Aromatherapy animals
Aromatherapy: Healing Blends for Dogs
by Francoise Rapp
Dogs have a predictable set of physical ailments that may occur during their life span. Today I'll share aromatherapy blends that will soothe and heal skin problems, remove and prevent fleas and ticks, relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis, revive energy and control pet odor.
Blend to Relieve Skin Problems
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
5 drops Lavender
6 drops Geranium
Blend to Relieve Itching
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with Calendula oil. Apply to afflicted area.
4 drops Lavender
5 drops Geranium
3 drops Roman Chamomile
Blend to Combat Fleas
Fleas are nuisances for man and animal alike. This sinister pest hides within your pets' fur as well as in our carpets, parquet and window coverings.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the following ingredients into a 1-oz spray bottle:
7.5 ml Mint essential oil
22.5 ml rubbing alcohol
Fleas absolutely dislike mint! Spray the affected areas of your home. Don't forget your dog's bed. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
Blend to Combat Ticks
Check your home and pet for ticks - look in his bed, window coverings, walls, etc. Burn the ones you find to prevent them from coming back.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
10 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lavender
Apply 1 drop of Lavender and 1 drop of Tea Tree undiluted essential oils before extracting ticks from your pet. This will disinfect the inflamed area. It may sting a little bit (as alcohol would) but it works great!


Blend to Ease Rheumatism
Like humans, many dogs suffer from rheumatism as they age. Your veterinarian may treat him with specific medications or natural therapies. But locally, you can apply and massage the following blend in the morning and night to alleviate pain.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
8 drops Birch
8 drops Juniper
7 drops Rosemary
Blend to Ease Arthritis
As recommended by some veterinarians, soften your dog's bed to make it very cozy and warm. If your dog is an "outside" pet, allow him to sleep inside. A little moist heat, applied directly over painful joints, can be a great comfort to arthritic pets. Get him a warm sweater, or apply a moist heating pad. And massage the area twice a day with the following blend to soothe the pain away.
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill.
12 drops Birch
8 drops Juniper
7 drops Rosemary
Blend to Boost His Energy
Prepare the following blend by pouring the essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and adding organic vegetable oil to fill. Massage the spine gently. Use in the mornings only.
5 drops Rosemary
6 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
Blend to Control Pet Odor
Try this natural and aromatic spray. Pour the essential oils into a 1-oz spray bottle filled with water. Shake very vigorously several times before each use. Spray directly onto your dog, holding the bottle about 10 inches from him. Avoid spraying on the head and eyes.
10 drops Lavender
10 drops Geranium
6 drops Lemon
Stress
**We do hope that these recipes help alleviate some of the common stress-related symptoms your loving pet may be experiencing. Beyond these aromatherapy blends, flower essences have been found to be helpful holistic remedies for animals as well. Be sure to consult your veterinarian if stress-related symptoms persist in your pet.
Blend to Relieve Emotional Stress
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
6 drops of Lavender
1 drop of Neroli
4 drops of Marjoram
Blend to Relieve Anxiety & Loneliness
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
1 drop of Rose otto
5 drops of Cypress
5 drops of Marjoram
Blend to Reduce Nervousness & Hyperactivity
Pour the following essential oils into a 10-ml bottle and fill with vegetable oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, etc.). Pour a small amount of the blend into your hand. Anoint the spine and head lightly. Repeat as necessary.
6 drops of Lavender
2 drops of Roman Chamomile
4 drops of Petitgrain
Aromatherapy: Healing Blends for Cats
Here are few tips veterinarians often suggest to keep your dear friend healthy:
Do not overfeed your cat with "people" food, such as milk, cheese, etc. Invest in a quality brand and pay close attention to the ingredients. Preferably go to a pet store to find the highest quality food.
Do not feed your cat only canned food. Canned food alone causes fatigue and does not provide a sufficient amount of nutrients. Most vets will recommend a diet of both canned and dry food.
If you own an outdoor cat, allow him or her to hunt. Cats truly enjoy this experience and it is an excellent source for exercise as well.
Always provide your cat with lots of attention and love. Set aside time to play and cuddle with the special kitty in your life.
Brush your cat once a week with a brush designed specially for your cat's size and fur type. This disperses the furs natural oil and creates shine.
If your cat has dandruff be sure to shampoo him every few months with an unscented baby shampoo and/or visit a professional.
If you own an indoor cat, be sure to manicure his claws on a regular basis.
Mineral supplements are wonderful for cats. You can find cat-specific supplements in natural food or pet stores. Be sure to always follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Keep your cat comfy with his own soft and warm "cat bed."
For a healthful and lengthy life, always keep up with vaccinations.
The following aromatherapy recipes will complete your cat's healthy living regime. Please note, you should NOT spray directly on the cat, but rather a bit on his bed or around the cat in order to create a fine mist. Just one time spray is enough. Be sure to follow the specific use instructions listed immediately after the ingredients for each blend.
Deter Household Fleas
15 drops of Peppermint
Pour the essential oil into a 30 ml spritzer bottle filled with water. Spray the bed and all other infected areas.
Use a special flea treatment recommended by your veterinary to treat your cat himself.
Control Cat Odor
10 ml of Lemon
5ml of Lavender
5ml of Pine
Pour the essential oils into a 30 ml spritzer filled with water. Spray around the house regularly and on infected areas. This blend works especially well for urine odor.
Ease Coughs, Coriza, Typhus
5 ml of Eucalyptus
5 ml of Pine
1 ml of Tea Tree
Pour the essential oils into a 30 ml spritzer filled with water. Gently spray your cat and then around the apartment or house. The therapeutic mist will help strengthen your cat's immune system, heal existing ailments and purify the air.
Combat Lethargy
4 drops of Rosemary
5 drops of Lavender
Pour the essential oils into a 10 ml bottle and then add organic vegetable oil to fill. Anoint the spine of your cat and then pour a few drops into the palm of your hands. Place your hand under your cat's nose and allow him to breathe in the aroma.