Hopefully, you have put on your comfy clothes, have made some tea, and are ready to explore Essential Oils and Animals.
*I am not a doctor or veterinarian. I am not here to diagnose, treat, or cure any of your (or your pets!) illnesses. The content I cover is for informational purposes only.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are secondary metabolites produced by plants as part of their health and defense systems.
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When we inhale, we absorb these essential oils and their evaporating constituents into the brain.
The sense of smell is connected to the limbic system of the brain.
--> The Limbic System is where emotions, memory, and certain regulatory functions of the body are found.
*!* Thus, essential oils simultaneously work on the physical level AND the emotional level.
Applied Zoopharmacognosy and how it relates to essential oils
This method states that animals have an innate ability to know what they need for health.
---> When working with essential oils, we use this natural instinct and allow the animal to choose what products they prefer. This method is safe, effective, and simple, and it strengthens the bond between you and your animal.
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HOW does the choosing work?
You keep the lid on the essential oil and let them smell it. Their "choice" or a positive sign looks like prolonged sniffing, interest, or even licking.
A negative choice will be completely ignoring it, barely giving it a sniff, or actual avoidance.
Do not force a product on an animal as it can cause stress.
Adverse effects may result by forcing essential oils on an animal.
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***As you work with your animals and listen to them, a bond of trust is built. It turns out that they've been caring for themselves long before they partnered with us!
Have you ever experienced your pets doing this with other things? For example, when dogs eat grass to calm their tummies.
Horses and Dogs and Cats....Oh My!
🐴 Horses 🐴-
Horses tend to respond very well to essential oils since they are herbivores and have metabolic pathways to break down most oils. They also tend to prefer the inhalation and licking methods used with oils.
🐶Dogs🐶
Dogs also tend to prefer inhalation and licking methods.
🐱Cats🐱
Cats don't have metabolic pathways to break down most essential oils. Essential oils can still be safe to use. Be sure to let them choose their own oils. Cats are even more discerning than dogs. This means your cat will probably tell you exactly what he/she wants. If you have any concerns you can consult your veterinarian.
General Rules of Thumb! 👍👍
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Animals, due to all their hair follicles, have an increased rate and amount of absorption, so I would use plenty of carrier oil when applying any oil.
Err on the cautious side. Cats should have carrier oil dilution, around 8 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of EO, and dogs under 25 pounds should have 5 drops of carrier oil to 1 drop of EO. You can always dilute further in the beginning.
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LISTEN TO YOUR ANIMAL. 👂
If you are diffusing or using oils for yourself while your pets are around, make sure there is an open door or window so they can leave.
Do you know any cat that will stay put when it doesn't like something going on? I didn't think so. With all the hype going around about essential oils and cats, I understand people are very sensitive and cautious. Good, I'm glad you are.
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The three most important things when being cautious on behalf of your pet while using oils are to check the QUALITY of oil (not all are created equal), letting your pet CHOOSE, and providing an OUT.
A Seed to Seal Promise to you and your family.
Young Living has a seed to seal guarantee and promise. They abide by very strict guidelines to fulfill their promise to send pure products to your home.
- Their farms and partner farms abide by strict standards.
- They select the strongest seeds from strong thriving plants.
- They hand-weed and use their own oils on plants for pest control to avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
- They harvest at peak times to ensure quality oils.
- They distill on site without chemicals.
- They test every batch. If it doesn’t meet their standards because of weather conditions or for any other reason, they do not bottle it up.
All of these factors make a huge difference in quality and effectiveness.
Lavender
Everyone has heard of Lavender. It is frequently referred to as "the Swiss army knife of Oils."
Well, just as lavender can be calming to you and me, it can be to your animal as well.
OTHER USES.
* Soothes skin
* Great before going outside
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DIY hack
Make your own Skin Soothing Essential Gel Recipe for your animal!
- approximately 2 oz. of water-based gel (aloe vera)
- 5-20 drops of essential oils (max of 5 different oils)
**make sure you collaborate with your animal about which oils!
- whisk together and you are done!
Apply this calming gel to underbelly or any sensitive skin areas when needed.
Cedarwood & Geranium & Frankincense
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Cedarwood → Can be calming and grounding.
Frankincense → Incredibly grounding. Calming. Soothing to the skin.
Geranium→ Mix with Cedarwood and Lavender for an outdoor spray. Supports healthy skin. Can be balancing and grounding.
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DIY Collar for Dogs
1 cup of water
5 drops Lavender
2 drops Citronella
1 drop Cedarwood
2 drops Geranium
Mix in a bowl, put in your pet's collar, soak for 5 minutes, remove from liquid, and then let it dry before using.
***Make sure you listen to your animal and that they approve of the whole concoction first.
Citrus Fresh™
Citrus Fresh is relaxing and calming and it smells SO good. Think citrus with a hint of mint.
Ever tired of that "dog" or "cat" smell?
To help with pet odors, diffuse this blend around the house or wherever the litter box is located. You can also create a spray and use it on your furniture. If you notice your pet is avoiding the Citrus Fresh spray, you can either use that to your advantage (to keep the cat off the couch) or switch to a different oil to freshen the air such as Purification, Lavender, or anything else you enjoy.
To create your room freshening spray, add 20 drops of Citrus Fresh or your oil of choice to distilled water in a 4 oz spray bottle.
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Single oils contained in the Citrus Fresh blend:
- Orange brings peace and happiness to the mind and body.
- Tangerine is calming to the nervous system.
- Mandarin promotes happiness. It is also refreshing, uplifting, and revitalizing.
- Grapefruit is balancing and uplifting to the mind.
- Lemon promotes health and physical energy.
- Spearmint is uplifting to one’s spirit.
Animal Scents
Young Living has its own line of products designed specifically for animals!
It contains oils, shampoo, cat treats, dog chews, and more!
Check out the whole line on the Young Living website and let us know which one you’re excited to try.
DID YOU KNOW!?
A portion of all proceeds from Animal Scents products goes to support Vital Ground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the habitat of grizzly bears and other wide-roaming wildlife.
Young Living is so generous, aren't they?
Supplements for your pets!
*While these products are not labeled for ingestible use in animals, I know many members have used these to support their pets' overall health. Here are some of the popular ones our members have used.
This class wouldn't be complete without talking about one of our most beloved products. NingXia Red is 25% NingXia Wolfberry puree, which is a wellness-supporting superfruit with an incredibly high antioxidant rating. Antioxidants make for an unfriendly environment for free radicals. If you don't know the effects free radicals have on your body, you should google it.
This dietary supplement helps support normal blood sugar levels, provides support for normal eye health, cellular function, and energy levels. It’s a supplement that provides overall support to your animal to help them be their best selves.
Other favorites are Sulfurzyme, Omegagize, and Agilease.
Sulfurzyme capsules - Ingredients help to maintain the structure of proteins, protect cells and cell membranes, replenish the connections between cells, and preserve the molecular framework of connective tissue. *Be sure to purchase the capsules to avoid added sweeteners.
OmegaGize³™ - combines the power of three core daily supplements-omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D-3, and CoQ10 (ubiquinone). These supplements combine with our proprietary enhancement essential oil blend to create an omega-3, DHA-rich fish oil supplement that may support general wellness. Used daily, these ingredients work synergistically to support normal brain, heart, eye, and joint health.
Agilease - Does anyone have old dogs that like to be active!? This is good for pets that may experience a natural, acute inflammation response in their joints after exercise. AgilEase™ is a joint health supplement that’s perfect for healthy individuals (and pets) who are looking to gain greater mobility and flexibility through the reduction of inflammation.
Oral Hygiene
You need to clean your pearly whites, and so do your pets.
Dentarome Plus toothpaste is safe to use with dogs.
****IMPORTANT**** Thieves Dentarome Ultra and Thieves AromaBright Toothpaste contain xylitol which can be toxic to dogs.
Effective brushing unbinds bacteria-laden plaque from the surface of teeth. Rinsing afterward is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave your mouth for good. Since you can't make your doggy swish and spit, lead your pet to water for a drink after brushing.
DIY - Pet Oral Care Spritzer
Add one capful of Thieves Mouthwash to a 4 oz bottle and fill with water.
For fresh breath, spray in your pet's mouth once a day.
*While these products are not labeled for animal use, I know many members have used these with their animals for oral care.
Become a member.
The best way to get started is to get a Young Living membership. That way you can get all the good things for your pet at 24% off!
When you get started with a Premium Starter Kit (everything you see in this picture), you automatically get a membership with membership pricing: 24% off everything and access to discounted ER bundles.
You will have access to a private FB community where we offer support and encouragement and a place for you to ask questions.
Most importantly, you are supported by me! I am dedicated to helping you and your pets with your health goals. I offer a three-month wellness plan to help you get started and use your starter kit to its fullest for you and your family.
With a membership, you have the opportunity to help your friend, or two, or three, get a starter kit. It's as easy as passing your member number along when they want to order a PSK of their own. Young Living will send you a $50 "thank you" check for every person you help get a PSK if you have ordered 50PV that month. #YesPlease!
I'll help you when the time comes.
When you order in the next 24 hours, I will send you a welcome pack. It will include some reference materials to help you get started and a few things to make oiling easy.
Use this link to order.
XO
Allison