Using Aromatherapy with Pets

I recently had a friend ask me how she could use Aromatherapy to support her older dog, specifically with joint health. My advice to her was to try some of the same oils that support human joint health. These are the essential oils that I would suggest to a client for arthritis: black pepper, cypress, frankincense, ginger, juniper, lavender, marjoram, rosemary, and sandalwood. I think cypress, frankincense, ginger, lavender and marjoram are most appropriate for dogs. Cypress is good for circulation. Frankincense, Lavender and Marjoram are good for pain. Ginger is warming to the joints. My former dog Chloe enjoyed occasional frankincense and lavender when she had cancer.

Try to find a source for samples. Contact me, and I will arrange to provide samples! Then present the opened bottle of oil to your pet. Your pet will let you know if it likes the oil or not. Generally, 1 of 3 things will happen 1) the pet will indicate it does not like it or is not interested in the oil, 2) the pet will indicate it does like it and might enjoy topical massages of it, or 3) the pet may like some oils and not others. It is totally going to be up to your pet whether or not they are into the aroma. My current dog, Socks, does not love essential oils, although lately he has been more interested in them.

I think topical application is the way to go for skin and/or joint issues. Dilution will depend on the pet’s weight. If under 75 pounds, use a child dilution ratio. Start low strength. You can always add a little more essential oil. Click on the Resources tab above to receive a safety sheet that has all the information about dilution ratios.

If you want to diffuse oils, I would choose something soothing like Chamomile, Frankincense or Lavender, not to directly address physical issues, which is better done topically, but rather as an overall relaxing, soothing experience. This is worth a try for the anxious pet. I personally don’t believe many of the social media hyped “horror” stories about pets being poisoned by essential oils. I have never had a problem with my small dogs. Use common sense, of course, like never lock a pet in a room with a diffuser running. And we really should diffuse in intervals anyway.

Cats are much more sensitive to essential oils. Cats lack a liver enzyme that helps them process exposure to essential oils. The following soothing oils are known to be safe for cats: Chamomile, Frankincense, and Lavender. Never apply them topically, since cats will lick themselves to groom, which means they will inevitably end up ingesting them. Do not diffuse essential oils if you own birds. If you are concerned about the safety of essential oils around your pets, use a personal inhaler, or apply them topically to your body rather than diffusing them.

Oils that you want to avoid around pets for sure include the “hot” oils like cinnamon and oregano, and the respiratory-supportive oils like eucalyptus and peppermint.

Flower essences are another alternative for pets. Bach Remedies makes a Rescue Remedy homeopathic formula that is designed specifically for pets and can be added to their water.

I also suggest other natural approaches to pet health too, like ensuring a great diet, supplements such as fish and plant oils (hemp oil or coconut oil) old-school joint supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM or combos thereof. Lots of people like turmeric and CBD and both are marketed to dogs specifically. Many of these supplements can be purchased in the form of dog treats at health food stores, online, even grocery stores (but watch for quality). Of course, follow your vet’s recommendations.

There are entire books written about using essential oils with animals. There is a wonderful little e-guide, written by a renowned veterinarian who is affiliated with doTERRA Essential Oils. Copy and paste this address into the search bar of your browser to receive the guide: https://essentialoilvet.com/safety/