't have access to healing plant life. Applying essential oils to our animal friends gives them the ability to heal their ailments and make life (in captivity) more tolerable.
The three best essential oils to calm your pets are:
Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Peace & Calming
These essential oils can be used to support your animal with; fear of rain and thunderstorms, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, trauma/abuse, depression, Illness, trips to the vet's office, grief/loss of another family pet and any other situation that causes great stress for your animal, such as garbage trucks!
Please know that less is more when applying essential oils to animals. Animals are very sensitive.
Keep in mind that dilution of essential oils is required with animals. When applying essential oils to dogs and horses, you should dilute the essential oil in a drop of organic olive oil, found in most grocery stores. With cats it's a different story! For cats, I recommend diluting 1 part essential oil to 10 parts organic olive oil.
Cats are highly sensitive to essential oils. The reason for this is that they lack an enzyme in their liver that digests phenols. Essential oils such as oregano and thyme contain high amounts of phenols, so avoid them around your feline friends. Also, avoid Peace & Calming with your cats because it does contain phenols and citrus oils, which kitties aren't very fond of. On the other hand, lavender and Roman chamomile ARE very safe for cats.
How to use essential oils on pets:
For calming dogs: Mix 1 drop Lavender, Roman Chamomile or Peace & Calming essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil. Rub this mixture on your dogs pads, ears or comb through their fur. Apply any time you sense your dog is stressed.
To help calm your horse: Mix 1 drop of lavender, Roman chamomile or Peace & Calming essential oil with 1 drop of an organic olive oil. Then, rub this mixture into your horse's cornet bands, ears or on their muzzle anytime he/she is having anxiety.
To help calm your cat: Mix 1 drop of lavender, Roman chamomile or Peace & Calming essential oil with 10 drops of an organic olive oil. Then, rub this mixture into your cat's pads, ears or on their fur anytime he/she is having anxiety.
The essential oils listed in this article can benefit you, as well! Just apply a drop or two to your wrists or shoulders whenever you're feeling anxious.
The next time you open a bottle of lavender essential oil, try sharing some with your animal friends! They'll love it!
2008 Christa McCourt
