naturalpet
Amazing Animal
Aromatherapy
Combining the use of essential oils with other
alternative medical practices helps heal a variety of
conditions affecting pets. by dr. Stephen R. blake
Felines, on the other
instance, can irritate skin and should
hand, prefer not to have oils
always be diluted.
applied directly to their skin.
Generally, I find it helps to diffuse
When working with cats, I
frankincense in my exam room before
use a diffuser and put it on
giving the patient a light massage with
their bedding or a placemat
this same oil. Cats, dogs and horses
where they hang out.
all seem to respond well to this ap-
Horses do well with ap-
plication, as it calms both caregiver
plications to the ears and
and patient. I simply place a few drops
spine. For birds, I usually
in my hands, rub them together and
mist the cage with oils mixed
then gently massage the animal for a
with water. I use one drop of
few seconds. Frankincense’s protec-
oil per one ounce of water and spritz
tive properties simultaneously reduce
A
romatherapy, which has
become incredibly popu-
the cage twice a day.
the chance of my next patient being
exposed to any contagions.
lar for treatment of human
conditions, is equally suitable
Recommended oils
When dealing with a possible
for animals. In my own practice, I find
The main oils I use with animals have
ligament or joint injury, I advise owners
that combining the use of essential oils
multiple benefits.
to massage the area with one drop of
lemon grass diluted with one teaspoon
with other alternative medical practices
• Lavender – good for burns, salving
of almond oil twice a day. Or lavender
helps heal a variety of conditions affect-
wounds and calming the animal
often can be used undiluted, depend-
ing pets. Of course, using essential oils
• Frankincense – has antiviral, anti- ing on the animal’s individual response
with pets requires a somewhat different
bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumor to the oil. Lavendar is an excellent oil
approach than with people.
properties, also prevents scarring and to use on burns, eczema, insect bites,
As essential oils are derived from
works as an antidepressant wounds or areas where there is exces-
flowers, trees, roots, petals and vari-
ous plant parts, no two oils are exactly
• Myrrh – fights infection, supports the
sive itching.
alike. Still, their basic properties
immune system, helps counter hyper-
For musculoskeletal cases, a blend
remain consistent. All provide antioxi-
thyroidism, eczema and respiratory
of spruce, frankincense, rosewood
dants, are anti-microbial and serve to
disease
and blue tansy (Valor) massaged into
the pads on each paw works wonders.
detoxify the body. • Purification – this blend of oils serves
When the animal is placed on the floor,
Over the past five years, I’ve discov- to detoxify both the patient and its sur-
they’ll naturally shake themselves and,
ered that essential oils can be adminis- rounding environment
in the process, adjust their own spine.
tered to canines in several ways. I like
• Valor – this blend helps realign body,
Thoughtfully applied, essential oils
to massage it into the pads of their feet
mind and spirit
allow any caregiver to take a proactive
once or twice a day, place oil inside the
approach in maintaining pet health and
ears, or rub it along the spine.
• Helichrysum – reduces pain and
forwarding healing. Such oils provide
Normally, I mix 30 drops of the
regenerates tissue
an effective complement to almost any
selected oil with one ounce of cold- • Lemon grass – aids repair of liga-
healthcare regime.
pressed almond oil and place one ments and joints
drop on the pad of each foot. With this Stephen R. Blake has been practicing
method, the oils absorb through the Rules of Application Veterinary Medicine since 1973. He is
skin and into the blood within minutes. It’s vital to know about oils before using certified as a Homeopathic Veterinarian
The dog doubly benefits as it breathes them. Cinnamon bark, clove, lemon and as a Veterinary Acupuncturist. To
in the evaporating aroma. grass, oregano and thyme oils, for learn more visit: ThePetWhisperer.com
January 2009 1
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