Essential oils are all the rage. Diffusers, scents, and essences are very popular in the consumer market. It is only natural to wonder whether or not this can be extended to our lovable pooches. Essential oils have some undeniable health benefits for humans.
Dogs like humans have situations where they face extreme anxiety. Be it fireworks, a vet’s visit, or crowd’s on the street on Christmas and new years. All of these times act as stressors for pets and reduce them to a state of nervousness. This, in turn, can cause pet owners to panic, especially when they pet acts as an emotional support animal. These dogs, compared to any other animal, need to remain calm and composed, especially since they are the reason you manage to get through your day.
Better Safe Than Sorry
If essential oils are used keeping safety in check, then it can help in calming your dog. The question that remains on everyone’s mind is whether or not it is safe. Due to the fact they are derived from plants, they are more or less safe. But since they are incredibly potent and do have an overpowering quality about them, they are harmful if not diluted or used via consumption.
There are some things you should take into account before you go on overloading your house with essential oils.
In case you aren’t sure of whether or not a particular oil is beneficial for your pet, consult a veterinarian. Never use oil unless you are 100 % certain of the outcome.
Only buy from a reputed brand. Cheap essential oils are known to contain harmful ingredients that can be detrimental to you as well as your dog.
For pets, the only way to administer essential oil is to dilute it with a different agent. If you look online, there are zero to no chances that any tutorial or blog would recommend using essential oils without diluting them. Dogs are much more sensitive to smells, so remember that a little goes a long way in determining how they react to oils.
Be careful that your dog does not manage to ingest any essential oil. These should only be used either by application on the skin or via a diffuser at home. If ingested essential oils have the capability to cause hypersalivation and nausea.
How They Work
Odors, when inhaled, send signals via the olfactory bulb to various parts of the body. The two major places where it creates a significant impact are the thalamus and the hypothalamus. The thalamus sends it further to the neocortex where the scent perception takes place.
In about 24 hours, the effects of the essential oils leave the body. So, which essential oils are the safest for you and your pet? Let’s have a look.
Chamomile
This is an excellent option for relieving tension and depression as well as emotional symptoms like worry and fear. It has a slightly fruity and herbal scent, which has great proven soothing and relaxing properties.
Lavender
This fresh-scented oil is one of the most versatile oils out there. It has properties that help combat panic and depression, along with relieving stress and anxiety. Lavender has also been used for a long time to bring about clarity and focus.
Neroli
As an antidepressant, nothing works as well as neroli. It has soothing properties that work well to get rid of anxiety and induce sleep. If you go to a study of traditional medicine, this herb is most useful to get rid of nightmares. So, if your pooch seems restless, this should be your go-to oil. It is also called orange blossom, but it has more of a spicy and floral scent than a citrus one.
Ylang Ylang
This essential oil has the properties of a sedative. It helps in lowering high blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. This is usually deployed for the treatment of depression and calming feelings of anger and frustration.
Marjoram
A sweet warming oil marjoram is ideal for dogs who seem too sensitive and emotional. The oil helps soothe nerves and relieves anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. It is suitable for a pet who appears to be wound up too tightly.
Even when it is given as a fresh or dried herb, it soothes the digestive system and helps with cramps, constipation, indigestion, and flatulence.
Beyond this, this miracle herb also has all the beneficial action dependent on sinusitis, colds, asthma, and bronchitis. Pretty Handy.
Some oils have the capability of causing an adverse effect on our pets. These include cinnamon, wintergreen, Pennyroyal, sweet birch, peppermint, and pine.
Here you go, this list should guide you through the basics of essential oils for pets. Be careful about the potency and quality of the oil.
Reducing any mental stress that your pet suffers from should be a primary concern. It has a direct impact on you and your pet. Remember your pet can only provide you with love and emotional support if they get to live happily without any stress or depression. Use these tried and tested oils in a diffuser once a day and see the effect for yourself. You really have to do it to believe it. Wishing a happy stress free day to you and your pooch.
