Dog/Cat Usage Methods from Melissa Shelton, DVM
Linda Sherman
The following is usage method information from Melissa Shelton's (DVM) Animal Desk Reference. Shelton suggests "neat" usage, but we strongly feel that you will encounter much less risk to dilute at about 1-2%:
PETTING:
Apply any essential oil you desire up to twice a day or more.
ADMINISTERING OILS
Shelton writes: "There are exceptions to all rules, and when dealing with urgent or critical situations, I am not one to 'go lightly'. What one needs to remember is that you can give one diluted drop of an essential oil to your dog now, and then if tolerated well, you can give more - even if it is minutes later." (page 18) "Remember, just because you gave your dog a diluted form of a Raindrop Technique at noon today, there is no rule that says you can't repeat it at 5 PM, or repeat it with stronger oils."
"It depends on the dog as to if they will eat essential oils in/on their foods or not."
"Oils can be added to empty gel capsules and given to dogs by mouth. Smaller gel capsules can be found through health food or medical supply stores and pharmacies, and are helpful for use in cats and smaller dogs." (p.39)
"The buccal route refers to absorption of the essential oil throughout the mucous membranes of the cheek or lip area of an animal. Dogs can tolerate drops inside the cheek area fairly well." (p. 39)
"Direct application involves applying drops of oil directly to the skin or fur of an animal often in a 'drop' form. This included neat or diluted oils." (p. 41)
Petting method "involves applying essential oil (neat or diluted) to your hands. Your hands are then rubbed together, and a varying amount of essential oil is allowed to remain on your palms. This may vary from completely absorbed (say for a rabbit) to an obviously light coating of oil spread out over your hands. Your hands are then used to pet the animal in question. This technique could also involved petting specific location - such as the knee of a dog." (p. 42)
Tipping the ears involves apply varying amounts of neat or diluted essential oils to your fingertips, and then stroking the animal's ear. "Although it has often been considered a superior location to apply oils due to increased ability for absorption, I do not believe this to be accurate. Many animals' ears are a bit sensitive to touch and to oil application, and as I have seen obvious responses to petting the body surfaces with oils, I have quickly found that I prefer the petting method - as do many of my patients." (p. 42)