![[Home]](bhome.gif){kind=small}
Aromatherapy For Dogs?!
By: Annette Davis APC Member (Originally written for the Pomeranian Review June, 1996)
I’m sure many of you looked at the title to this article, raised your eyebrow and said "Aroma what, boy Dudley is sure desperate for articles in this issue!" I don’t blame you. That’s what most people think when they first hear about Aromatherapy. Because I use Aromatherapy however, I’ve don't use chemical insecticides, chemical flea shampoos, or "bug bombs." My Poms rarely get car sick on the way to shows. I can calm down visiting females as soon as they arrive. I rarely have problems with dry coats and skin. Those who visit my house frequently comment about how sweet my dogs smell, how nice their coats look, and are pleased that there isn’t a single flea or tick to be found. Hopefully your interest is peaked enough to continue reading?
Aromatherapy is the use of therapeutic essential oils. It is part of a larger field called Phytotherapy (plant therapy). Essential oils are the volatile essences steam distilled from medicinal plants. They are extremely concentrated. Depending on the plant, it takes one ton or more of plant matter to yield just 32 ounces of essential oil. The use of aromatic oils and other plant matter for medicinal purposes dates back to the very dawn of recorded time. Essential oils were used in ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. The Bible tells us that Frankincense and Myrrh were among the wisemen’s precious gifts to the Christ Child. Knowledge of distillation and essential oils was brought into Europe in the tenth century and came into general use as a medical practice in the sixteenth century. The most advanced work in Phytotherapy & Aromatherapy has been conducted in France. After French physicians complete medical school, they have the option to complete several more years of training so that they may use Phytotherapy in their practice. Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz is an eminent French physician who successfully uses Aromatherapy in his practice. He has given several seminars in the U.S. for doctors and health professionals in conjunction with the laboratory that I work for.
Aromatherapy is very popular in France, England and many other countries. As frustrated Americans search for alternatives to chemical products, holistic practices like Aromatherapy are quickly gaining popularity in the U.S. as well. Many dogs (and their owners) are sensitive or allergic to chemical products such as insecticides and synthetic perfumes. Insecticides, antibiotics and other drugs are also very damaging to the immune system. A damaged immune system often leads to skin problems, metabolic disorders, and a general lack of good health. A suitable essential oil can often replace the damaging chemical agent. Allergies to natural essential oils rarely exist, however you must obtain your essential oils only from a reputable source that guarantees that they are not chemically altered or adulterated. Essential oils are a big business world wide, and it is a common practice to adulterate them.
Enough said on the history, now let’s talk practical. After all, what good is a lengthy dissertation on how great alternative practices are if you can’t use them at home? There are dozens of simple essential oil "recipes" that you can easily make at home. I will profile several of my favorite essential oils and give you a few "recipes" which I use daily on my Poms. (I also incorporate nutritional therapy, but that will have to be the subject of another article).
Hundreds of essential oils are available for use. One that some of you are probably familiar with is Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is steam distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree that grows in Australia. It has been used as a medicinal agent in Australia for centuries. It is extremely useful as a broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent. It is soothing to skin irritations such as insect bites and itching eczemas. During war time, Tea Tree was standard issue in Australian soldier’s medicine kits. It’s production was considered to be so important that workers involved with harvesting and producing the oil were exempt from military service. It can be applied directly to cuts, burns, stings, and fungal infections, or diluted for use over large areas of the body. It has become a popular addition to natural pet care products. Several companies offer shampoos and coat sprays that contain Tea Tree.
Another extremely useful and versatile oil is Lavender. It is steam distilled from the flowers of Lavandula officinalis. In addition to being extremely useful medicinally, Lavender has a delicate and beautiful fragrance. It is calming, anti-depressive, anti-inflammatory, and helpful for treating burns. It is extremely useful as a fungicide and germicide. It can be applied directly to the skin, incorporated into sprays and shampoos, and is wonderful diluted in distilled water and alcohol for use as a room freshener. To calm down nervous or hyperactive dogs, place a few drops on the dog’s crate pad or papers. Also, rub a little on the foot pads. (For car sickness treatment, see peppermint).
One of the most widely used essential oils is Eucalyptus. It is steam distilled from the leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. There are several hundred varieties of Eucalyptus. I prefer to use Eucalyptus globulus for most purposes. Eucalyptus is bactericidal, antifungal, and an extremely useful inhalant for respiratory complaints. Used in a diffusor (a special machine that vaporizes essential oils), it inhibits the spread of contagious disease and discourages insects. Eucalyptus works exceptionally well combined with Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, & Peppermint Oil to keep insects away.
Peppermint is an oil that I always keep on hand. It is steam distilled from the leaves and flower tops of the Mentha piperita plant. It is extremely useful to prevent motion sickness and nausea, and very effective in discouraging insects. It’s smell is wonderfully cool and refreshing. To prevent car sickness, place a few drops of Peppermint and Lavender on your dog’s crate pad or papers. For your use, Peppermint and Lavender are extremely effective to relieve headaches. Place a small amount on your wrists, temples (don’t get into eyes), and under your tongue. For those who have trouble sleeping, Peppermint should only be used during the day. It can keep you awake if used at night.
*Moisturizing Insect Spray
This useful spray repels fleas, ticks & mosquitoes, as well as keeps the coat in good condition.
Soothing Spray
Use this spray to sooth dry skin, eczemas and itching (i.e. flea bite allergies).
Therapeutic Lotion
Use a good quality, unscented natural lotion. Add a drop of Tea Tree Oil & a drop of Lavender Oil to a squirt of lotion. Apply to irritated areas.
Improve your Cleaner
Add a few drops of Eucalyptus, Citronella & Orange to your cleaner. For a cool, refreshing fragrance, Peppermint is also a good addition. Add warm water & mop.
Some good books to read (click on links to order):
Aromatherapy
an A-Z by Patricia Davis
Reputable Essential Oil Supplier: