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Treatment Suggestions – dogs and large farm animals

Aromatherapy seems to work particularly well when treating the following conditions in dogs and large farm animals:

Nervousness, Panic, Fear

The following essential oils have calming, grounding and uplifting properties:

Vetiver, Petitgrain, Marjoram, Orange, Lavender, Chamomile (German and Roman), Neroli, Lemongrass, Basil, Bergamot, Labdanum, Frankincense and Ylang-Ylang

Preferred Method of application:

  • Oil blend – Massage, involving gentle touch and soothing, calm, repetitive affirmations
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – Diffusion into surroundings, spray bedding

Fatigue

The following essential oils have stimulating, revitalizing and uplifting properties:

Rosemary, Tangerine, Ylang-Ylang, Caraway, Cinnamon Leaf, Nutmeg, Peppermint and Orange

Preferred method of application:

  • Oil Based Blend – Massage with stimulating, loving affirmation
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – Diffusion into surroundings, spray bedding

Poor Digestion

The following essential oils have stimulating, revitalizing and aperitif properties:

Caraway, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Tangerine, Spearmint, Lemon and Peppermint

Preferred method of application:

  • Oil Based Blend – Oral, 1 to 2 drops on food before and 1 to 2 drops after feeding
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – Diffusion into surroundings, spray bedding.

Aches and Pains

The following essential oils have healing and analgesic properties:

Black Pepper, Peppermint, Spearmint, Juniper Berry, Basil, Bay and Thyme

Preferred method of application:

  • Oil Based Blend – Massage or apply gently onto joints, areas of stiffness and painful joints or areas
  • Salve – apply small amount lightly to affected area

Skin Conditions: infections, irritation, itchy skin, mange, lackluster fur

The following essential oils have insecticidal, healing, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and skin calming properties:

Clary Sage, Citronella, Peppermint, Lemon, Geranium, Rosewood, Lavender, Myrrh, Bay, Rose, Frankincense, Chamomile (German and Roman), Neem, Niaouli, Helichrysum, Marjoram and Carrot Seed

Preferred method of application

  • Oil Based Blend – Apply small amount to area
  • Salve – Apply small amount to area
  • Spritzer – generously spray bedding and dog’s living area. Lightly spray areas on dog’s body.

Insecticide: ticks and fleas, ringworm – Fungal skin conditions

The following essential oils have insecticidal, anti-viral, anti-fungal and healing properties

Citronella, Clary Sage, Peppermint, Thyme, Lavender, Marjoram, Neem, Lemongrass, Lemon, Myrrh, Bay and Frankincense

Preferred method of application:

  • Oil Based Blend – Apply small amount to area
  • Salve – Apply small amount to area
  • Spritzer – generously spray bedding and dog’s living area. Spray affected areas on dog’s body.

Ear Conditions

The following essential oils have healing, calming, insecticidal, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties:

Lavender, Bergamot, Niaouli, Roman Chamomile and Neem

Preferred method of application:

  • Spritzer – spray a water, alcohol and oil solution onto ear (if your dog will tolerate this) or wipe with dampened cotton pads or toweling.

Anorexia

The following essential oils have stimulating and aperitif qualities:

Most Citrus oils are used to stimulate appetite, such as Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Lime and Grapefruit

  • Oil Based Blend – massage onto stomach (avoiding loin area) with stimulating and loving affirmations
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – diffusion into surroundings and spray dogs’ bedding

Sores, Minor Cuts and Burns, Bruises

The following essential oils have healing, antibacterial, anti-viral, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties:

Helichrysum, Labdanum, Lavender, Geranium, Myrrh, Rosewood and Thyme

  • Cotton pads – moisten cotton pad with solution and place on sore and hold firmly but lightly, while uttering healing and loving affirmations after cleaning with sterile salt water solution.
  • Spritzer and salve – Minor cuts and scratches, spray area lightly or dab salve on wound after cleaning with sterile salt water solution. Any wound that requires a dressing should be seen to by your vet.

Coughs and Minor Lung Complaints

The following essential oils have expectorant and healing properties

Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint and Niaouli

  • Oil Based Blend – Massage onto chest gently
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – diffusion into environment and spritz dog’s bedding

Sleeplessness and Hyperactivity

The following essential oils have sedative and calming effects:

Vetiver, Petitgrain, Marjoram, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Rosewood, Lavender, Chamomile (Roman and German) and Orange

  • Oil Based Blend – Massage with calming affirmation in a calm environment
  • Burner, Vaporizer and spritzer – diffusion into environment and spritz dog’s bedding

Feeling Run Down

The following essential oils have healing and boosting effects:

Neroli, Basil, Ylang-Ylang, Bergamot, Petitgrain, Bay, Palmarosa, Niaouli, Coriander and Thyme

  • Oil Based Blend – gently massage into neck and shoulders with stimulating affirmations
  • Burner, Vaporizer and Spritzer – diffusion into environment and spritz dog’s bedding

Teething, Oral Hygiene and Toothache

The following essential oils have healing and antibacterial properties:

Coriander, Peppermint, Spearmint, Myrrh and Roman Chamomile

  • Wipes or Cotton Pads – moisten with a water solution of diluted essential oils and wipe teeth.
  • Oil Based Blend – use a dropper to drop 1 to 3 drops into your dog’s mouth once or twice a day. Apply diluted to gums to relieve pain.

Hygiene and Bad Smells

The following essential oils have healing, insecticidal, anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and will also get rid of bad smells:

Clary Sage, Citronella, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, Geranium, Rosewood, Lavender, Myrrh, Bay, Grapefruit, Lime and Bergamot

  • Wipes – Moisten with a diluted water solution to clean areas
  • Spritzer – Spray areas and wipe down. Make a water and alcohol solution to spritz your dog
  • Bath – add to Shampoo when bathing your dog, or add a few drops to bath water
  • Burner or Vaporizer – diffuse into the air to deodorize the environment.

Other Links in the Topic

Aromatherapy for Animals

Toxic Essential Oils

Safe Essential Oils

Dilutions

Safety Considerations

Recipes