Essential Oils - Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. This is now an important part of everyday life for many people, and some are even extending its use to their four-legged family members!
Aromatherapy works via the senses, and in addition to the positive effect of touch that your dog will receive when you treat him with oils, he will benefit from their smell. Since your dog’s nose is much more sensitive to smell than yours, it’s not surprising that this form of holistic therapy is gaining popularity amongst pet owners.
After being applied to the skin, the oils evaporate and are inhaled. Their aromatic molecules enter the nasal cavity, sinuses and lungs, and are then absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential oils are also considered to possess “vibrational energy” – this is supposed to have a positive healing effect on the emotional states of the body and mind.
There are hundreds of essential oils available, all of which can have different effects on dogs. And just as is the case in people, different dogs react differently to any one type of oil.
In our natural dog skin care range we use no fragrances, only natural and where possible organic essential oils. I have listed below the essential oils used in our products and their benefits for your dog. Please note that the essential oils are not recommended to be used on cats, they are unable to metabolise essential oils as dogs do.
I have not included any essential oils in our Snoot 'n Boot snout and paw balm, this is because it is applied directly to your dogs snout, as you can imagine this is an extremely sensitive area and it is not recommended to apply essential oils directly to the snout.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
As well as repelling fleas and ticks cedarwood has a relaxing effect on dogs and supports healthy skin.
Citronella Essential Oil
well known natural flea repellant. Citronella comes from the lemongrass family which is why it smell so bright, but it’s actually that same smell that wards off the insectAs. Click here to edit text
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is also very widely used for its numerous benefits, and is especially noted for the following properties:
- Flea control: helps to repel these parasites.
- Skin therapy: It can be useful to heal the skin after insect bites, stings, and skin
rashes.
- Antiseptic qualities: Its disinfectant properties can be useful for skin problems and also when cleaning bedding.
- Eucalyptus can also be very effective against pet odor.
Kanuka and Manuka Essential Oils
Both Kanuka and Manuka Oil have properties that not only nourish and moisturise your dogs skin, but helps to protect their skin from nasties.
Manuka oil is known to boost the skin’s healing capabilities, and it’s also used in the medical community to combatting some of the world’s most antibiotic-resistant infections – that’s because of its ability to draw moisture out of the bacteria in an affected area, preventing and fighting off inflammation and infection.
When added to your dogs shampoo it helps to give them a shiny, healthy coat and provide natural antiseptic and skin protection.
Manuka and Kanuka Oils also work as natural insect repellents.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is considered to have a variety of benefits for dogs, and is especially noted for the following properties:
- Help calm dogs that are fearful, agitated, hyperactive or anxious.
- Repels fleas and ticksFlea and tick control
- Provides relief when applied to dry, itchy skin.
- Effective in controlling doggy odor
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass oil is well-known to repel insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, due to its high citral and geraniol content. It can also be used to kill fleas. Not only will it keep those ticks and fleas away, it can improve the condition of your dog’s skin.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil helps to stimulate circulation which can benefit your dog’s skin and coat. Peppermint essential oil also helps to relieve arthritis, and it can even repel insects.