Pet Escentuals & More!

Essential Oils
Essential oils provide powerful healing benefits to your pet on a cellular level, helping them to respond better to all treatments and recover more quickly.  They can also be an effective tool for supporting training, weaning, ear infections, allergies, anxieties, fears, aggression or any other behavioral issues. However, it is critical that pet owners understand that the physiology of cats, dogs, horses, birds, or whatever your animals may be, is very different and they will each metabolize essential oils in their own unique way.  You must take precautions with the types of essential oils you use on your pets and how they are diluted.  Like humans, each of your animals will respond differently or be more sensitive to each essential oil.  Be aware and present when introducing new oils to your pets and make adjustments as needed.  You will also need to dilute essential oils according to the size/weight of your cat or dog.  The smaller the animal, the more diluted the essential oil must be. For a comprehensive guide to essential oils and the correct dilution for your animal visit http://www.dogoiler.com
 
The best carrier oil for your pet is fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil.  It combines well with essential oils, it slows down absorption into the tissues, helping to prevent sensitivities, it prevents the oils from dissipating too quickly, it does not go rancid, and it is nourishing to the skin.
 
Rules & Warnings

• Do NOT apply essential oils in your pet’s eyes or nose, or on their genitals. If it gets in their eyes or nose use milk to rinse it out. Always use care when using oils topically around the face as it easily becomes too overwhelming.
• Do NOT use water as a carrier for topical use because it drives oils deeper and faster into tissues.
• Do NOT drop essential oils into ears.
• Do NOT apply essential oils to the tips of long eared dogs as the oils could get into their eyes or nose when they shake their head.
• Do NOT use any essential oil products in beadlet form or any products containing xylitol.  They can cause serious liver damage and are toxic to dogs and cats.
• If your pet has a seizure disorder do NOT use basil, camphor, tansy, thuja, eucalyptus, fennel, hyssop, rosemary, wintergreen or sage.
• If you pet has bleeding disorders do NOT use birch, cassia, cinnamon, clove, fennel, oregano or wintergreen.
• When introducing oils watch for signs of toxicity including:
• Negative changes in behavior- such as rolling around on the floor, drooling, panting, whining or clear signs of discomfort.
• Seizures, tremors or a comatose state. (Only seen in animals exposed to incredibly high amounts of essential oils)
• Skin sensitivities like redness, rubbing or itching.
• Eye squinting

 
Cats 
In general, you will be warned against using essential oils on cats.  Cats lack an enzyme called glucuronyl transferase, which supports liver metabolism. This makes them vulnerable to toxins, in particular plants, NSAIDS, chocolate, lead zinc, and chemical pesticides.  You should only use organic essential oils on or around your cats and in highly diluted forms.  The oils you should never use topically on cats because of their high content of phenols and ketones are basil, birch, cinnamon, clove, fennel, tea tree, oregano, peppermint, thyme, Roman chamomile, rosemary, spearmint, and wintergreen.  Cats are also sensitive to oils that contain a terpene called d-limonene like bergamot, dill, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange and tangerine.
 
It is best to use a water diffuser with cats, as the oil will then become properly diluted.  You can diffuse any oils this way, as long as it is not done near their food, water or litter box.  Make sure your cats are never locked in a room with a running diffuser.  You can apply diluted essential oils (1 drop of essential oil per 1 tablespoon coconut oil) topically to their ears or along their spine.  Cats will eventually ingest the oils through grooming, so diluting oils is imperative.  You can also make a digestive blend with 3-4 oils of your choice (peppermint, ginger, anise, fennel, basil, juniper or patchouli), mix 4 drops into some baking powder and let saturate overnight in a sealed container.  Then sprinkle on litter! This will help with any smells while helping to correct, treat or heal any digestive issues.
 
Dogs
The oils you should not use topically on dogs are wintergreen, tea tree, birch, thyme, cinnamon, clove, camphor and oregano.  These oils can be diffused if needed but they must be heavily diluted.  For puppies younger than 3 months and dogs under 10 lbs, always dilute essential oils heavily- 1-drop essential oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.  For puppies ages 3-6 months, 1 drop essential oil with 1-teaspoon coconut oil.  If you dog is pregnant, old, or sick always use essential oils with caution and dilute heavily.  Using a water diffuser is the best way to utilize the benefits of essential oils for emotional or behavior issues.  Always choose the lowest setting on your diffuser. You can apply essential oils properly diluted along the spine, on pressure points, or around condition specific areas of the body. 
 
Horses & Equids (other large animals like donkeys, sheep, llamas, and cows)
Horses respond very well to essential oils.  Just because horses are large does not mean that they need more essential oils than you would use on a large dog or yourself.  As with any animal, it is always best to start with a higher diluted concentration and work from there, increasing the amount of essential oils as needed.  You should not be surprised to see that they respond to far less oil than you might expect with a large animal.  Never use essential oils undiluted or “neat” on horses as this will cause their skin to welt and it is uncomfortable and painful. The only situation in which you might apply essential oils undiluted would be to the hoof.  You can use essential oils topically when properly diluted (follow dilution guidelines for a large dog) to treat physical pain, respiratory disease, digestive issues, behavioral conditions, lacerations, muscular conditions, bruising and much more.  You can water diffuse essential oils if kept in a small barn, or fan diffusers for large barns or more open areas.  If a horse turns away from an essential oil when they smell it, they are telling you they do not prefer or need that oil. 
 
Essential Oils for Dogs, Cats & Large Animals

• Myrrh: With powerful cleansing properties, it is beneficial for the mouth, throat and skin.  It helps your animals remain calm when tensions are high, perfect for any transitions. Supports healthy brain and thyroid function.  Excellent for helping improve gum/oral and skin health. Has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
• Lavender: Calming and relaxing, lavender help ease feelings of tension or sadness and promotes restful sleep.  Helps soothe skin irritations or allergies, ear infections, and insect bites.  Use on sore, over-used muscles or for muscle spasms.
• Frankincense: Supports healthy cellular function and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Supports detoxification, healthy cell production, and the function of the kidney and bladder.  Supports the health and cognitive function of the brain and nervous system.  Shown to be an effective treatment for seizure disorders.  Rejuvenates the skin and reduces the production of scar tissue.  Frankincense balances moods, promotes relaxation and is calming to the brain.
• Helichrysum: Supports circulation and vein health.  Excellent to use after surgeries to help regenerate tissues and strengthen muscles and tendons.  Supports healthy metabolism and increases feeling of energy and wellness. 
• Juniper Berry: Supports the function of the kidneys and urinary tract. Naturally helps to clean and detoxify while also purifying the air. Can be diffused to lessen feelings of stress and uplift mood.
• Geranium: Helps support the natural production and balance of hormones.  Supports liver function and all organs responsible for detoxification.  Natural remedy for dry skin.  Treats skin infections caused by rain rot in horses.  
• Clary Sage: Helps to balance hormones and encourages healthy skin.
• Roman Chamomile: Soothing to the entire body, making it excellent for behavioral issues, skin irritations, allergies, transitional periods or situations, and for promoting feelings of peace and well being.  Boosts the immune system.  Add to shampoos or conditioners to further support the health of the skin.  Use to lessen irritations from insect stings or bites.
• Lemon: Naturally cleansing and helps to purify the air.  Supports digestion and soothes a sore throat. Helps the body adapt to kidney issues.
• Oregano: Use for serious immune conditions only.  Effective treatment for Equine Sarcoid.
• Eucalyptus: Supports pancreatic function and helps to normalize blood sugars.  Beneficial for respiratory system issues by reducing symptoms and duration of illness. Treats sore, overused muscles in horses.
• Marjoram: Reduces discomfort and aches in muscles, tendons, and joints.  Eases muscle spasms. Supports healthy blood pressure, pancreas function and immune health.
• Lemongrass: Supports heavy metal detoxes and boosts the immune system.  Beneficial to thyroid and bladder function.  Helps maintain healthy muscles and tendons. Treats rain rot and scratches or greasy heals in horses.
• Ginger: Supports gastrointestinal health, improves digestion, reduces motion sickness, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
• Peppermint: Excellent for treating respiratory illness, resolving digestive issues, improving blood flow, cooling the body, and reducing muscle, joint and body aches and pains.
• Fennel: Soothing to the digestive tract and helps treat motion sickness.
• Sandalwood: Increases healthy cell reproduction and is favorable for improving skin conditions.  Sandalwood improves attention, aiding in successful training sessions and outcomes with your pet.  
• Grapefruit: Supports healthy blood clotting factors.  Helps to detox organs and eliminate heavy metals.
• Ylang Ylang: Helps to reduce anxiety, and is very soothing and calming.  Subsequently helps to reduce blood pressure.
• Basil: Anti-inflammatory properties that is excellent for treating bee, wasp, ant or other insect bites or sings.  Supports pancreatic function and healthy blood sugar levels.
• Bergamot: A soothing and calming treatment for all behavior or mood issues.
• Bug & Tick Repellants: lemon eucalyptus, catnip, citronella, patchouli, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint and cedarwood.

 
Birds
Birds are extremely sensitive to chemical fragrances, and using scented air fresheners or candles with synthetic essential oils can be very dangerous. However, they can thrive when exposed properly to essential oils.  A water-based diffuser is the best way to introduce your birds to oils.  Start with three drops of essential oil to see how it is tolerated.  You can increase if necessary.  To use topically on birds, dilute essentials oils in water only.  Birds seem to respond best to a blend of oils for any health needs. 
 

• Arthritis, Sore Joints, Broken Bones:  Use an equal combination of at least 3 of the following essential oils: Helichrysum, peppermint, frankincense, orange, lemon, spruce, marjoram, lemongrass or basil. Start at four drops of essential oils to a 4 oz. spray bottle filled with distilled water.  You can increase essential oils up to 60 drops depending on the tolerance and need of your bird. Birds are very good at knowing when to blink when spritzed and they will show you that they will take the spray where they want it.  Some birds, even if you aim for the feet, will duck their heads to get the spray. 
• Bleeding: You can use Helichrysum by itself to stop bleeding on a bird.  To help prevent further bleeding in the area and to speed healing time use a combination of helichrysum, lavender, myrrh and lavender in a water mist.  
• Behavioral Issues: Diffuse an equal combination of lavender, orange, lemon, German chamomile, frankincense, clary sage or ylang ylang in a water diffuser as needed.  It is safe to diffuse oils around the clock for behavioral issues.  If needed, a blend can be made into a water mist and used as a training tool.
• Aspergillosis: Diffuse a combination of tangerine, cinnamon, spruce, frankincense, clove, helichrysum, marjoram and myrrh in a water diffuser.
• Avian Bornavirus: Water mist a blend of lavender, orange, lemon, helichrysum, frankincense and myrrh every two to three hours.  Can also be used in a water diffuser. Other oils that may be beneficial to diffuse include tangerine, grapefruit, and orange.

 
Herbs
Tinctures are potent herbal extracts that can quickly provide healing properties to your pets and are the safest way to administer herbal medicines.  You can create strong teas if your pet won’t take a tincture or to avoid the alcohol content of herbal tinctures. Use 2 tablespoons of herb per 16 ounces of water, mix in a pot; cover and simmer slowly simmer to a boil.  Take off heat and then let it sit for four hours.  Do not strain the tea.  Store in a jar covered with a paper towel and rubber band to hold in it in place, as it is best for air to flow through the tea.  For a 30-pound animal give two tablespoons twice be day.    Because of their earthy taste and smell, most pets will eat them when mixed with their food, even cats! Dosing should be compatible with your pet’s weight.  It is more effective to administer several doses throughout the day than doing one large dose of any herbal tincture.  As with humans, no herbs should be taken on a continuous basis, as their bodies will build a natural immunity.  Using an herbal remedy for two weeks, and then taking one week off is recommended.  Just about any herbal remedy you use for yourself can be applied to your pet. Do NOT give white willow to cats or dogs, as they are allergic to its active ingredient salycin. Toxic herbs for cats are marigold, pennyroyal, and red clover. Wormwood is toxic to horses.

• Immune Health: Echinacea purpurea root, goldenseal root, garlic, olive leaf
• Allergy, Itches & Cuts: Aloe, calendula, Oregon grape root, apple cider vinegar, neem oil, sea buckthorn berry, bee pollen, astragalus, hibiscus, nettle leaf, olive leaf, rosehips, rosemary, turmeric, sage, yerba santa
• Anxiety: Passion flower, skullcap, hops, milky oat, chamomile, lavender, valerian, St. John’s wort
• Bladder Health: Dandelion leaf and root, marshmallow root, horsetail, couchgrass, Echinacea purpurea
• Kidney & Liver: burdock, cinnamon, dulse, fenugreek, kelp, marshmallow root, milk thistle, mullein, slippery elm, licorice, oat staw
• Joint Health: Alfalfa, burdock root, licorice root, yucca root, turmeric, ginger, horsetail
• Digestion: Ginger, bee pollen, chamomile, clove, lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, safe, yerba santa, aloe, dandelion root, licorice, red clover, yerba mate
• Diarrhea or Vomiting: Slippery elm bark, ginger, peppermint, licorice root
• Pain Relief: Meadowsweet, chamomile, ginger, lemongrass, skullcap, turmeric, valerian
• Ulcers: Two drops of calendula, comfrey, and nettle twice per day. 
• Respiratory Health: lobelia, yerba santa, mullein, wild cherry bark, osha root, fenugreek, slippery elm bark, yerba santa
• Muscle Cramps/Spasms: cayenne pepper, chamomiles, Siberian ginseng, skullcap, hibiscus, hops, lavender, nettle, valerian, passionflower, peppermint, rosehips
• Parasites: chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, black walnut, nettle leaf, wormwood