Because of the resurgence in aromatherapy today, domestic animals such as
dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, gerbils, etc. are now becoming exposed to essential
oils and the volume of case histories is accumulating. Although essential oils
are "all natural", this doesn't mean they are always safe,particularly for
animals. One case reported by a veterinarian was a cat found listless, unable to
walk or crawl, after the owner applied just one drop of undiluted peppermint oil
to the cat’s stomach. This article addresses some of the precautions to take in
using essential oils with our pets.
When using oils with dogs, always avoid any oils high in phenols and ketones.
Avoid stimulating oils of peppermint, rosemary, niaouli, melaleuca (Tea Tree),
spearmint, ravensara and eucalyptus unless in highly diluted form. It is also
recommended to avoid rosemary on dogs that are prone to seizures or with
epilepsy. It is not recommended to use essential oils on medium to large breed
puppies younger than eight weeks. For small or toy breed puppies wait at least
until they are older than ten weeks. When in doubt use the gentler hydrosols on
puppies instead of essential oils.
Oil blends seem to work best on canines. Essential oils have a very profound
effect on shelter, rescue and adopted dogs. They help the dog bond with the
owner after such a traumatic experience. Dogs and horses, being similar to
humans, tolerate oils better than other animals. Cats and birds are a totally
different story.
Cat's livers do not have the necessary enzymes to break down and excrete certain
chemical compounds in essential oils. The chemical compounds, therefore,
accumulate in a cat's body and are sometimes toxic to the point of death. Cats
are very sensitive to beta-carotene, morphine, certain sulfanomides, salicylic
acid, acetaminophen, allyl propyl disulfide (onions) and compounds with the
benzene ring (benzyl alcohol preservative). It is best to avoid any oil
containing phenols: oregano, thyme, cinnamon (cassia), clove, savory, birch, and
melaleuca (Tea Tree oil) or ketones: sage. A third group to avoid are the
monoterpene hydrocarbons pinene and limonene most commonly found in the citrus
and pine oils: lemon, orange, tangerine, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, bergamot,
pine, spruce, and any fir oil. Many household cleaners and even pet products
have these latter substances in them to make them smell nice to the owners.
Symptoms of a toxic buildup include being despondent, clumsy, uncoordinated,
partially paralyzed, vomiting, drooling or in a daze. The diagnosis for toxic
poisoning is a blood test that shows elevated liver enzymes. It is best to seek
a veterinarian's care if toxic poisoning is suspected.
Hydrosols (by-products of essential oil distillation) are the safest to use on
cats. This is because the monoterpene alcohols have an affinity for water and
are safe for cats. Phenols and ketones do not appear in hydrosols. There are no
known case histories of hydrosols or monoterpene alcohols causing toxicity in
cats. It is best not to use undiluted essential oils on cats. Hydrosols of
chamomile and a combination of rose, lavender, geranium and neroli are known to
have a claming effect on cats. Wounds can be cleaned with diluted lavender,
rose, geranium, and chamomile oil or their hydrosols. Itching can be alleviated
using witch hazel, rose, lavender or German chamomile.
Birds are even more sensitive to essential oils than cats. The best
recommendation is to use hydrosols only and in highly diluted form in the bird’s
water like a homeopathic remedy. For example, 2-4 drops of a hydrosol in a bowl
of fresh water for the bird.
For further information on how to use essential oils safely with animals, e-mail
Russell Louie at Russell@OptimumChoices.com or call him at (303) 271-1649.
These classes are all taught in the Denver metro area by Russell Louie:
Beyond Aromatherapy - The
Wonderful World of Essential Oils
Sunday, May 4 @ 12:00-3:00 PM $20 through Apr 27 ($25 after Apr 27)
Journey Books & Gifts, 6731 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
next to Casa Bonita restaurant.
Living the Ancient Tao in a
Modern World, Sat, May 31 @ 11:30 - 5:30,
$65 by May 24; $75 after May 24
Journey Books & Gifts, 6731 W. Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
next to Casa Bonita restaurant.
Tao Discussion Group, Monday,
March 17, April 21, May 19, 7:00-9:00 PM,
Metaphysical Bookstore & Center, 2178 S. Colorado Blvd. (near E. Evans Ave.),
Denver, $7.
Taoism is a way of life. Taoism teaches us to live in harmony
with Universal laws and go with the flow of the Universe. Come with your
questions and discuss how you can practice this simple philosophy in your
personal and professional lives. More information at
www.SpiritFire.com.
Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell
Click picture to order
from Dogwise
This recently published book (2002) is by Kristen Leigh Bell, who did her
masters' thesis on aromatherapy and animals. Kristen's book uses more up-to-date
case studies and practical research over the last ten years. Like Kristen, we
believe in a moderate practice of using aromatherapy with animals. We like her
approach in that she doesn't say all essential oils are too strong for cats like
some experts. She tells you which oils to definitely avoid with cats, which oils
she has used successfully with cats and the proper dilution to use with cats. If
you want to safely use essential oils with your pets, we highly recommend
purchasing this book to educate yourself.
To purchase this book online, click on the book picture above.
Nothing on this website has been evaluated by the FDA. This information
is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please
see a qualified healthcare practitioner for any disease or illness.
