Using Aromatherapy With Animals

I spent some time last week in Notcutts garden centres - a fantastic family owned company and one which I am proud to supply. Apart from answering lots of questions on using essential oils as part of natural eco friendly gardening practice and dealing with aching backs, sore fingers etc, I received a lot of questions about aromatherapy and animals. Here is a summary of some of the most popular issues asked about.

Why aromatherapy for animals?

For exactly the same reasons as complimentary medicine works with humans.

For some everyday complaints, it is more effective than conventional medicine. For some ailments it is more environmentally preferable (eg insect control) and some people prefer to stay in control of their pets treatment. Also, it can be much less expensive than conventional medicine. One must remember however, that unlike humans animals can’t choose. If the condition is serious or you are in anyway unsure then always consult a professional veterinary surgeon.

Aromatherapy for animals is gaining in popularity. It is said that in America as many people use aromatherapy for their pets as use conventional medicine. It is more difficult here because there is no recognised qualification for animal aromatherapists which means that one cannot get professional insurance. All pet owners should be warned that using complimentary medicine is at their own risk.

There are an increasing number of complimentary therapists marketing for this type of business. Before you let anyone give 'hands on' treatment to your pet then ask about insurance. It may also be helpful to talk to your vet however you are unlikely (in most cases) to have a positive response. When a human goes to the conventional Doctor and accepts a suggestion for complimentary treatment, then the Doctor’s budget is to some extent protected ie it is to his, the NHS and your advantage, if you do not avail yourself of prescribed drugs.

In contrast most vets operate as a commercial business and its success depends on you buying drugs from him. As a result (unlike your GP) it is not in his commercial interest to send you away. Obviously most vets concern is your pets health and they will not rule out complimentary treatment if that may provide an answer, nevertheless their commercial interests are a factor.

Is aromatherapy for animals the same as aromatherapy for humans?

Yes. The only differences are dose and application. We use proportionally smaller doses. Most recommended doses are for a 10 stone adult. If your dog is 2 stone you therefore use one fifth of the dose. Application is usually inhalation rather than massage as we have limited access to the skin on most pets. The uses of aromatherapy are as wide as for humans however the most common treatments I am asked about are as follows.:-

Fleas and other Creepy Crawlies.
Tea Tree is an excellent insect repellent – simply spray or brush on to the coat. If the scent is a problem for you blend it with Geranium another notable insect repellent.

Flies
Blend Tea Tree and Citronella with Vaseline and wipe gently onto problem areas (muzzles, ears and genitals). If it is a show animal then using Aloe Vera as the base will not show. For all over the coat, spray diluted in water or as many serious equestrians will recommend use a base of cold tea or vinegar.

Bites and Stings
Tea Tree, Chamomile and Lavender blended into a cream base and applied twice daily. It is important to reach the skin. If the fur is particularly dense then use the least viscous base you can find (almond oil is usually effective).

Irritated Skin and Allergies
Chamomile and Tea Tree sprayed on or applied using a cream or oil base, remembering to stop the animal from biting the effected area. Choose a pungent oil that your pet dislikes, such as, Eucalyptus or Lemongrass often works well and apply it neat to the coat surface ie not to the wound or skin.

Small Wounds and Scrapes
Tea Tree, Lavender and Benzoin are particularly effective for animals. I also have good results with Myrrh. If the wound is contained, then after cleansing I prefer to add the oils blended into a viscous base that provides protection. I find petroleum jelly very effective. If you don’t like using petroleum jelly then choose any nappy cream with a barrier effect – there are many to choose from in the supermarket. If the wound is more a graze over a larger area then I like to use a base of almond oil or olive oil. I almost always use a pungent oil that the animal dislikes wiped on to the surrounding hair (not the skin) to prevent biting.

If the animal licks the wound or the surrounding area won’t it poison itself?

Most animals particularly horses and cats will not lick a plant material that they do not like the taste off (that is what prevents them from poisoning themselves). If, however, they do then remember they would have to ingest at least 5ml to cause any problems and you would probably only be using a few drops at a time. Another point is to look in any aromatherapy text book and avoid any oils which are hazardous if ingested.

Can Aromatherapy Ease Moods (over exitement), particularly in a Competition Environment?

There are a huge number of oils that have a calming relaxing effect. It is a matter of experimentation and you will usually find the animal helps you in choosing the oil that is right for them. Hold the open bottle 6” below the muzzle and watch for aversion, disinterest or interest. Choose the oils that the animal likes. I find Clary Sage, Bergamot, Chamomile and Lavender particularly good.

However, remember if you are trying to calm a competition animal you may want to avoid the sedative effect of Lavender or Chamomile and choose oils which calm and balance. If however you wish to calm an animal prior to travel or a house move use sedative oil. Test and choose up to two weeks before the event then do not use until 8 hours prior to the event. This to avoid any tolerance building up.

Can Aromatherapy Ease Lethargy?

Choose stimulating oils such as the Citruses, Rosemary and Peppermint. I particularly like Green Mandarin and Spearmint as they are uplifting but in a very gentle way.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to email me at julie@potions.co.uk.
Julie Foster