Fall in love with essential oils even more as these products help you take better care of your pets. When essential oils become a regular part of your day, you expose your pets to its therapeutic effects. Aromatherapy with natural oils can make you and your furry friend relaxed. More than that, the right essential oils can improve the skin and coat condition of your companions.
There are benefits in properly using essential oils on your pets. Whether it’s to soften their fur, relieve skin conditions, or for extra nourishment, these oils can make your pets healthier than ever. Discover more uses of essential oils and right ways to apply them.
Should You Use Essential Oil on Your Pet?
There are many advantages of using oils for your pets. The abundance of vitamins and minerals in natural oils makes them effective in addressing skin and health concerns. Other than softening your dog’s paws or strengthening the hooves of your horse, you can also use essential oils as a supplement.
Essential oils are natural and made up of essential fatty acids that your pets need to maintain their health. They are safer and more effective compared to using chemically infused medicines. The oils are rich in substances that address the root of the problem. It is safe to use natural oil on your pet especially when your companions suffer from conditions that can be treated with oils. You get to avoid exposing your pets to harsh ingredients by using essential oils.
If you need a natural remedy, essential oils are your go-to products. They are gentle when applied topically. Pets are sensitive to scents and substances that their body can absorb. Essential oils often have soothing scents that are mild for the senses of animals. They promote peace and relaxation, which are good for pets that are anxious and troubled.
The versatility of oils is an advantage that can help you take better care of your pet. They are affordable as well and essential oils last for a long time. You can substitute essential oils with expensive products and get the same benefits, if not more. Discover more uses and benefits of oils for your pets.
5 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Your Pets
Essential oils are a great help when you have a pet. There are gentle yet effective oils that improve the condition of your companion. Whether they are for topical application, ingestion, or aromatherapy, you can find oils that work wonders for your pet’s health. Here are the uses and benefits of essential oils for your pets.
1. Treats Skin Conditions
Dogs and cats can suffer from common skin problems such as mange, fleas, ringworm, dandruff, allergies, and infections. There are oils that prevent and treat the symptoms of these skin concerns. There are essential oils with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties that work well when used to treat these conditions.
Insect repellent oils prevent flea and tick from causing skin damage. Most of a dog or cat’s skin condition affects their coat as well. However, some oils are specifically applied to improve fur condition. Lavender oil works great when applied topically to their coat and skin. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to mix the oil with 2/3 or ¾ coconut oil and or other light carrier oils.
2. Improves Fur Condition
If your pet tends to run wild and get dirty, you might be used to sticky, dirty, and tangled fur. It can cause discomfort for your pet. Essential oils detangle fur to prevent knots from forming. The smooth and silky texture of the fur can last up to a day.
Your dog or cat might also experience hair loss in various areas of their body. Alopecia is a condition characterized by patches of furless skin, dandruff, dry skin, and flaking. The problem is not only about the patchiness of the fur. It can damage the skin as well and affect their immune system. Regular use of essential oils on the fur helps soothe alopecia and prevent hair loss. It strengthens hair and makes it softer to the touch as well. Oils such as Argan oil moisturize hair while nourishing the skin beneath.
3. Provides Extra Nourishment
Food-grade oils provide extra nourishment for your pets. A few drops of oils nourish their body while bringing therapeutic effects that can improve their condition. You can use oils to improve their metabolism and alleviate symptoms of allergies.
Omega fatty acids are good for dogs and they are abundant in essential oils. Look for food-grade oils that your pet can ingest. Avoid giving your cat oil to ingest unless advised by an expert. Coconut oil helps with metabolism of dogs. Small amounts are safe for cats. Virgin coconut oil is highly nourishing for your pet and it improves their coat as well. They make your pets more alert, active, and healthy.
4. Protects Pets from Flea and Tick
Fleas and ticks are parasites that can cause more than itchiness to your pets. These insects can affect the health of your pet. To prevent these parasites from living in your pet’s fur, use insect repellent oils. They are safe to apply to your pet. Dilute them with water and spray on their fur before and after going outside. Eucalyptus, lemongrass, and lavender are good for dogs and cats. They repel ticks, fleas, and mosquitos.
5. Promotes Relaxation for Pets
Nervous, excited, and troubled dogs may be hard to handle. Sometimes the trick is to wear them out until they ran out of energy. Other times, it might not work. You can diffuse soothing essential oils to help calm your pets. It works especially for nervous and troubled dogs. Some scents of oils ease the anxiety that a pet might feel and makes them more relaxed. Gentle and soothing scents such as frankincense, myrrh, and chamomile can ease nervousness and promote relaxation for pets.
Safety Tips in Using Essential Oils on Pets
Essential oils are healthy for your pets when used properly. Other users get worried that using essential oils may trigger sensitive reactions to pets. Dogs and cats benefit the most from essential oils, but there are restrictions on which type of oil you should use. Pets can react differently to various essential oils, so caution and proper usage should be observed.
One of the precautionary measures that you should always practice is to avoid giving your pets essential oils for ingestion. Make sure that the oils are safe and nourishing when ingested. Some oils may contain substances that can cause metabolism problems for your pets. Food-grade oils are the only oils safe for your pet to ingest. To ensure their effective and safe effects, here are some safety tips you need to keep in mind when using essential oils for your pets:
- The quality of the oils you’re using is important. They can determine their effects on your pets. High-quality oils from reputed brands are safe and effective when used on pets.
- Citrus oils might be too strong for your cat's sense of smell. Avoid using these oils whether for ingestion, application, or aromatherapy.
- Avoid using oils that contain high phenols like oregano, peppermint, and clove. The livers of animals, especially cats, can’t filter out phenols.
- When applying oils topically, the size of your companion matters. The smaller your pet, the lesser the amount of oil that should be used.
- Dilute essential oils before using them. Make this the first step in using oils. Essential oils should be used in moderation too.
- Avoid using oils on sensitive parts of your pet such as eyes, mouth, nose, and ears.
- Don’t use food-grade or topical oils on your cats every day. There should be regular intervals in using essential oils for your cats.
- Hot essential oils are not recommended for use. These oils give a warming sensation when sniffed, applied, or ingested.
- Before using strong essential oils, even aromatic oils, you should consult experts and veterinarians. Avoid exposing your pet to harsh oils that can cause allergic or sensitive reactions.
- You can use oils on other pets such as birds, reptiles, fish, and other large animals. However, there are proper methods of applying oils on other types of pets.
- Observe your pets when you use essential oils to them. Take note of how they respond to the oils whether used aromatically, topically or ingested.
- You can mix essential oils in shampoos, ointments, conditioners, and sprays for pets.
Make your pet’s life healthier and more fun. Essential oils improve the way you take care of your companion. Always keep your pet’s safety and happiness in mind. Use these tips and information to get the benefits of using essential oils without putting your pets at risk. When looking for essential oils to use topically or aromatically, pick high-quality products. Treat your pet to the health benefits of oils and let them feel your love!
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