Calling all animal lovers and natural health enthusiasts!
We all want what best for our fur babies and entering into the world of aromatherapy can be over whelming for both you and your pets. Humans have about 5 million smell receptors as in comparison to Dogs who have over 220 Million smell receptors and that cats have 45- 80 million. With such sensitive smell most essential oils are not ideal to use around our pets.
Some essential oils you can use in general are Cedarwood, Marjoram, Myrrh, Chamomile, lavender, & Clary sage.
The ones to avoid overall are Citrus oils, Garlic, clove, birch, tea tree, thyme, & anise. These oils can also cause skin irritations , skin allergies, and irreversible side affects.
For cat lovers try and avoid all citrus oils as they are bad for liver function It can build up toxins in their system and be potentially life threatening.
For your pups these oils can cause irritants and skin allergies. If your dog stats scratching and sneezing when diffused or applied topically diluted then it can be potentially life threatening.
HOW TO SAFELY USE ESSENTIAL OILS AROUND PETS
Follow these safety tips so both you and your pets can enjoy essential oils together.
TEST A SMALL AMOUNT FIRST
Just because an essential oil is safe for pets in general doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pet. You want to test it out so you can see how your pet reacts. Add 1-2 drops of any of the pet-friendly oils I've listed to a diffuser and allow the aroma to flow around the room in 15-minute intervals. Always be sure to keep the door open so your pet can leave the room if the smell bother them. Try this with any essential oil you want to use on a regular basis and carefully monitor your pet’s reactions.
NEVER APPLY ESSENTIAL OILS TOPICALLY ON YOUR PET
Essential oils straight out of the bottle are too potent to be applied topically to your pet. always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil. To determine if this is a safe option for your dog or cat, consult with your veterinarian first.
Also , if you use essential oils on your own skin (topically), pay special attention to how you’re petting your fur baby. We love cuddling with our fur babies but it’s important to rinse your hands first and avoid contact with any areas where you’ve directly applied oils. Both cats and dogs lick themselves clean and you don’t want them licking up the residue you left behind.
STORE AND USE YOUR OILS IN A SAFE PLACE
Keep your essential oil bottles and diffusers on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet to deter curious noses from snooping. Both pure and diluted essential oils may be harmful when ingested. Clean up after any spills that may happen when using a diffuser or while blending with carrier oils. Remember less is more and just 1-2 drops added to a diffuser can be enough to permeate a small room.
Also keep in mind when purchasing oils always get 100% pure and natural and not low quality oils. Follow these steps and you should be on the way to Safetly using essential oils around your pets!