Aromatherapy for Different Kinds of Animals

There are various steps involved in dealing with aromatherapy while treating animals.

Cats

You need to be very careful when practicing aromatherapy for cats. Cats' livers are not as well able to cope with essential oils as humans or dogs. Some aroma therapists and veterinary surgeons suggest that aromatherapy should not be practiced on cats for this reason. Never use aromatherapy on a cat without talking to a vet or an aroma therapist who specializes in the treatment of animals. It is best to use hydrosols, instead of essential oils. If you do use essential oils, do not apply them onto the skin. Even some treatments that have been made specifically for cats may have adverse effects. There have been cases when cats have become sick after being given an aromatherapy cat treatment.

Dogs

Aromatherapy for dogs is safer than it is for cats, but you should still be careful.You should still speak to a veterinary surgeon or aroma therapist who specializes in treating animals before giving any aromatherapy treatment to your dog. Use only those products that are specifically made for dogs, or follow instructions from a trained aroma therapist or vet. Essential oils which are diluted in carrier oil, or hydrosols, may be administered to your dog's skin. If your dog wishes to lick the area where the treatment has been applied, then do not try to stop him. He is unlikely to voluntarily take anything internally that could harm in. He may, in fact, be licking the area to self-administer medication.

Poisonous Herbs and Oils for Pets

There are a number of herbs and oils that should not be used with any pets. Check before using any essential oil or herb, to ensure that it is safe for your animal. Some of the oils that should not be used on animals include anise, mug worth, birch, mustard, oregano, bitter almond, pennyroyal, thyme, camphor, rue, cassia, sassafras, clove, garlic, horseradish, hyssop, wormwood, juniper and yarrow. Essential oils that may be harmful to cats include peppermint, lemon, lavender, tea tree, cinnamon, thyme and birch. Be aware that this list does not cover all the oils that should not be used.

Aromatherapy and Pets

Talk to a professional before you use any aromatherapy treatment on your animals. Use products that have been created specifically for animals by a trained aroma therapist. Follow any instructions you are given and stop the treatment immediately if your animal seems to be having an adverse effect. Aromatherapy for dogs can be quite beneficial, and there is less chance of harm than there is with aromatherapy for cats. But you must still exercise caution and talk to a professional first. Aromatherapy for pets can be beneficial, but you need to be careful that you do not harm your animal.

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