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Baths, inhalations or massages with essential oils are therapeutic ways of aromatherapy that you can help your dog. For example, on New Year's Eve, you can easily replace a sedative from the vet with a relaxing oil to calm a fearful dog's anxiety. Join us as we delve into the mysteries of aromatherapy for dogs.
What is aromatherapy
It is an alternative type of medicine that uses essential oils from natural sources. It restores balance and helps heal the mind, spirit, and body. But plant essential oils don't just work on the mind, they harmonize and affect the whole body. They can reduce inflammatory processes in the body and are also antibacterial. In aromatherapy, essential oils are used in various ways ( baths, inhalations, massages).
Aromatherapy for dogs
The most effective form of aromatherapy for dogs is massage, where the therapeutic effects of plant essential oils penetrate the skin. Aromatherapy massage is used for dogs not only for deep relaxation and cleansing of the body but also to eliminate psychological problems and fears, which are often associated with physical illness. It is also very good for stress, for example, before a visit to the vet. We can also use aromatherapy as a treatment against external parasites such as ticks or fleas.
Essential oils
- If we want to fight parasites naturally, oils with essential oil of Indian zederah (also known as neem), clove, thyme, lavender, lemongrass or eucalyptus are recommended.
- For eczema, dandruff, or itchy skin, walnut oil is recommended along with jojoba and lemon balm oil.
- Comfrey has regenerating effects and also counteracts swelling and bruising.
- The oils of motherwort, rosemary peppermint, tea tree, or sage are used for bad breath.
- Essential oils of rosemary, black pepper and chilli are great for relaxing sore muscles and joints.
- Eleutherococcus root extract with nettle and sage is great for boosting immunity, and evening primrose can be used as well.
Where to apply the oils?
- The abdomen is an ideal place to massage the oil into the females, plus it's a little furred area and therefore also very suitable.
- The inner thighs of dogs with very thick and difficult-to-penetrate hair are usually the only place where the oil can be applied.
- The chest tends to be a very pleasant place for dogs to apply.
- Behind the ears if you are using oils for pain.
- In affected areas - for example, healing wounds, sore spots, inflammation, etc. - you can apply the oils directly, but only in the case of wounds where a scab is already forming and in the case of scars from an adhesion.
Essential oils can be added to dog shampoo and conditioner, which can turn bathing into a healing process.
Can essential oils be harmful?
Essential oils are available for sale in three quality levels: technical, cosmetic, and therapeutic. So make sure you buy the therapeutic ones, as the others can sometimes do more harm than good.
They should certainly not be applied to the mucous membranes of animals unless they are specifically designed for that purpose. And don't forget to check where you've applied the oil. If the area becomes red, hot, or itchy, stop the application immediately and consult your vet. It may be an allergic reaction
