Our pets bring us so much joy and happiness and we want what is best for them.   We never want our fur babies to suffer and don’t know that we are putting our pets at risk with toxic ingredients lurking in many pet care products.

 

There is so much noise on the internet saying that essential oils are toxic to animals.   That is partly true.  Most essential oils on the market are adulterated with synthetic chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that contradict what the label indicates.  In this issue, I will share the facts that I have learned on my natural solutions journey.

 

At dōTERRA, we follow the science and have a dedicated panel of Veterinarians who serve on the Veterinarian Advisory Board.   Dr. Janet Roark is one of my favorite vets and has made it her mission to educate people all over the world regarding the safe and effective use of dōTERRA essential oils with animal treatment.  I invite you to click here to see our distinguished panel of doctors.

 

WARNING:  Please note that what I am about to share pertains only to dōTERRA essential oils. Using other essential oils can cause harm to your beloved pet.

 

dōTERRA essential oils are Certified Pure Tested Grade™ (CPTG). This certification ensures rigorous testing for purity and potency, guaranteeing the safety of what you use for yourself, your family, and your pets.   dōTERRA essential oils and essential oil-infused products are free from fillers, additives, and harmful ingredients.

 

Dilution:

Using essential oils on your pets is similar to applying oils to your human babies.  Dilution is always key, especially for cats and smaller animals.  A little goes a long way.

 

This dilution chart is based on information from Dr. Janet Roark.

Cats: 0.5% - 2% (1- 4 drops per 10 mL of carrier oil)

Rabbits and other small Rodents and Reptiles: 0.5% - 1%  (1-2 drops per 10 mLl of carrier oil)

Dogs: 0.5% for hot oils and for dogs under 20 pounds/ 9 kilograms, use up to 3% for gentle oils with larger dogs  (1- 6 drops per 10 mL of carrier oil)

Goats or Sheep: 2% - 10% for hot oils - gentle oils may be used undiluted  (1- 20 drops per 10 mL of carrier oil)

Horses: 5%-10% for hot oils with sensitive-skinned horses, otherwise undiluted  (10- 20 drops per 10 mL of carrier oil)

 

Remember, each animal is an individual, and your pet may be more or less sensitive than others. Observe their behavior – they will tell you!

 

 

Precautions for Pets

Avoid Sensitive Areas: Never apply essential oils near their eyes, ears, nose, or sensitive areas (genitals).  If skin irritation occurs, add a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil to help ease the irritation. Always use oils in a well-ventilated area.

 

Diffusing Safely:  When diffusing essential oils, ensure your pet can leave the room if they want to.  Use pet-safe essential oils (dōTERRA) and start with a low dilution. 

 

Animals have up to fifty times more olfactory receptors than humans.  Human beings have 6 million olfactory receptors whereas a dog has up to 300 million olfactory receptors. 

 

Monitoring: Pay close attention to your pet’s reactions. If you notice discomfort, sneezing, coughing, or unusual behavior, discontinue use immediately.

 

Consult Your Vet: If you have any concerns or questions about using essential oils with your pet, consult your veterinarian.  They can provide personalized advice based on your pet’s specific needs.

 

 

 

Self Selection

Introducing essential oils to your pet is key to seeing if they like the essential oil or combination of essential oils that you prepared.   Allowing your pet to self-select an oil is the best way to know if your dog or cat will like them. 

 

Hold the bottle or roller blend with the CAP ON and allow them to sniff it.  It it has a positive response of licking or curiosity to the oil is a good sign.  Any negative response as turning away is a sign that your pet does not like the oil.

 

Please watch this video from Dr. Janet Roark's FaceBook page on a cat using this self-selection method: https://www.facebook.com/EODVM/videos/333269044212348/?mibextid=zDhOQc 

 

Best Oils for Dogs:

• Lavender is known for its calming properties and can help dogs relax in stressful situations. It can be diluted and applied topically or diffused in the air.
• Copaiba is a versatile oil that supports the cardiovascular system and neurological well-being and can help with joint and muscle discomfort in dogs. Use it diluted topically.
• Frankincense is excellent for minor skin irritations and can promote overall dog wellness. Dilute and apply it topically.
• Helichrysum is a versatile oil known for its wound-healing properties. It can be diluted and used to support skin health in dogs.
• Roman Chamomile is soothing and can help dogs with anxiety or skin irritations. It's safe when diluted and applied topically.
• Ginger can support digestive health in dogs and help alleviate nausea. Dilute it and apply it to their abdomen.
• Cardamom is gentle and supports dogs' digestive and respiratory systems. Dilute and apply it topically or use it aromatically.
• Peppermint can help with respiratory issues and provide a cooling sensation. Dilute it and use it sparingly around dogs.
• Cedarwood is a widespread pest repellent and can also support a relaxing atmosphere for dogs. Use it diluted and avoid contact with their eyes and nose.
• Balance is a doTERRA blend designed for grounding and relaxation. It's pre-diluted and safe for topical application to help dogs with anxiety.
• Lemongrass is known for its ability to repel insects. Dilute it and use it as a natural flea and tick repellent.
• Myrrh can support skin health in dogs and help with minor irritations. Dilute and apply it topically.
• Turmeric can help dogs with joint and mobility issues. Dilute it and use it topically or internally (under the guidance of a veterinarian).
• Marjoram is soothing and can help dogs with muscle tension. Dilute and use it topically.

 

Essential Oils to Avoid in Dogs:

When using essential oils around dogs, it's necessary to be mindful of their sensitivities. Here's a list of some essential oils from the doTERRA lineup that should generally be avoided or used with caution when it comes to dogs:

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil is a powerful oil with numerous benefits, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied undiluted to their skin. It's best to avoid using it around dogs.
• Birch oil contains methyl salicylate, which can harm dogs, especially if ingested. Avoid using it near dogs.
• Wintergreen oil also contains methyl salicylate and should be avoided with dogs due to its potential toxicity.
• Cinnamon Bark oil is potent and can cause skin irritation and digestive upset in dogs. It's safer to keep this oil away from them.
• Oregano oil is potent and can lead to digestive issues in dogs. Use it cautiously and in diluted forms if necessary.
• Thyme oil is intense and may cause digestive discomfort in dogs. Use it sparingly and with dilution.
• Clove oil is highly concentrated and can irritate a dog's skin, mouth, and digestive system. Avoid using it.
• Eucalyptus oil can be used for respiratory support in dogs, it should be diluted and used in moderation. Ensure proper ventilation when diffusing.
• Citrus oils, like Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange, can irritate dogs and should be used cautiously. Some dogs may dislike the scent.
• Ylang Ylang oil can cause excessive sedation in dogs. Use it very sparingly and ensure good ventilation.
• Arborvitae oil may cause skin irritation in dogs if applied topically. Avoid direct contact.

Dogs can have varying sensitivities to essential oils, and individual reactions may differ. Always start with low dilutions, monitor your dog's response, and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about using essential oils safely around your canine companions.

 

Best Oils for Cats

• Lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties. It can help cats relax and ease stress. Dilute and use it aromatically or topically, but continuously monitor your cat's response.
• Copaiba supports various bodily systems in cats, including the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It can be used when diluted and applied topically.
• Cardamom is gentle and can support cats' digestive and respiratory systems. It's safe when diluted and applied topically or used aromatically.
• Frankincense has potential benefits for skin irritations in cats. Dilute it and apply it topically.
• Fennel oil can promote wellness in cats, especially regarding digestive health. It should be well diluted and applied topically or diffused.
• Helichrysum is known for its wound-healing properties and can be used topically to support cat skin health. Dilute it adequately.
  
  

Always remember that cats are more sensitive to essential oils than some other animals, so proper dilution and cautious use are crucial. It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new essential oils to your cat's routine, especially if your cat has preexisting health conditions or is pregnant.

Additionally, choose high-quality, pure essential oils from a reputable source like doTERRA to ensure safety and effectiveness.

 

Essential Oils to Avoid for Cats

When using essential oils around cats, it's crucial to exercise caution. Here's a list of some essential oils from the doTERRA lineup that should generally be avoided or used very sparingly with cats:

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca) oil is known for its potent properties but can be toxic to cats if ingested or applied undiluted on their skin. It's best to avoid using it around cats.
• Birch oil contains methyl salicylate, which can harm cats, especially if ingested. It's advisable to avoid this oil when you have feline companions.
• Wintergreen oil also contains methyl salicylate and should be avoided with cats due to its potential toxicity.
• Peppermint may cause respiratory issues in some cats and be fine with others. It's best to use Peppermint oil cautiously and in diluted forms around cats, if at all. Like Peppermint, Spearmint oil can be a respiratory irritant for cats. Avoid diffusing it extensively or applying it topically.
• Cassia oil is closely related to cinnamon and contains similar compounds that can be harsh on cats' sensitive systems. It's safer to keep this oil away from them.
• Cinnamon bark oil is potent and can cause skin irritation and digestive upset in cats. It's best not to use it around them.
• Oregano oil is potent and can cause gastrointestinal upset in cats. It's safer to avoid using this oil where your cat can come into contact with it.
• On Guard® Blend is a popular choice for immune support, it contains oils like cinnamon and clove that can be problematic for cats. Be cautious when diffusing this blend.
• Arborvitae oil may cause skin irritation in cats. It's best to avoid topical application or direct contact.
• Eucalyptus oil can be harmful to cats if ingested or if they inhale it in large quantities. It's best used sparingly and in well-ventilated areas.
• Citrus oils, like Lemon, Lime, and Wild Orange, can irritate cats. Cats are often averse to the scent, so it's rarely an issue, but it's wise to be cautious.

Remember that each cat is unique, and while some may be more sensitive to certain oils, others may not show any adverse reactions. However, it's always better to be safe and consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about using essential oils around your feline companions.

 

As you can see, dōTERRA essential oils support the well-being of all creatures, big and small!

 

Please use my special link to award you a free account and 25% off ALL products for one year!  Once your account is set up, you can share with friends and family using your referral link.  dōTERRA’s Refer a Friend program is the simplest way to stack dōTERRA Dollars that you use to pay for anything on dōTERRA.com.

 

 

For those of you who are interested in earning additional compensation and bonuses, reach out to me and I’ll you how easy it is. You’ll receive all the benefits I mentioned above, plus a personal dōTERRA website!

  

I invite you to hop on over to my Insta and/or Facebook pages this month as I share how to use essential oils with your fur babies, the best oils to use and avoid, plus a few DIY recipes, and more!

  

Until the next time,

Be Well, Deanna

Peace. Love. Oils.  

 

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.