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Dogs Also Can Use Essential Oils

As I am sitting here at my desk contemplating what to write about listening to the intense thunder and rain hitting the window next to me — it hit me. I knew exactly what I wanted to talk to all of you about today.

ESSENTIAL OILS

This is one area we haven’t really covered yet and the popularity is continuously increasing. I am by no means an essential oils expert and there are many essential oils I am still learning about. But, I do believe they can solve many ailments.

I don’t want to burden you with an insane number of paragraphs, so I have put together a list of sorts for you this week. Before using any of these, make sure to consult an alternative veterinarian or someone who specializes in essential oils to ensure they’re right for your dog.

Remember, every dog is different and reacts differently.

CALMING OILS

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): This oil helps to provide a calming ‘mood’ for dogs who are feeling anxious or nervous. Roman chamomile can be inhaled, ingested, or applied topically to your dog.

Hops (Humulus lupulus): Hops can help calm a dog who is anxious, nervous, or irritable. This oil can be inhaled, ingested, or applied topically on your dog.

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian root is a relaxant and mild sedative. It offers calming and soothing support for your dog when she is experiencing anxiety, panic or some sort of tension.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): Nutmeg can help a dog who is anxious or hyperactive with scattered energy. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This oil has many uses, but most commonly, lavender can be used to soothe and comfort a dog who is experiencing distress and/or anxiety. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

OILS FOR FEARFUL DAYS

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): On its own, or with the support of other essential oils that help reduce a dog’s fearful emotions, Frankincense can help reduce extreme stress.

This oil is used in severe cases of fear to help a dog “come back to the ground.”

This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

Violet Leaf (Viola odorata): If a dog is shocked or hesitant toward a situation, violet leaf can be used to reduce feelings of nervousness by providing a feeling of comfort and safety. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

Linden Blossom (Tilia cordata): Linden blossom can assist in providing a sense of safety and trust. This oil is commonly recommened for dogs who have a history of abuse. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

Sandalwood (Santalum austrocaledonicum): Sandalwood provides support on a physical and emotional level. Dogs who have emotional imbalances, worry, or uncertainly of situations are among those who can benefit from this oil. It can be very effective on its own, or in combination with other essential oils. And, can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

OILS FOR AGGRESSION

Rose Otto (Rosa damascena): Rose Otto is recommended for dogs who have a history of neglect, abuse, or suffering of some kind. This oil is also recommended for dogs who are displaying any sort of aggression. It’s important to note that alternative veterinarians have a disclaimer with this oil. A dog may continue to display aggressive behavior in the beginning of the use of Rose Otto but you may see positive results once your dog has been exposed. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides): Vetiver provides comfort and reassurance for an anxious dog showing aggression. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically.

Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia): Vanilla has comforting and nurturing qualities for dogs who experience nervous tension, irritability, and/or anger. Dogs who have been known to bite are among those who this oil is recommended to. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): This oil is generally recommended for female dogs but can also be used for male dogs who are experiencing feelings of anger, frustration, and/or mood swings. This oil has been found to have soothing effects. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow has not only shown the ability to heal physical imbalances, but emotional imbalances as well. This could be a dog who has experienced trauma, neglect, and/or abuse or a dog who is over-sensitive. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically.

OILS FOR SADNESS

Neroli (Citrus aurantium): There are many dogs who do not particularly care for this oil. But, if your dog will accept this oil, it can be used to support a dog who is experiencing depression, grief, or loneliness. This oil can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog (only if your dog selects its use).

Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Peppermint has been known to have a calming effect on dogs (and humans). And, can be inhaled, ingested or applied topically on your dog.

THERE’S MORE TO LEARN

This article just brushes the surface of essential oils. This article isn’t meant to be a “go ahead and try all these” type of articl, but rather should be used as a starting tool. Clip this article, or print it out, and keep it for reference. Look into each of these oils individually and see if your dog could benefit from any of the oils we’ve discussed.

It’s also a must to talk to a veterinarian or holistic health professional to ensure you choose the oil that’s best for your individual dog.

Some oils also require ‘carrier oils.’ And, not all oils should be treated equal… make sure the oil you are purchasing is of high-quality.

You should never place an essential oil on your dog’s skin (or let them inhale/ ingest) without first fully understanding the oil you’re using.

Bottom line — be sure to do further research before implementing essential oils into your dog’s routine.

Until next time.

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