Aromatherapy for Animals
You might think Aromatherapy was initially just for humans?
In fact it has been used for animals like dogs and horses for a long time.
Modern Aromatherapy started in 1912 when French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé treated his burn with lavender oil, leading to significant healing. This spurred him to stud
yessential oils, combining scientific research with veterinar
yapplications, resulting in positive outcomes. This practice continued and expanded, especially among French veterinarians, and some treatments are even covered by health plans in France today.
Aromatherapy
and Veterinary Care
Aromatherapy reconnects us with natural healing methods, offering a holistic approach that modern pharmaceuticals often overlook. While it can support health and treat various conditions in animals, it's crucial to know when to seek veterinary care. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for professional veterinary treatment. Using essential oils and hydrosols for pets can help maintain good health, reduce the need for crisis care, and treat common ailments. However, it's important to be consistent and consider other health factors like nutrition, exercise, environment, and minimizing exposure to synthetic chemicals for your pet's well-being.
How Aromatherapy works in Animals
The primary feature of essential oils (EOs) is their aroma, but their impact on health
comes from their chemical composition. Plants produce EOs to attract insects, repel pests and fight bacteria, molds, viruses, and fungi. This complex chemistry allows EOs to be usedin various ways Aromatherapy affects physical, emotional, conditional, evolutionary, and spiritual levels. Forhumans, scents are processed by the limbic system, the brain's primitive part linked to memory and emotions. This explains why certain smells can evoke strong memories orfeelings. While we don't have scientific proof that animals experience these emotionaresponses, they do show preferences for certain scents.
Using Aromatherapy with animals
Using Aromatherapy with animals requires careful consideration. Animals have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. Dogs, for instance, have around 200 million olfactory receptors, compared to our 45 to 50 million. So, the quality, purity, and proper dilution of EO
sand hydrosols are crucial for safe and effective use. EOs have well-documented antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, sedative, stimulating, and regenerative properties, beneficial to all mammals.
Responsible Application
In summary, Aromatherapy for animals is a nuanced practice that works on various levels—physical, emotional, and conditional. It requires careful application and an understanding of each animal's unique responses.
Can Essential Oils be used on every Animal Species?
birds, reptiles and rodents
I would strongly advise against using EOs on smaller animals. EOs are very highly concentrated and effective. This means that they can also cause side effects in smaller animals. Birds and reptiles have a faster metabolism and a completely different anatomy than mammals. Rodents also have a different metabolism and are therefore more sensitive.
hydrolates
I would only recommend hydrolates for these species. But these should also be highly diluted. I will be happy to provide you with recipes for birds, reptiles and rodents at dany.tara@gmx.com. To be on the safe side, I would recommend using flower essences for these species, as they are definitely side-effect-free and cannot harm sensitive animals with feathers, scales or fur.
Flower Essences
But the best opportunity to care for your bird, rodent or small exotic animal is to work with Flower & Vibrational Essences or Flower Therapy.
dilution is key
Essential oils are highly concentrated and possess potent aromas. Using them in their undiluted, pure form can be overwhelming for pets due to their heightened sense of smell. Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil is essential to make them safe and enjoyable for your pet. This practice not only ensures that the aroma is pleasant but also reduces the risk of any adverse reactions.
Benefits
Immune System and Digestive Support
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Enhanced Energy and Vitality
Pain management
Supprt with Arthritis
Ease Hot spots
Supporting Muscular and Skeletal Funktion