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Great Tips For Aromatherapy for Dogs

Nov 15th, 2010 by Jemma Reynolds | 0

We all enjoy aromatherapy. It’s beginning to be one of the most effective, and pleasant way to encourage our well-being. Nowadays, we are starting to discover that this is not just relegated for the two-footed mammal—our pets can benefit from this as well. Aromatherapy for dogs is actually an excellent way to promote good dog health.

Aromatherapy is making use of essential oil to help treat or improve physical and behavioral maladies of our pets. Some of the behavioral benefits of using this form of therapy is for taming aggression, ease anxiety, decrease hyperactivity and helps reduce depression. You can either use a diffuser and permeate the room with the smell of the oils (my personal preference); or directly massage oils into the skin.

There are also valuable dog health benefits of aromatherapy. The right oils can repel insects/mosquitoes and ticks, help relieve arthritis pain, alleviate diarrhea and nausea, remedy ringworms, treat dry and itchy skin, help with digestive and respiratory problems, and of course—make our sometimes stinky pet smell really nice. If you massage essential oils on your dog’s skin, make sure you mix it in with a few drops of carrier oil (3 drops of essential oil to 1 drop of carrier oil). Good carrier oils are olive oil, safflower oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil and vegetable oil.

What essential oils are appropriate for what conditions? Peppermint, spearmint, citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and tea tree oil are effective repellants for parasites. Arthritis can be eased by applying blends that contain sandalwood, rosemary, pine, birch, juniper and thyme. Rub on rosemary and peppermint or tea tree oil over dry and flaky skin to alleviate itchiness. Ease sore and aching muscles by gently rubbing lavender and marjoram over the affected area.

How about the oils that will help calm the dog? If you are finding yourself having a hard time dealing with an overly hyper dog, use ylang ylang, jasmine, lavender, lemon, chamomile, bergamot, rose and marjoram. Basil and orange scents have an uplifting effect on the dog when he seems depressed. Now, if your pet is prone to motion sickness and nausea, then give your dog a soothing massage with peppermint, fennel or chamomile oils.

When you apply oil on your dog, only rub it in places below his neck—avoid the eyes, nose and mouth area. Never give your dog aromatherapy internally; therefore be sure that you do not apply these scents on places that he will likely lick. It is advised that the oils be massaged over the creases of his legs and arms for a few minutes.

Aromatherapy for dogs is an excellent alternative to improve his health. It is more natural and safer than putting large amounts of chemicals and medications in his body. Let’s not forget also that your home will smell super good too when you begin employing the tips as recommended by this helpful article. Look good, smell good, feel good—what’s not to love with aromatherapy?

Dog Needs

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