Making choices for your pet, is ultimately your responsibility. Choosing an essential oil that is safe for your pet, is entirely dependent upon your critical thinking capabilities. Deciphering thru all the noise on the internet, here say, advertising, hate groups, differences in opinion’s amongst the aromatherapy world it is for you to become educated and make a determination whatt is safe for your pet.  Your pet depends on you to make the best well informed decisions possible. 

 

It is important to read this entire reference guide to get an understanding of the cautions and safe use of essential oils for your pets.   

 

1. Use a *Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil 

       Also known as medical grade, aromatherapy grade & veterinarian grade.

       This is crucial to using oils with pets and could be life threatening if you 

       do not adhere to this rule .  (Choosing a quality essential oil 

       for therapeutic use coming in the future).   

 

1. Less is best to begin with. Start out using a small amount of essential oil, 

       d-i-l-u-t-e-d

       with a carrier oil and apply topically or diffuse in a water based diffuser   

       Monitor response before continuing or increasing the chosen amount, if 

       necessary. Allow time to pass after first application, to determine if you 

       need to continue, stop, or increase frequency or dosage.  Increase 

       frequency before increasing amounts.  (Example:  If you started out with 2 drops of diluted essential oil, applying topically                  1x/day, with no response, you could increase your application to 2x/day. 

        Instead, of increasing your essential oil drops to 4-5 drops, 1x/day).  

        Refer to dilution charts to learn more about diluting essential oils.   

 

1. Diluting your oils is very important, especially for a smaller pet (under 50#), one that is newly introduced to the oils, or a pet that has come from years of a more *conventional approach to their health care.  Detoxification can occur, so very important to dilute your oils, use less to start, and start 

       slowly. Monitor responses. Even the slightest improvement can indicate

       the essential oil is effective.    

 

1. Diffusing essential oils with animals.  Animals are much more sensitive to smells.  If diffusing in a room with an animal, be sure that the animal has a means to leave the room at free will.  DO NOT leave a caged animal in a room, next to a diffuser and leave the room for several minutes or even hours.  Diffusing, when done safely, should be introduced slowly.  The smaller the animal, the more important that the diffusing time is introduced with very brief periods of time, under the watchful eye of it’s caregiver. Monitoring any noticeable response.  Also, keep in mind that each animal is an individual and a large animal may leave the room the moment a diffuser is being used, while another animal that is smaller may enter the room and enjoy the diffusing.  The important part of this, is allowing the animal to be able to make their own choice about how much oil they take in, and how long they care to enjoy the benefit of the aromatherapy.  Starting out slow ensures a general rule of safety.  Diffusing for a brief period of 1-2 minutes may be all that is needed.  If the animal is in need of the oils for therapeutic reasons, then increase the frequency of the diffusing, instead of the period of time the animal is exposed to the diffuser.  

   

    *In times of illness and immediate care is required, there can be exception’s

      to this rule.  I once took a kitten (6-8weeks) with a respiratory infection and 

      diffused for 3-4 minutes, in a tent like fashion, several times a day.   When            

      kitten responded positively, I then decreased the frequency of exposure.  

      The kitten eventually was no longer in need of the diffusing and 

      recuperated from it’s infection.  

 

1. Animals that are on medication of any kind, need to consult with your veterinarian prior to using any essential oil. It is recommended  to contact the company where you purchase your oils to learn of any contraindications for a specific oil you are interested in using. *See #12 

 

1. Follow the recommended amount & frequency suggested. It is better to do  small doses more frequently, then doing large amounts all at once. Start with less, go slowly  Motto: Less is best!  

 

8.  DO NOT drop essential oils directly down your pets ear.  

 

1. Do NOT apply oils in or around eyes. 

    If you get oils in the eyes, flush with a carrier oil, NOT water!  

    DO NOT use water to flush the eyes, after an essential oil has mistakenly been placed in the eye.  

 

1. DO NOT apply an undiluted essential oil to the genitals, sheath, teats, or to sensitive areas, such as thin skinned area or bare skin (little or no hair) areas. Always dilute in these areas.  

 

1. Do not apply essential oils directly to an open wound.

      You can apply essential oil around the wound area, by placing a premixed amount (carrier oil & essential oil) around the wound area. Could also place a small amount on a cotton square and rub that around the wound area. The oils will still offer their amazing abilities, when applied near a wound, instead of directly on a wound.    

 

1. If your pet has any of these conditions, you must check with your 

      essential oils mfg. before using essential oils. There are some essential oils that have *contraindications with these conditions.         Use caution and be an informed and educated care giver before utilizing essential oils for pets with these conditions.  

      

1. Pets on diabetic medications

2. Pets on anti-coagulant medications

3. Pets who are diagnosed with epilepsy or suffer from seizures.

4. Pregnant animals  

5. Animals that are older or Ill.  

 

1. Don’t add essential oils to synthetic based products, such as; 

      shampoos, bug deterrents, products for the coat or skin, 

      products intended for therapeutic use (liniments, salves, ointments,etc.). 

 

1. Only use oils orally that are regarded as safe for ingestion (indicated with GRAS-generally regarded as safe). This will 

      be determined by where you purchase your oils. Keep in mind that if

      the oils that you are using are intended for pets and are a quality

      therapeutic grade essential oil, it has been considered that there will 

      be a certain amount of oils being licked from their skin/fur, when

      essential oils are applied to your pet’s body, and will cause no harm with 

      such small amounts being ingested. If an oil is not typically used for 

      internal use, using a safe oil, and the fact that it is has been diluted by 

      stroking on your pet’s body.      

 

1. Do not use oils close to, or directly on the nose, in the eyes, down the 

      ears, in or around the anal or genital areas.