Oils and Dogs
The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are meant for every member of the family-including animals! I love to use oils for my dogs and they have their favorites! I even use oils during training-YES! They can greatly assist any training plan!
What is an essential oil?
It's more than just some smelly-good stuff! An essential oil is a volatile, organic compound. It is the life-blood of the plant, a natural chemical in the plant. It's the chemical that God gave the plant to ward off vectors like flies, and other enemies. Also this same chemical repairs and heals the plant of any infection and/or disease. These oils are extracted from the plants whether it's a root, an herb, a tree, etc. The most common method of extracting the oils is steam distillation. Other methods include resin tapping, cold pressing, and only a couple plants need absolute oil extraction. Every culture has been using essential oils. We have records of crude distillation all the way back to Pompeii 3500 years ago. There are many, many references to oils in the scripture.
How can essential oils benefit my dog?
There are many benfits of using oils on our dogs. Essential oils can penetrate the skin (in about 26 seconds!) and affect the emotional center. Oils cross the brain-blood barrier and reach the amygdala and other limbic parts of the brain that control our mood, emotions and beliefs. So they can help us with our ability to handle stress, anger or any other emotion. They also support physical wellness. Poor diet, lack of exercise, and an overabundance of environmental toxins can leave the body unbalanced and diminish energy levels. From cleansing and weight management to supporting every system of the body, essential oils and essential oil-infused supplements can provide the targeted solutions you need to restore balance in your dog and get him feeling his best.
How do I use essential oils?
There are three ways to use oils on our dogs:
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Topical-Before applying directly on the dog, wear the oil while being around your dog. Let your dog smell the scent in your hands. If the dog does not want to smell the aroma, let him walk away. If he seems nervous or resistant, just stay near the dog for several minutes so he can get used to the oils and their aroma. Just don't follow the dog around if he gets up and walks away from you! That's creepy!
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Topical part 2- Once your dog is used to the oils you can apply topically. Animals are more sensitive to oils than humans. Start by diluting and using in moderation. Dilution depends on the size of your dog. To dilute, use a carrier oil like olive oil, V-6 Vegetable oil complex, fractionated coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
0-25lbs – 75% dilution (1 drop essential oil to 4 drops carrier oil)
26-45lbs –50-75% dilution
46-75lbs – 50% dilution
76-90lbs – 25-50% dilution
90-150lbs –25% dilution
+150lbs – 0-25% dilution
​ You can start by applying to the dog's paws or by petting your dog along his back. The oil travels quickly down the hair follicle and in just 26 seconds it will be in your dog's system.
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Internal- Some oils can be administered internally. With these oils, you can put directly into your dog's food or water (not all oils should be used, check the label carefully). With large dogs you can even place the oil into the dogs mouth. Be careful to do this positively and give a great reward for this!
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Aromatic-using a diffuser like the one pictured, you can fill the room with the aroma of the oil. I like to introduce dogs to a diffuser by putting it in a main room of the house, letting the dog move about as he pleases. I often find my dog lying beneath the diffuser when he likes a particular oil! Once the dog is comfortable with essential oils you can put the diffuser in a closed room.
Quality Matters
Essential oils are generally expensive, so don't go for unreasonably cheap oils since cheap oils are likely to be adulterated, you'll find these at supermarkets or health food stores (they may be cheaper but usually of a lower quality). If you want to use essential oils for therapeutic results, it is always best to use therapeutic grade essential oils that are extracted under a quality assurance program from organic plants. I endorse the Young Living “Seed to Seal” quality assurance process and can only recommend the use of Young Living essential oils. Click the image to learn more about the "Seed to Seal" process!
Interested in learning more?
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I am NOT here just to make a sale.
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I am here as an educator. I love to help others achieve their health goals with natural methods. One of the most powerful ways to do that I have found has been with Young Living. If you would like to try just one oil, I can add it to my order and you can try it without any commitment. If you want to become a member and get a kit, that's awesome too. I am here to help YOU every step of the way! If you try them and decide they aren't for you, I do not pressure anyone to do anything.
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If you are interested in learning more, reach out! I love to talk about essential oils and how they have helped me, my family, my dogs, my friend's dogs, and my friends!