Essential Oils & Large Animals

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Essential oils can be a huge benefit to our animals! In fact, in a healthy environment, horses and other large animals come into contact with essential oils naturally as they graze, consume herbs, and scratch against trees. We can harness all that plant power to give them amazing tools for their health. Whether you need acute support for a specific need, daily maintenance for overall health, or want to prevent the bumps in the road, there are so many ways oils can help!

Oils & Large Animals at a Glance

  • Start by placing a drop of oil on your hands and allowing your pet to sniff.
  • Remember animals have heightened smell, so a little goes a long way. 
  • In general, large animals (horses, mules, donkeys, mini horses, etc.) will use the same dose or dilution as humans (it's directly on the oil bottle!), though there are always species-specific considerations. Diluting is never a bad choice! Dilute more and apply more frequently. 
  • Animals with fair or red coats or have a finer bone structure may require more dilution. Also, after applying an oil, stay with the animal for 15-20 minutes to observe any discomfort. If they try to lick it off, are upset or anything, use more dilution.
First-Aid Kit for Horses (or Other Large Animals)

  • Animal Scents Ointment
  • Purification, Peace & Calming
  • Tea Tree, Lavender, Helichrysum, Copaiba
  • Coconut oil for diluting
  • Mineral Essence, NingXia Red
  • Thieves Household Cleaner (for cleaning all the things!)
  • Epsom salts, wraps, adhesive bandages, etc.
Animal Scents Line

Using oils on and around your animals is absolutely ok when done correctly. In fact, Young Living has an entire animal care line that is perfect for our four legged, furry pals!

  • Animal Scents ParaGize Oil Blend
    A settling, cleansing blend of Ginger, Anise, and Peppermint essential oils great for any digestive needs. This relaxing, soothing blend can be applied to your pet's abdomen or diffused to support your pet with its comforting properties.
  • Animal Scents T-Away Oil Blend
    So many of our pets experience emotional trauma that can often leave them with debilitating needs. Animal Scents T-Away is our go-to for everything from storm anxiety to more complex emotional issues with our pets. Apply according to animal size, but in general apply 1 drop behind each ear to calm your pet.
The Three-Step System for Skincare

  1. Animal Scents PuriClean Oil Blend
    This is the first step in Young Living's three-part system to support pet recovery from minor scrapes and scratches. This prediluted blend refreshes and cleanses your pet's skin and prepares it for healing by moisturizing as well. PuriClean combines the skin-improvement properties of Patchouli, Mountain Savory, and other essential oils so that you can help your pet feel its best.
  2. Animal Scents Infect-Away Oil Blend
    This is step two of Young Living's three-part system to support your pet's skin healing. This prediluted blend includes Ocotea, Patchouli, Myrrh and other cleansing oils that help guard against harmful contaminants while supporting your pet's irritated coat or skin. Carefully apply according to the size and species of the animal. Additional dilution is recommended for smaller species. You can also put 8−10 drops in a 1-ounce spray bottle with distilled water for a quick skin-cleansing spritz. Best when used as part of a three-part system: PuriClean, followed by Infect Away, then Mendwell oil blend.
  3. Animal Scents MendWell Oil Blend
    This is step three of helping your pet heal and recover from minor scrapes and scratches. This prediluted blend supports your pet's natural healing process by soothing and moisturizing dry, sensitive, and distressed skin. Plus the aroma of Lavender, Frankincense, Geranium, and more creates an uplifting environment and promotes feelings of health and wellness for your pet.
Common Favorites for Pets

  • Fleas, ticks, and pests - Citronella, Tea tree, Citronella, Animal Scents Ointment
  • Aches, pains, and inflammation - SulfurZyme, NingXia Red, Helichrysum, Copaiba
  • Emotions and trauma - Frankincense, Peace & Calming, Stress Away, Lavender
Quick Tips for Applying Oils

  • Apply one drop of your chosen oil to your hands and rub them together.  Hold your pet or allow them to sit close to you and get used to them. Do not try to force them to smell your hands or hold them. Let the animal approach you, and if they show interest in the area that has the oils let them sniff/approach at their own pace. 
  • Try the ‘Petting Method'. Simply apply an oil to your hands and gently “pet” your animal. The animal's hair will actually carry oils down the hair follicle into the skin. Only apply oils to a small part of the animal's coat or body initially. The oils will get where they need to go!
  • Always start with 1 drop of essential oil, and apply more often versus using more drops.
  • In general, avoid the eye area, unless this area is one of need. According to Dr. Melissa Shelton, DVM, in this case you can use a very diluted ‘eye spritzer' (ex: up to 4 drops of Lavender in 120 mL water) to mist around the eyes.
Tips for Diluting Oils for Large Animals

  • When using an oil for the first time or for pets under 20 lbs it's best to dilute with a 1:4 ratio or more. That's one drop of essential oil to 4 drops of carrier oil (like V-6 or coconut oil).  Apply oil(s) mid-spine to the tail and down the rear legs. Once animals are familiar with oils, they can be applied to the neck, head, outer ears, front legs, and so forth.
  • Always dilute “hot” oils like Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, etc. You can always add more oil, so dilute more and apply more frequently versus diluting less.
Veterinarian Infection Suggestion

This is a great recipe for large animals (adapted from the Essential Oil Animal Desk Reference).
  • 2 oz NingXia Red
  • 10-15 drops Oregano
  • 8-13 drops Mountain Savory
  • 8-10 drops Lavender, Lemon, & Peppermint combined
  • 5 drops each Frankincense, Copaiba, & Evergreen Essence
    Add to a 14 oz container and top with purified water. Mix well and drench the animal with the solution
Animals & Supplements

Our animals need the nutritional support of good quality supplements, just like we do! And the same way that we start supplementing to maintain good health before a need arises, we want to do this for our animal friends.

Enter NingXia Red, Mineral Essence, and SulfurZyme (Spotlight). These three really wonderful supplements form a baseline for your furry friends to help keep them healthy and active. Another really great thing to give your pest is digestive enzymes!

  • Adding a round of Life 9 (Spotlight) after antibiotics, oral use of antimicrobial oils, severe diarrhea, or an infection is a wonderful way to support a healthy microbiome for your pets!
  • MultiGreens is a wonderful supplement to include for immune support, viral infections, and neurologic support.
  • NingXia Red (Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2) is amazing for SO many things. For horses and large animals, 1-2 oz daily, up to 4 oz during injury.
Check out the other blog posts for our fur friends:
Want to get started using the Animal Scents products with your animal friends, but don't know where to start, click here to get started.

As Always, I'm here to support you.
Your Oily Girlfriend
Jennifer

 
 
 

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