How to Use Natural Oils for Pets

Aromatherapy is not just for humans, but for our furry friends too. The soothing and healing effects of natural oils will bring a multitude of quality benefits in your pet’s life. They too deserve some time for relaxation, and their exhilarated face will let you know that they appreciate your devotion to them. But first, let’s see what kind of natural oils are right for pets and how you can use them.

1. Lavender

Lavender is a natural treatment for pets that suffer from allergies, burns, insomnia, and most importantly anxiety. Even though many people see them as an ever happy ball of puffy fur, pets can get easily stressed and live with this condition for a long time. Sources of anxiety can be the separation from their people (this source includes work commuting also), confinement, travel, and noise.

So, you can add six to eight drops of natural lavender oil in a bottle filled with water that has a spraying device. On the other hand, you can purchase an aromatherapy product with the right dosage of lavender oil on the market. Whenever there’s a stressful event coming up, like a visit to the vet or car traveling, you can spray the solution onto a piece of fabric and take it with you. Pets are very sensitive to scent, so the calming effects of lavender won’t take long to appear. You can associate the lavender fragrance with calming activities like massaging or brushing.

2. Cardamom Oil

It takes up to three months to extract the essential oils from this plant, but the effort is worth it. Cardamom has effective healing properties that can ease digestion and protect the health of the gastrointestinal system, ameliorates respiratory health, and provides a boost of good mood. Use one drop to increase your pet’s appetite, eight drops for fresh breath, and four drops for good circulation. It will also treat a cough and soothe nausea. It is safe for dogs to take this natural oil internally, but you should be careful when using Cardamom for cats.

Even though they enjoy quality nutrition and an active lifestyle, pets will sooner or later have problems at the level of their skin and toenails. Coconut oil is a natural substance that works as an excellent moisturizing. It penetrates deep into the skin to mend any damages to the tissues. You can treat your pets with coconut oil for skin rash, wounds or dry skin. Wrap the treated area with a piece of cloth to prevent them from licking the oil away.

You can also administrate coconut oil internally. The diet will fight against bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi, and parasites. It is important to start with small amounts, such as ¼ tablespoon for small dogs and one for large pets. Look out for eventual side effects. If your pet goes through unpleasant experiences like diarrhea, restrict the portion even further.

If the effects of coconut oil ingestion are favorable, increase the quantity a little bit after a few days. Gradually aim to attain one teaspoon for each 10 pounds of body weight on a daily basis.

4. Eucalyptus Oil

The eucalyptus oil holds numerous benefits for our furry friends. First of all, it provides a good skin therapy for pets that present rashes, insect bites, and stings. It also has antiseptic properties that repel the parasites that can damage skin or the ones that hide in the bedding sheets. When the pets inhale eucalyptus oil vapors, they can get rid of respiratory infections such as bronchitis.

To keep fleas and ticks away from their coating, you can apply one drop of this natural oil to your pet’s neck, and another one at their tail.

However, you should start with smaller concentrations and resort to diluted mixtures. So, add 15 drops to a spray bottle filled with water of small size. Use the composition on your pet for skin healing, relaxation, and for parasite control. You can also add this to your dog’s bath water, spray it on bedding and furniture.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a healthy addition to your dog’s diet and has some fantastic advantages. Dogs usually adore the taste of this natural oil, so besides being a source of vitamins, it is also a royal treat. It helps your pet to keep a slender silhouette due to the fact that is a substance rich in monounsaturated fats. Your dog should receive olive oil especially when the seasons start changing. Its antioxidants provide additional protection for your dog’s immune system.

The dosage should be calculated carefully. Administer a small portion to your dog and wait to see if there are any side effects. If there are not, it is safe to proceed with a daily dosage.

6. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint Oil is widely known for its strong repellent effect against fleas and other common parasites. It is also a good oil to soothe skin irritations in a natural, safe, and effective way.

You can prepare a solution by mixing ¼ cup of peppermint oil with 3 cups of rubbing alcohol. Leave the liquid a while to get settled. Then you can proceed and spray the areas affected by fleas, especially neck and back. You can also use the solution on bedding and your carpets.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil contains a type of chemicals that work wonders against bacteria and fungi, called terpenes. However, the same substance can be dangerous for your pets if they swallow it. It should be only applied to the skin in very small quantities.

Dilute the tea tree oil at 0.1% to 1% and test a small area before applying it to the whole body. If there are signs of irritation, you shouldn’t stop using it. However, if your pet accepts the oil in its system, you can start the treatment. So, use it carefully to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and you can also rely on tea tree oil to attend some minor wounds.

So, these are the main natural oils for pets that work as antiseptics, antioxidants or aromatherapy. Always proceed with caution when introducing these to your pet for the first time. Once the good effects start showing, you can incorporate the natural oils in the daily routine.

About The Author: Kathy Hardess is a mother, a wife, and a pet owner. She loves nature and traveling. Kathy is a nutritionist and a crafty woman. Her passions merge everyday while trying to keep her kids healthy and get their attention.