Using Aromatherapy for Pet Care

Often we try to offer whatever we use to our pets .Aromatherapy is also in the same way tried in our pets. This will be very harmful for the pets because the body conditions and nature are different for pets from us. Learn the dangers involved and precautions to be made while using aroma therapy for the pets from the article further. This article covers

• Can aroma therapy be used for pet care?
• How beneficial it is?
• What are the essential oils that have been successful with dogs ?
• What are the possible dangers in it?
• What precautions are to be taken?

As aromatherapy grows in popularity, many people are seeking to use aromatherapy for pets. There are many products that are specifically designed to provide aromatherapy for dogs, cats and other pets. Some people are even trying to use the aromatherapy principles that work for humans on their animals. However, caution needs to be used when practicing aromatherapy for animals. Animals are not designed the same way as humans and what is beneficial for humans may be harmful for animals. Cats and birds, particularly, may be harmed by essential oils. Even the aromatherapy pet products that you can buy may cause some damage.

Can Your Pets Benefit from Aromatherapy?

Pets may benefit from aromatherapy, provided the aromatherapy products are used with caution. Animals will not benefit from having the same aromatherapy treatment applied to them as you would apply to yourself. Aromatherapy products that are designed for animals should only be used for the animal that they are designed for. You should also speak to a veterinary surgeon before trying any aromatherapy treatments. If all these cautions are followed, then there may be a benefit for the pet.

What Kind of Essential Oils are used for Animals?

The types of essential oils used in aromatherapy for pets are the same oils that are used in aromatherapy for humans. The difference is that extreme caution should be exercised before using these essential oils on animals. Speak to a veterinary surgeon or animal therapist before using any essential oils on pets. Many people suggest that aromatherapy should not be used on cats and birds at all.

Here are some of the essential oils that have been used successfully with dogs.

• Lavender
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Rose
• Clary sage
• Rosemary
• Marjoram

Hydrosols are safer to use on animals, including cats. Hydrosols are the by-products of the distillation of essential oils. They are milder than essential oils. Hydrosols of chamomile, rose, lavender, geranium and neroli have been used on cats.

Possible Dangers

Cats are one of the pets that are in the greatest danger when it comes to essential oils. Essential oils enter the bloodstream through the lungs and are metabolized in the liver. Cats do not have a good ability to eliminate compounds in their liver and so the use of essential oils can cause toxicity and liver damage.

Birds, also, should not be exposed to essential oils. As birds lungs as so small, only a tiny amount of essential oils in the lungs can be enough to kill them.

Although dogs can cope with essential oils better than cats and birds, there is still the danger that too many essential oils or dangerous essential oils can cause them to get very sick.

Precautions to Take into Consideration

Here are some precautions to take when using essential oils with animals.

• Do not use essential oils next to birds or cats.
• If you use essential oils in the same home as birds, make sure the area near the essential oils and near the birds is well ventilated.
• When using essential oils in the same home as cats, make sure the cat can get away from the essential oils.
• Never lock an animal in a room where essential oils are being used.
• When using essential oils or hydrosols with animals, let the animal sniff the blend first.If the animal seems not to like it, then do not use it.

Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that produce a smell.When we use essential oils, some of the material passes through our lungs.Our pets' lungs are usually smaller than ours and not as able to cope with excess material. Also, their sense of smell may be keener meaning that what is a nice scent for us may be overpowering for animals.

Oil Suitability for Pets

Many essential oils that are suitable for humans are not suitable for animals. Check with your veterinary surgeon or an aroma therapist who specializes in the treatment of animals before using any essential oil. All essential oils should be diluted in carrier oil. Animals need a lower strength than humans do.

Using Oils and Herbs Internally

Animals will naturally seek out herbs and plants that can make them better. They have an instinctive understanding of what plants will be beneficial. You should never administer essential oils internally. Herbs and hydrosols may be offered, but let the animal choose whether to take them internally or not. Never force an animal to take any essential oils, herbs or hydrosols internally.

Continue to: Aromatherapy for Different Kinds of Animals

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