People have been using essential oils to treat common conditions, such as headaches, anxiety, bug bites, depression and sagging energy. It is easy for people to make their own formulations with a few simple ingredients that can be found in the local grocery store along with the essential oils. The natural remedies provided by therapeutic essential oils are more gentle and easier on biological systems than traditional medications taken for the same issues–which has made essential oils an popular, organic solution to everyday ailments for our beloved pets.
Are Essential Oils Toxic For Dogs?
Essential oils are NOT toxic on dogs. Surprisingly, they can be much better tolerated by animals than some of the common pesticides and chemicals used in flea and tick treatments. Some essential oils can be irritating if they come into direct contact with the skin–be careful to monitor to see if your pet has an allergic reaction to the essential oils. The advantage that animals have over humans is that they have a coat of fur that is usually enough of a barrier between the essential oils and their skin so problems of irritation are less common.
What Kind Of Essential Oils Should I Use?
As with any formulations that you would make for yourself, you should look for the highest quality essential oils to use for your pets. Pure grade oils are the best because they don’t contain any additives and are not adulterated in any way. Some low-quality oils can contain solvents or alcohols that can be harmful to your pet if they are ingested. They are more expensive but they are also more concentrated and will contain nothing but the essential oils that you want to use as a treatment.
There are some very good quality essential oil blends that are safe for both humans and pets. If your dog is experiencing joint or muscle pain from arthritis or degenerative bone disease there is an ortho sports massage essential oil blend. This kind of blend contains five different oils that have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties. The essential oils included in a sports blend are as follows:
- Peppermint oil for its pain blocking properties
- Vetiver oil for its warming properties. It is a good choice for sprains and arthritis
- Red Thyme as an anti-inflammatory
- Wintergreen oil for pain relief and ability to reduce inflammation
- Elemi oil for stimulating nerves and protecting skin
- Oregano oil as a natural anti-inflammatory
- Lemongrass oil to repair connective tissues, tendons and ligaments
- Eucalyptus oil for antimicrobial properties
This oil blend can be used as a massage oil on sore muscles and joints, which will be absorbed through the skin for naturally occurring health benefits– plus additional aromatherapy benefits from inhalation. It’s important to rub the oil in very well so that the dog does not lick excessively and ingest a large amount of oil orally. This formulation is only one example of a blend that is as beneficial for pets and the humans who love them.
Contact The Pup Experts At Paw Pals
Most blends that people use for themselves are safe for use on their dogs as well but it is a good idea to check with your vet to make sure that there are no ingredients that could be harmful to them if they licked it off their coat. When in doubt, a few drops can be put onto a bandana that can be tied around the dog’s neck for the aromatherapy benefits. Contact the dog service professionals at Paw Pals for additional questions or concerns you may have.
