Using Oils around our Pets

From Our Own Experience . . .

I have done a lot of research to produce this article plus I have used Oils to help my own Dogs both Physical and Emotional struggles related to stress, our dogs have now sadly passed away after a long, happy, healthy life at aged 12 & 15 years old. These Oils changed their lives so because of that, I wished to share my experience with others and their pets.

Alcohol-Free Oils complement the wellness and happiness of the animals we care for and love. Your furry, scaly, and feathered family members can safely enjoy these products, too, as long as you keep the specific needs of their species a priority!

Sensitivities

Some items can cause Irritation when they come into contact with a Pet's Sensitive Skin, Nose or Lungs. Specific scents depend on what you are wishing to achieve and in which areas you or your animal need support. A good one many people start out with is Lavender as it is able to be used for a vast array of situations. There are also Frankincense and Lemon (well diluted Only). No matter the species or breed, all Animals have different levels of Sensitivity so it’s always a good idea to start slowly and in small doses.   It is important to consider some factors when choosing the Right Scent such as: An Animal's Size/Age/ Density of hair or skin covering / Method of Usage / Unique Sensitivities that the species may have. 

Some Cheaper or Unnatural products can contain SYNTHETIC COMPOUNDS that create a 'TOXIC RESPONSE' in most animals so can be extremely dangerous and we obviously DO NOT recommend you buy or use these products even for yourself.                     Merchandise sold by Scented and more are NATURAL & ALCOHOL – FREE as a consequence they contain NO Synthetic Compounds, Toxic or Chemical Ingredients, but if you want to introduce them into your animals’ environment still go slowly and carefully monitor their response.

For Dogs, Cats and Small Animals, there are some basic and obvious things to do before using Oils.

  • DILUTE before use. * DO NOT use Oils on or near Eyes, Ears, Nose, or Genitals of your Pet.
  • Use a Water Diffuser for Aromatic use. * Allow your Pet to roam freely with an open window in the room.
  • CAUTION should be used around animals that are Pregnant, Nursing, Young, or on certain Medications.
  • OBSERVE your pet’s behaviour AND REMEMBER, if the scent is on you and you touch an Animal, that scent is then transferred, unknowingly !  

How to lntroduce an Oil to an Animal.

FIND OUT WHICH OIL THEY LIKE FIRST ~ Create a calm atmosphere and environment before you introduce your pet to a new scent, remove the cap on the bottle and hold in front of their nose. Watch for the animal’s response. If the animal Sneezes or Snorts at the aroma of the Oils, you should not expose them.

ONCE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE RIGHT OIL ~ add it to your skin approximately 15-20 minutes before entering the room with an animal. This will reduce the initial impact to the animal. Watch for the animal’s response.

HOLD YOUR HANDS ABOUT 4-6 INCHES IN FRONT OF THE ANIMAL’S NOSE ~      Watch for the animal’s response. If they draw in closer, then we have a winner, if they pull away then you know it can be used for training instead.  

USING THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES ~ After that, add the Oil to a Diffuser or Oil Burner, dilute and activate with a candle or switch on. Watch for the animal’s response.

* If your Pet is progressing well, trial with a massage Oil mixture as per our “Home-made remedies” which is avaliable on request by email.

Even though Horses, Livestock and Wildlife are (usually!) larger than our companion Pets, you should still start slowly when introducing Oils. All of the same rules apply. Don’t let their size fool you into thinking you can start pouring Oils on them UNDILUTED, unless directed by a trusted, knowledgeable Veterinarian.

The Indirect application method is a great way to introduce Oils and can aide in keeping the Environment clean and fresh, remember they will absorb the Aromatic Benefits of Oils you have applied when you are calming them, so if you watch for their signals, and you will be able to tell which Oils they are drawn to whilst they are using Naturally Diffused Alcohol-Free Oils from your skin!

Oils to Avoid with Animals

* Oils to avoid topically (applied directly to a part of the body) and internally with Cats: Basil, Citrus Oils (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lime, Orange, Tangerine), Birch, Cinnamon, Clove, Dill, Fennel, Jasmine, Lavender, Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Oregano, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary, Spearmint, and Wintergreen.

* Oils to avoid topically and internally with Dogs: Birch, Melaleuca (Tea Tree),Wintergreen, Oregano, Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Rosemary, and Thyme.

 * Oils to Avoid with some Small Animals: Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Cinnamon, Clove, Rosemary, and Thyme.

* Use additional caution when using Oils high in Phenols such as Basil, Anise, Clove, Oregano, Thyme, Cinnamon, or Cassia, especially around Cats, Reptiles, and Birds.

* Some Oils high in Monoterpenes may cause harm to Cats. Tea Tree is likely the most well-known, and Limonene have also been implicated. Some Pet owners should use caution with Citrus Oils, Pine, Spruce, Celery Seed, and Fir.

* Ketones accumulate in Cats increasing the risk of Ketoacidosis. Pet owners should use caution with Dill, Peppermint, Rosemary and Fennel.

So Which Oils Should l Use . . . ?

Benefits Of Frankincense Oil:                                                                         

Frankincense is known to promote Healthy Function of the Nervous System & Immune System and can be used daily for these benefits. It helps Soothe Skin that is Irritated, Itchy or Damaged, particularly when used in conjunction with Lavender. It also Relaxes and Soothes Sore Muscles and Joints in older animals.

Frankincense is used in Aromatherapy to help relieve Anxiety and is quite helpful in Rescue Situations, particularly when an animal is Un-Trusting of People. This oil is excellent to use when adopting a new animal or if you are trying to build a Stronger Bond with your animal as it promotes Feelings of Peace and Trust. 

Add 3-5 drops of the Oil into a Diffuser or Oil Burner with water, allow the oil to fill the air and burn for as long as needed, this treatment is good for All Animals within a room, stable, near a hutch or cage. Frankincense is safe to diffuse around Reptiles and Small Mammals as well, in small quantities.

                                                                               When In Doubt, Get The Frankincense Out! 

Benefits of Myrrh Oil

Several studies have reported the therapeutic powers of Myrrh Oil around animals, in Aromatherapy, Massage, and Topical Application to help Relieve Stress. It can be used on its own or blended with Frankincense, Lavender, or place a few drops of Myrrh Oils on your hands and place them over your animal and also allow them to inhale the scent.

Add 3-5 drops of the Oil into a Diffuser or Oil Burner with water, allow the oil to fill the air and burn for as long as needed, this treatment is good for All Animals within a room, stable, near a hutch or cage.

Myrrh Essential Oil can be used to make a Homemade Massage Oil;  Mix 1-4 drops of myrrh oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil before massaging. The oil can also be mixed with other oils in even quantity and mix with unscented, commercial body moisturizer instead of a carrier oil.

Benefits Of Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil can be used for all things Calming. It may be helpful whether your animal is Anxious or has Stress in their lives, is Fearful of Loud Noises, or gets very Excited when company visits, It helps Relax Muscles that are Tense and Soothes Skin that is Irritated or Damaged.   It is used in Aromatherapy for Emotionally help to Calm Insecurities, Fear, Tension, and Blockages. This Oil is excellent to use in Transitions such as bringing a new puppy home that may miss their mother, introducing a new horse to the herd, or if you are moving to a new home or apartment.

For Dogs: ~ dilute 1 drop in 20-50 drops of Carrier Oil and give one diluted drop Internally mixed with food or apply Topically along the Spine or Directly Over the Area of Concern or Between Pads of the Paws.

For Cats: ~ It is well known and warned about that lavender is toxic to cats, poisonous. As with us humans, the aroma given off by lavender plants is a LOVE - HATE  relationship but it can be used to deter Cats as the power of attraction of this scent is Overpowering - Great is you wish to keep them out of your garden and to stop them from digging up flower beds etc.

Lavender is safe to diffuse around Reptiles and Small Mammals as well, in small quantities. 

Benefits of Lemon Oil

Lemon Oil can be used for its powerful cleansing properties. Many people use it in Home-Made DIY cleaners around the home for a much safer, Natural Alternative to store-bought cleaners. It is safe to use these homemade cleaners in your homes with Pets in them, and much better for them!    It is also helpful for Brightening the Mood in the home when diffused. It is Emotionally referred to as “The Oil Of Focus”. It aids in Concentration and Helps Decrease Frustration in Learning, as well as Improving Clarity and Decreasing Mental Fatigue. It helps dispel lack of energy and Joy and Promotes Confidence and Alertness.  *Lemon oil may cause photosensitization, so use caution when applying topically (applied directly to a part of the surface).

For Dogs, ~  dilute 1 drop per 2 cups drinking water in a non-plastic dish (NOT ceramic, metal, or glass they contaminate the mixture), mix 1 drop with food or dilute 1 drop in 50-100 drops of Carrier Oil and apply topically. Diffusion is excellent as well using directions for Frankincense.    For Cats, ~water diffusion is preferred, and ensure the door is open so the cat may leave the room if they wish. NOT For Topical Or Internal Use.              

Lemon is safe to diffuse around Reptiles and Small Mammals as well.  Simply put 1–2 drops of an Oil in your palms, rub hands together to avoid dripping, then gently stroke the animal, but for an animal who is very tiny or new to Oils, you may choose to dilute with a carrier oil in your palms.

And Finally,

I hope that you find the information valuable and are able to use Alcohol-Free Oils, safely, to help All members of your family.  

Scented and more offer Alcohol-Free Oils and Perfumes which are Natural, Affordable & Quality as you would expect from the Brands we sell plus All Products are Unique on the market today.