Essential Oils and Pets - Tips on using essential oils safely around your fur family
Is It Safe to Use Essential Oils around Pets?- this is a question I’ve been asked a few times recently.
Now most people who know me know that whilst my human offspring have long since grown and left home, I have two
fur-kids...
my cat Mia...
My cat, Mia
… and my dog, Max
... Max and Mia mean the world to me. So the answer to the questions of essential oils and pet safety is one that have always been very conscious of.
3 things to remember about animals
1. Their sense of smell is so much more acute than humans. Scientists guess the dog's sense of smell is somewhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours.It’s important to keep this in mind when using essential oils around or on them.
2. When using oils around your pets, particularly for the first time or when using an oil or particular blend for the first time, make sure to pay attention to any indicators of irritation or distress that they display- this might be sneezing, panting or rubbing their faces.
3. Keep your rooms well ventilated and ensure the pet always has an option of moving into another space away from the essential oils being used.
When used properly, essential oils can be part of a well-rounded program to help your pets live happy, healthy lives. Just as it is so important to use pure essential oils on yourself and your family, you should use only high-quality, pure essential oils with your pets.
Essential oils can have numerous benefits for your pets. They can help with calming emotions, soothing muscles, deodorizing unpleasant aromas, and maintaining overall wellness for your furry family members. As with any new product you introduce to your pet, begin slowly. Start small. Start with a small amount of a diffused or diluted essential oil, and then observe your pet’s behavior.
Diffuse. Keep your diffusers in a safe place where your pet can’t knock it over. When you’re diffusing, be sure to use a water-based diffuser and only diffuse four to five drops at a time in an open area, where your pet can leave the room if desired.
Dilute. Before using oils topically on your pets, its’ a good idea to consult with a holistic veterinarian. Always dilute essential oils down to 1–2 percent (100 drops of a carrier oil for every one drop of essential oil) before topical application.