Essential oils can produce the desired result faster than herbs. One drop of peppermint oil equals 26 cups of peppermint tea. Essential oils have multiple effects in which many medications generally have only one medical property plus negative side effects.
Some health professionals do not recommend applying essential oils to their paws. Pets lick their feet and this could cause possible irritation as saliva is similar to water. Essential oils quickly penetrate the skin. Compounds like fertilizers, antifreeze, and other poisons may be absorbed more quickly when essential oils are applied to the feet.
I have followed the advice of Dr. Nancy Brandt, DVM and have used the knowledge in my dog breeding business. She is a holistic veterinarian located in Las Vegas, NV and uses Young Living essential oils in her practice. Most essential oils need to be diluted with a base or carrier oil before applying to your pet. For dogs, the recommendation is 1 drop of essential oil per 10 drops of base / carrier oil and for cats, rabbits and ferrets, 1 drop of essential oil per 25 drops of base / carrier oil. You can listen to Dr. Brandt’s lecture on 9/29/2009 online on the 16 Young Living Essential Oils a Pet Owner Should Have on Hand.
In my opinion, the best base or carrier oil is cold-pressed organic olive oil, grapeseed oil, or fractionated coconut oil. Avoid nut oils if your pet is allergic to nuts. I recommend using Young Living’s V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex as a base / carrier oil. The ingredients in V-6 are Fractionated Coconut Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum vulgare (wheat), Helianthus annuus Seed oil (sunflower) and Olea Europaea fruit oil (olive). Cold-pressed olive oil and grapeseed oil are other options to use as a base / carrier oil.
Oil and water don’t mix; the water makes the oil irritate your pet’s skin. If your pet has a sensitivity to any essential oil, dilute the oil with base / carrier oil or add more base / carrier oil where you applied the essential oil. If any essential oil gets into your pet’s eyes, rinse with base / carrier oil, never water.
Choose essential oils made by Young Living. They are therapeutic grade and processed correctly. They are organic and do not contain toxic, such as pesticides. Not all essential oils can be taken internally. Young Living essential oils are one of the few essential oils that can be safely taken internally. There are 42 species of frankincense, but Young Living chooses the 2 species with the most therapeutic benefits, not the cheapest to make and process. The oils are processed over low heat by steam distillation or cold pressing. This makes more natural properties available. Some of the essential oil brands process their products with a higher heat and as a result their essential oils do not have all the properties and may contain poisons. They cost less and are not as effective.
Balsam fir (Idaho) essential oil is anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant (prevents blood from clotting), and acts like cortisone. It is used for breathing problems and pain. For respiratory problems, rub on the chest. For pain problems, rub the fountain. I broadcast it in my kennel if I see or hear any signs of a cold or cough. You can combine 2-3 essential oils together and diffuse to get the desired results.
Eucalyptus Radiata can be used as an aromatic salt and helps open the lungs when there is an upper respiratory infection. Its medical properties are antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory. As an aromatic salt, the bottle is briefly placed under the nose. For respiratory problems, rub the chest. I use eucalyptus on my dog’s fabric collars and it works as an insect repellent. I spray eucalyptus on my base baseball cap while fishing and the bugs leave me alone.
Frankincense can cross the blood brain barrier and help increase oxygen to the brain. Frankincense is used for infections and tumors, dissolves lumps and bumps. Frankincense is antibacterial, antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory. It can be applied topically, diffused or simply inhaled. I have applied incense to my pets’ lumps and the size of the lump decreases rapidly.
Helichysum is ideal for bruising or bleeding. I use it for when the spray claws are removed or when the tail is cut off. Speeds up the healing process. This essential oil is not diluted but rubbed directly onto the bare belly, be sure to avoid the sexual organs. Apply 1 drop per 1 inch of bare belly to the center of the pet’s belly. The medical properties of helichrysum are anticoagulant, anesthetic, antispasmodic, antiviral, liver detoxifier; chelates chemicals and toxins and also regenerates nerves. Choose Helichysum if you suspect rat poison. This will help control internal bleeding while traveling to your vet.
Lavender is the universal essential oil and can be used for almost anything. This essential oil is applied pure (undiluted). Lavender is excellent for healing burns, including sunburns. Lavender has great calming effects. Here’s a recipe that can be sprayed in the air: Add 2 drops to 1 oz. of steam distilled water in a spray bottle, shake before each use. Its medicinal properties are antiseptic, antifungal, antitumor, anticonvulsant, vasodilator, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, reduce fat / cholesterol in the blood and combat excess sebum on the skin. I use lavender to clean tear stains on my puppies while their teeth are coming in. Apply only once a day, put a drop on the finger and rub it through the nose and under the eyes (avoid the eyes). I like to wear it at night as lavender has calming properties.
Peppermint is wonderful for treating diarrhea and vomiting. Be sure to dilute with the base / carrier oil formula. The medical properties of peppermint are anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiparasitic (worms), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, digestive / gallbladder stimulant, pain reliever, and help curb appetite. I use diluted peppermint and rub it on the gums or belly to stop the diarrhea.
Pine works for respiratory problems and works even better when mixed with eucalyptus. This is a great combination to diffuse during the winter months and it smells great. Or it can be rubbed on the chest between the front legs. The medical properties of pine are hormonal, antidiabetic, cortisone, antiseptic, and lymphatic stimulants.
Essential oil blends are a combination of several essential oils that have a broader spectrum of beneficial medical properties. Di-Gize helps relieve diarrhea and vomiting. It works better than mint. Apply the oil on the naked abdomen and rub it in a clockwise direction, as the colon moves. Egyptian gold supports the immune system and is used for open wounds (dog / cat fighting). It is applied on the chest and between the shoulder blades of the back. Joy helps the heart and the circuitry. Apply to the chest and side of the ribs. GLF should be used if your pet gets into something toxic like fertilizer or advid. Rub the liver. The liver is located just below the ribs on the right side. Melrose is ideal for chronic infections such as abscesses (wounds) that are difficult to heal. Panaway is for dog bites, bruises, cuts and scrapes. Puricure is used undiluted on insect bites. Purifies the air and kills the Parvo virus. Balances electrical energies. Use it on your pet’s bedding as a diffuser. Mix 1 drop with 1 oz of steam distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake before use and spray the room, bedding, and toys anything your pet touches to disinfect. I recommend this essential item to my clients if they plan to house their pets to keep their pet germs free. Thieves kills bacteria and can be used as a natural antibiotic. Thieves should be used to keep your pet’s teeth clean. This is a healthier option than putting your pet under the vet to have his teeth cleaned. Apply a drop to your finger and rub on your pet’s upper gums once a week or daily if you detect problems. The use of Thieves in cats is not recommended due to their sensitivity to the liver. Value is chiropractic in a bottle. It draws out the body by balancing the energy centers (chakras). Apply to the spine. This is a wonderful blend of essential oils for pets that lead active lifestyles like hunting or testing.
Young Living products can be ordered on my website at the Essential Oil Products page: http://www.ardyweb.com/-.html
DISCLAIMER The author offers information and opinions, not as a substitute for prevention, diagnosis or professional medical treatment. It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone. Your veterinarian can advise you on what is considered safe and effective for your animal’s unique needs or diagnose your animal’s particular medical history.
