There is no one way to apply essential oils. Each person and animal will find their favorite way of allowing essential oils into their life and on their body. Always remember safety first. Less is best! Dilute your essential oils first, before applying to any pet. Dilute with a carrier oil, with a higher ratio of carrier oil to essential oil.
The simplest, fastest, safest way to apply essential oils on
an animal’s body is:
Place a few drops of carrier oil into the palm of your hand. Then place 1-2 drops (this will depend on the size of the animal) of essential oil on top of the carrier oil. Rub the palm of your hands together. Now stroke your pet along his spine. You can stroke/pet them several times to allow the essential oil to absorb into their body.
How many drops of carrier oil to essential oil would best be determined by the weight of your pet, species and essential oil choice. Before applying oils, take into consideration the condition of your pet, there individual condition & the oil or oils your using. Consult with your veterinarian or qualified aromatherapist for more guidance.
Here is a general guideline to dilutions:
Horses: 1 drop essential oil to 1 drop carrier oil
Dogs: Under 25 lbs. = 5 drops carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil
25-45 lbs. = 4 drops carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil
45-75 lbs. = 3 drops carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil
75-90 lbs. = 2 drops carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil
90-100 lbs. = 1 drop carrier oil to 1 drop essential oil
100-150 lbs. =
For instance, for a rabbit, here is what I would do. I would get a small glass container, or even a 2ml vial, if you have one. Place 20-30 drops of carrier oil in the small glass container, add 1 drop of Lavendar essential oil. Shake.
Allow one drop from the 2 ml container (or larger if needed) to drop in the palm of my hand. Rub my hands together, then pet/stroke the bunny.
I have done one diluted drop of lavender on a baby, wild bunny. Diluted by rubbing the palm of my hands together.
It was one happy bunny, after being caught by the barn cat, transported to my yard, spent the night on my screened in porch and then ready to be released into my yard (his new home) the next morning. Considering wild bunnies usually die from fright, once captured, I would say this was a great success. Don’t think it could have happened without the help of the Lavendar essential oil
For smaller animals, such as rodents, guinea pigs, hamsters, increase the dilution ratio even more. 50-60 drops carrier oil to 1-2 drops of essential oil. Dilute further by placing a mixed drop onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, then stroke/pet the animal along the spine. This way you are diluting twice; once with carrier oil, and by allowing some of the mixture to be absorbed into the palm of your hands.
For Birds, diffusing is suggested. This is also a good starting point for any small animal. From your smaller rodents, toy sized dogs, cats, and your Iguanas', and other reptile species. Diffuse using a Water based diffuser. It is absolutely necessary to slowly adjust them to the diffuser & essential oils. Diffuse for only 30 seconds to 1 minute in a very well ventilated room. NEVER leave an animal in a room with a diffuser without the animal being able to freely leave the room. For caged animals, place the animal and it's cage in a larger room, that is well ventilated and the diffuser is placed a distance from the animal. Diffuse on a cycle of 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off. This also allows the animal to be slowly introduced to the aroma.
Summary of methods to dilute your essential oils:
1. Dilute with a carrier oil (always)
2. Dilute by placing carrier oil and essential oil in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together slightly, then transferring the residual oil on the palm of your hands onto your pet.
3. Water based diffusing for short periods of time in a very well ventilated room
4. Allow your pet to smell the aroma from an opened bottle of essential oil, at a distance, as they desire
5. Place essential oil in a small water bottle (with spray nozzle) for misting. Dilute with distilled water, do not use tap water
6. Place oils on yourself and allow your pet to become accustomed to the aromas on you
Always consult with an experienced essential oils practitioner and/or your veternarian regarding the oils and methods you plan to use as a protocol. Follow all safety rules and do your research into the quality of the essential oils you plan to use.