Aromatherapy for Dogs
Aromatherapy works via the senses. In particular smell and touch are important vehicles by which Aromatherapy is delivered.
Many people strongly believe in beneficial effects delivered by certain Aromatherapy oils for a variety of conditions and ailments. I myself am convinced that Lavendar oil is a wonderful aid to restful sleep, and I do find that certain combinations of Aromatherapy oils in an oil burner tend to relax or refresh one’s mind somewhat.
I’ve also had a Lavendar and Eucalyptus blend massaged into my face which did wonders for a very resistant sinus condition.
So if it works for us, and it works via smell and touch, it stands to reason that Aromatherapy can probably be beneficial for our pets as well.
Here’s an article which I found by internationally known Françoise Rapp, an Aromatherapist and Alchemist, which I thought you’d enjoy:
Aromatherapy for Animals, Part 1: Healing Blends for Dogs
by Françoise Rapp
The trend toward natural health consciousness in humans is gaining popularity in the animal world, too. Many veterinarians are beginning to introduce natural therapies in their practice, including osteopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, flower essences and more recently aromatherapy. It’s just been a few years since aromatherapists and vets have begun to recognize how animals can benefit from this wonderful natural therapy.
For humans and animals alike, essential oils are powerfully antiseptic, detoxifying and revitalizing, thus increasing resistance to disease while strengthening the immune system. Essential oils can also be used to control pet odors and to purify the air from dust, dander and allergens. For example, mix 50 drops of lemon essential oil in a 2-oz spray bottle filled with water.
Shake very well several times and spray the room. You’ll notice immediately that it refreshes and cleanses the air!
But aromatherapy offers more than just fragrance. Their remarkable actions upon animals — most notably dogs, cats and horses – are immediate, profound and long-lasting, positively affecting their overall health and emotional well-being.
Today we will focus on recipes and tips for Fido. As faithful friends, dogs bring affection, pure joy and loyalty into our lives.
Most breeds thrive in the outdoors, running and playing in the freedom of nature. In fact, dogs will naturally purge their system in the wilderness, carefully choosing specific plants their systems need, such as blackberries, raw carrots, etc. Now a domestic animal, most dogs have lost this natural instinct, and are becoming less resistant to illness in general.
Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I’ll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.
Blend to Relieve Skin Problems
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
5 drops Lavender
6 drops Geranium
Blend to Relieve Itching
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
4 drops Lavender
5 drops Geranium
3 drops Roman Chamomile
Blend to Combat Fleas
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets’ fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:
7.5 ml Mint essential oil
22.5 ml rubbing alcohol
Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don’t forget your dog’s bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
Blend to Combat Ticks
Check your home and pet for ticks – look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
10 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lavender
Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!
Blend to Ease Rheumatism
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
8 drops Birch
8 drops Juniper
7 drops Rosemary
Blend to Ease Arthritis
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog’s bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an ‘outside’ pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
12 drops Birch
8 drops Juniper
7 drops Rosemary
Blend to Boost His Energy
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.
5 drops Rosemary
6 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
Blend to Control Pet Odor
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Geranium
6 drops Lemon
(c) Françoise Rapp, 2001.
Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise in using essential oils to heal and revitalize body and mind at http://www.aromalchemy.com. Highlights include in-depth aromatherapy classes designed for working adults, pure & organic essential oils, recipes and aromatic treatments for health and wellness, and a free weekly newsletter. Discover the power of aromatherapy today at www.aromalchemy.com.
Or look here for more on aromatherpy – fragrancex.com
Because my dogs spend lots of time inside the house, and particularly because I have carpets, there does tend to be a “doggy” smell especially in winter. I don’t notice it much, but visitors who don’t have dogs can find it a little offensive!
I like the idea of a natural spray to combat dog odor. And the combination of Lavender, Geranium and Lemon smells delicious. Before reading this article, I used to buy a natural orange oil spray which was good, but pretty overpowering. The Lavender, Geranium and Lemon is much more subtle, and also has a lovely fresh smell. I now use it exclusively.
Try it!