Using Essential Oils to Help our Animal Friends

Animals have an even more keen sense of smell than humans. They are also more sensitive to pure essential oils than we are, so it takes a surprisingly small amount to help even an large animal such as a horse, or cow.

To figure your dosage, look at the protocol for human application. If the dose for a human at 160 lbs. is 3-5 drops, then for a horse at 1600 lbs. (that is a BIG horse) you could use 10X the dosage, so 30-50 drops. For a dog at around 16 lbs. would need only 1 tenth the amount. When putting oils on a animal for the first time, apply them only to the feet, paws or hooves. You may also try the frog and coronet band on a horse. With cats and dogs, the oils should only be applied after being diluted in a carrier oil such as V6, almond, olive, or sesame oils.  The diluted oil may then be applied to the paws. Avoid using high phenol oils such as oregeno and thyme on cats. They are very sensitive to these oils.
General Guidelines
For small animals: 3-5 drops diluted to 80-90% per application
For large dogs: 3-5 drops neat, unless it is a high phenol oil, then dilute as above.
For large animals (cattle & horses) 20-30 drops neat, but again, if you are using a high phenol oil, dilute it as above.

A special caution with cats: They metabolize things differently than other animals. Some oils are potentially toxic to them if applied incorrectly. Cats generally have adverse reactions to citrus products and citrus oils are sometimes used to keep them from being in a certain area. They are also very sensitive to strong odors. To be safe, when in doubt, just mist them lightly with floral water. You should also consider consulting with a veterinarian before applying oils to a cat for the first time.

To give an essential oil orally. As with humans, place the oil in a capsule and it can then be mixed in with their feed. A few drops could also be added to a gravy and placed on the food if you are treating a dog or cat. For a large animal, the animal's bottom  lip can be pulled out and 10 or 15 drops of oil put in. The effect will be quick due to the high vascular structure in the area.  For a large dog, 1-3 drops is usually enough.  Seek the advise of a good veterinarian before allowing your animal friend to ingest essential oils. ALWAYS make sure the essential oil you are using is PURE, no solvents, chemicals or anything added in.

When you have a hard to reach area, or a large wound, you can put the oil in a spray bottle, diluted with olive or vegetable oil and spray it directly onto the wound.

If an animal is jittery about you applying essential oils, apply either Peace & Calming and/or Valor on YOURSELF first. Then allow the animal to breath in your scent for a few minutes. Just remain still. As the animal breathes in the aroma, it will become calmer.

A few examples of what to use for what.
Exodux II for infection, inflammation and to promote tissue regeneration.
Helichrysum is a topical anesthetic.
Idaho Tansy is a very versatile oil for animals. It can purify, cleanse, help tissue regenerate, it has anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties. It is used for bruised bones, cuts, wounds and colic. It also repeals flies!
Laurel is good for bruising and soreness.
Lavendar is good for tissue regeneration and desensitizing wounds.
Melrose  can disinfect and clean wounds.
Mountain Savory will reduce inflammation.
Myrrh will fight infection and inflammation and help encourage proper tissue growth.
Ortho Ease can be used to dilute essential oils and will also work as a pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory.
PanAway- If the pain is from a broken bone, rather than a wound you can use PanAway to kill the pain at points where there is NO open or raw tissue. Do not apply this to an open wound, if an open wound, use helichrysum and balsam fir to reduce the pain & bleeding.
Purification is more effective than iodine or hydrogen peroxide! You can use it for washing & cleansing wounds and it will also repeal ticks & mites.
Roman Chamomile will also aid in tissue regeneration and desensitization.
Thieves works for inflammation, infection and bacteria. It also helps if an animal has started to grow "proud flesh". This is when new tissue continue to rebuild itself resulting in a large lump of tissue, rather than the wound healing smooth and cleanly.
Valerian can be used internally or externally for controlling pain.
Vetiver can be used internally or externally for controlling pain.

I hope this gives you a few ideas of the wonderful ways our animal friends can be helped with the very same bottle of essential oil that can help you or your child. Essential oils really are, essential!

If you have any questions, or would like more information just send an e-mail to nancy@waystowellness.info

I do want to make it clear though, I am not a veterinarian.