Using Essential Oils for Our Fur Babies

JoAnne Gaudioso

We love our cats and dogs. They’re part of the family, and we want them to be healthy. Many of us use essential oils as a natural way of supporting ourselves every day, so of course we want natural solutions for our fur babies as well!

Remember, essential oils have not been specifically formulated for animals. All recommendations for animals are based on personal experiences of licensed vets and have not been tested in a clinical setting. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your specific animal.

Safety is important when using an oil with any of your pets. Start slowly and gauge their reaction. Remember, most pets are smaller than humans, so dilute oils when used topically.

Some oils don’t interact well with pets. Here is a list of oils that veterinarians recommend you avoid with cats and dogs. Avoid the following for both cats and dogs: Tea Tree Birch, Wintergreen, Oregano, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, and Thyme. Also avoid the following for cats: Peppermint and Spearmint. Veterinarians have found that these oils contained in blends are safe to use on your pets when diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil or diffused.

When diffusing oils around the house, keep out of the reach of your pets. Always use a water-based diffuser to avoid overwhelming your pets. The amount of oil appropriate for a diffuser will vary according to the sizes of your pets, your diffuser, and the room. Place the diffuser in an open area and keep the door ajar.

Some samples of ways to incorporate essential oils into your pets’ daily lives are:

* Spray Terrashield into your hands and stroke your dog’s fur. This helps to keep those pesky mosquitoes away.

* This same technique can be used with Digestzen to soothe upset stomachs.

* If your dog is distressed by loud noises over Fourth of July such as fireworks or during thunderstorms, Lavender can be used for calming support.

Using essential oils for your pets can provide incredible benefits, provided you follow the safety guidelines. Remember, if you have specific questions about your pets, consult your veterinarian.

If you are interested in learning more about essential oils for yourself or your pets, please contact JoAnne Gaudioso at 480-225-5224 by text or phone or by email at [email protected].