Book on Essential Oils for Dogs/Animals

[Crystal]

Can anyone recommend a good book on using essential oils for dogs? So far I have used them only topically (tea tree/lavender/peppermint). I am wondering if they can be used internally as well. Right now I really need an antihistamine for Shelley, my mom's service dog. She apparently has an allergic reaction to her flea/tick prevention. The poor dog is itching all over and has hot spots. I read that lavender can be an antihistamine... but how about internally for a dog? If it's safe I'm willing to give it a try. 

Thus far I have given her a crushed up vitamin C tablet (internally) which seems to help a little and applied some things topically.

Thanks for any help.

Crystal

[Linda Sherman]

Hi Crystal,

Dog owners that fed a raw meat diet and avoid toxic pharmaceuticals (wormers, flea/tick prevention, heart worm medication, including topical products such as shampoos) rarely report allergy issues with their furry friends. A vet that practices homeopathy may be able to help. 

My favorite book is Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals by Kristen Leigh Bell. Bell is a certified aromatherapist who has specialized in the use of aromatherapy for animals for almost 30 years. Regarding itchy skin and allergies, she offers this formula. Bell cautions to "always D-L-U-T-E essential oils with dogs!" She suggests starting with a dilution suitable for a human toddler, which translates into 10 drops of essential oil in 1/2 oz (15mL) carrier oil (1-2%). 

8 oz All-Natural Shampoo base

6 drops Rosewood

6 drops Lavender

2 drops Geranium

2 drops Carrot Seed

1 drop Roman Chamomile

A tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal can be blended in to provide further relief.

I also have the Animal Desk Reference by Melissa Shelton, DVM and will quote from it below:

Allergies are a complex problem, however many fundamental basics of holistic health will benefit the condition. There are definite, multifactorial issues involved with allergies - and often a multi-layer approach is needed. Secondary skin infection must be detected and treated, or symptoms will continue to be seen, even if the allergies are improved. Diet is important to address, as well as liver health and cleansing.

First Line Recommendations

Raindrop Application: Up to once a day, as needed for comfort. Often the Raindrop Technique is used in place of steroids.

ORAL: Basil

Single Oils:

Basil

Clove

Lavender

Ledum

Melissa

Pine

Spruce

Blue Tansy

Dietary supplementation in allergy conditions may be more important than anything else. Although the body can feel better from an application of essential oils, the body needs true resources in order to heal completely.

For the SKIN, these are essential oils commonly used:

Myrrh

Cleansing

Frankincense

Lavender

Patchouli

Tea Tree

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 applying 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)

Testimony

Linda wrote: We use Lavender oil diluted with Almond oil on our dog's paws when she has grass allergies. HTH!